Final answer:
Extreme climate conditions in Africa, such as those in the Sahara Desert, encouraged trade during the Middle Ages as people sought resources not available in their own regions, leading to the development of trans-Saharan trade. This trade was difficult due to the extreme environment but was made possible through the expertise of nomadic tribes and their camel caravans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Extreme climate conditions in Africa may have encouraged trade in the Middle Ages due to the necessity of acquiring resources that were scarce in certain regions.
For example, the harsh environment of the Sahara Desert made it difficult for local populations to obtain essential goods like salt, which was abundant in other areas. As a result, trans-Saharan trade routes developed, facilitating the exchange of salt, gold, and other commodities between West Africa and North Africa, and onward to Europe and the Middle East.
Despite the potential benefits, trade was challenging in specific climate regions because of the extreme conditions. The Sahara Desert's vast expanse, high temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall made travel hazardous.
Nevertheless, the survival of medieval West African kingdoms such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai was partly dependent on the prosperity brought by this trade. Camel caravans, managed by nomadic tribes who were skilled at navigating this environment, became essential to the operation of the trans-Saharan trade network.
Furthermore, the spread of new belief systems, such as Islam, through trade, also affected social structures and power dynamics within African societies. Islamic faith and culture overflowed into the region via trade routes, influencing local customs and governance. It benefitted ruling elites who could integrate new ideas to consolidate power, while more isolated groups may have benefited less due to limited interaction.