Latest / The Songhai Empire: Africa's Powerful Forgotten Kingdom — Fexingo History
Askia Dawud's Canal: Songhai's Agricultural Revolution
In this episode, we explore the remarkable engineering feat of Askia Dawud's canal system in the Kala region of Songhai. Built around 1550 CE, this 10-kilometer channel diverted water from the Niger River to transform arid floodplains into fertile farmland. We discuss the technical challenges, the role of Sorko laborers, and how this project boosted Songhai's economy and population. We also touch on the broader context of West African hydraulic engineering, comparing it to contemporary projects in the Mali Empire and elsewhere. This is a story of innovation, state power, and human…
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