Final answer:
The Bantu-speaking farmers' knowledge of iron smelting techniques provided them with superior farming abilities, leading to an agriculture-based economy with the use of iron tools for more efficient land cultivation and the ability to establish permanent settlements for trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bantu-speaking farmers had the advantage of knowledge of iron smelting techniques, which gave them significant benefits in early African societies. The Bantu migrations played a crucial role in spreading farming, animal husbandry, and metalworking technologies across sub-Saharan Africa. They adopted ironworking technologies from the Nok people, enabling them to clear forests more efficiently and establish farms. This technological advancement was critical for the Bantu because it allowed them to cultivate the land more effectively, leading to an agriculture-based economy. The Bantu were able to choose the most suitable land for farming due to the sparse population and presence of unsettled regions. They settled in areas close to iron ore and wood which were essential for the smelting process, and with the introduction of iron tools, they could extend their reach and influence by establishing permanent settlements and engaging in trade.