Final answer:
The West Africa Neolithic case study explores the transition to agriculture and settlement, domestication of crops, and the influence of iron metalworking in the region's prehistoric development.
Step-by-step explanation:
West African Neolithic Period
The West Africa Neolithic case study pertains to the period in history when communities in the region transitioned to agricultural settlement and began cultivating plants and domesticating animals. Evidence from archaeological sites like Dar-Tchitt suggests that by 900-800 B.C., there was agricultural expansion in Ancient Ghana, leading to the establishment of walled villages. Over time, the introduction of iron metalworking due to the Bantu migrations transformed these societies, contributing to the rise of powerful empires such as Ghana and Mali. The Niger River played a crucial role in this development, providing resources for agriculture and trade.
The Neolithic Revolution in West Africa saw the domestication of various crops like yams, oil palm, peas, and groundnuts, and the unique African variety of rice. By 3000 BCE, the domestication of crops and development of agrarian societies were well underway, leading to profound societal transformations.