5 Ancient African social structures that thrived before colonisers imposed western versions

Hunter-gatherer societies.

This is the first and oldest form of societies that existed and still exists in Africa. The Hunter-gather societies were a group of African who survived by the continuous travelling in search of food and better living conditions. They are referred to as the nomads and had no fixed habitat. They constantly travelled and settled where favourable relying on the abundance of natural resources to survive. Nomads were small-scale farmers who mainly farmed and reared animals for their consumption. When natural resources were unavailable, they travelled and settled in the next favourable place.

As Africa developed, Hunter-gather societies reduced drastically as many preferred to live in one place with their families, start and lead a community and indulge in trade and businesses that would amass wealth. The Hunter-gatherer societies are the oldest societies in Africa and have managed to survive the many transitions of Africa and still remain the same due to their small numbers, isolation and constant movement.