When the Sahara began to dry up West African farmers and herders?

When the Sahara began to dry up around 5,000 years ago, West African farmers and herders faced significant challenges as their once-fertile lands became increasingly arid. This environmental change forced many communities to adapt by shifting their agricultural practices, migrating to more hospitable areas, or diversifying their livelihoods. As a result, some groups transitioned from settled farming to more mobile pastoralist lifestyles, while others developed new trade networks to access resources. This transformation played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of West Africa.