question_answer

How did chiefs of African tribes accumulate wealth over time, during colonial rule?

Answer:

(i) The chiefs appointed by the colonial government often accumulated wealth over time.

(ii) They had a regular income with which they could buy animals, goods and land.

(iii) They lent money to poor neighbors who needed cash to pay taxes. Many of them began living in town and became traders.

(iv) Their wives and children stayed back in villages to look after the animals.

(v) These chiefs managed to survive the devastations of war and drought.

(vi) They had both pastoral and non-pastoral income and could buy animals where their stock was depleted.