Final answer:
In Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart', the year in which Okonkwo took eight hundred seed-yams from Nwakibie was the worst in living memory, signifying a period of agricultural failure, famine, and hardship for the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The year in which Okonkwo took eight hundred seed-yams from Nwakibie in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart was described as the worst year in living memory for the community, likely due to extreme weather events or pests leading to poor agricultural yields. The devastating impact on the community would have been widespread, affecting not only food availability but also social stability and economic conditions. In a predominantly agrarian society, a poor harvest directly translates to famine, increased poverty, and a profound struggle for survival. Furthermore, the importance of yams as a staple and a symbol of wealth in the Igbo culture heightens the severity of such a bad harvest. Such a year would have left a lasting impression on those who experienced it, as it would represent a time of immense hardship and challenges.