Population Lost in the 'Middle Passage'

Paper Summary:

Africa's population loss represents one of the great historical debates concerning the slave trade. The slave trade was certainly responsible for many deaths yet others such as disease, famine and warfare were endemic throughout all societies, including those on the Atlantic shores of Africa. This paper clarifies the importance of each factor in relation to the slave trade. Quantifying the population loss caused by the slave trade can only be achieved through the reliance on a number of variables and assumptions and thus even when achieved there may be inaccuracies. These are discussed and analyzed.

From the Paper:

"The existence and the impact of the sub-Saharan slave trade are both undisputed by historians. Slaves were exported both east and west, to Asia and to the Americas. However, whilst many sources survive to illustrate the trade's actual existence, details of its numerical and demographic impact are scarce. Indeed, it is questionable as to whether or not they ever existed given the limited literacy rates and resources of sub-Saharan Africa over the last four hundred years. Africa's population loss represents one of the great historical debates concerning the slave trade Curtin has estimated that 9 million were exported form Africa, Walvin and Eltis put forward 12 million while Inikori suggests as many as 20 million people. Whilst the limited statistical evidence may act as a hindrance when quantifying the impact on Africa's population, it's the many unanswered and variable factors that have so disrupted historical reckoning."

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