Final answer:
The presence of fewer Bantu settlements in southwestern Africa can be attributed to the region's drier and sandier climate as well as the presence of the Kalahari Desert and Namibia which limited the expansion of Bantu settlements in the area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The presence of fewer Bantu settlements in southwestern Africa can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the region had a drier and sandier climate compared to other parts of Africa, which made it less suitable for traditional Bantu farming practices. The Khoisan speakers, who were already adapted to the arid conditions, remained the dominant group in this region. Additionally, the presence of the Kalahari Desert and Namibia further limited the expansion of Bantu settlements in the area.