Final answer:
The scarcity of food in Askum in the A.D 500 can be attributed to factors such as the Arab expansion, depletion of natural resources, and internal environmental problems. These issues impacted trade, deforestation, and soil erosion, leading to a decline in food availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scarcity of food in Askum in the A.D 500 can be attributed to several factors. One contributing factor was the Arab expansion into Northern Africa, which cut off Askum's access to the Red Sea waterway and the markets it provided. This resulted in a decline in trade and prosperity for the kingdom. Additionally, natural resources such as gold and ivory had been depleted, further impacting the availability of food.
Furthermore, internal problems and environmental issues also played a role in the scarcity of food. Over centuries, deforestation and soil erosion had made the land increasingly barren and less suitable for agriculture. As a result, the food supply was threatened. Rebellion by groups like the Beja peoples in the interior further destabilized the kingdom.