The Effects of the Bantu Migration

The following effects resulted from the Bantu migration to the South:

• The spread in the use of iron technology and knowledge.
• There were improvements in the methods used to make and forge iron.
• This led to an increase in food production as better tools were made.
• Led to the domestication of cattle which were used to pay the bride’s price and as an insurance against droughts.
• Led to improvements in crop cultivation-also a variety of sorghum and millets were introduced.
• This led to a change from hunting and gathering to agri-based communities which were more sedentary.
• These were used for making thick porridge and for brewing beer.
• Led to the spread of religion which was used as a way to unite the people.
• The divine right of kings as defined in most religions helped to keep rebellions in check.
• The creation of states in Central and Southern Africa.
• This was helped by the creation of more permanent systems.
• It also resulted in the movement of Khoi-San communities to remote areas and mountains where they continue to live to this day e.g. in the Kalahari.
• Bantu migration also led to the loss of culture of the local Khoi-San communities that remained on the land as they were absorbed into the Bantu culture.

To access more topics go to the History Notes page.