Chapter 170: Developments in 1868
As of December 28, 1868, East Africa had been steadily growing, and statistical data for the year was emerging, albeit more slowly due to various factors such as geographical expansion, population growth, and industrial development.
The total population of the East African colony, which now included a significant number of newborns, had reached over 1.75 million people by the end of November 1868, approaching 2 million. This impressive growth had been achieved in less than three years, thanks to East Africa's unprecedented recruitment of immigrants from around the world.
This population figure represented the combined count of immigrants and newborns and did not include the indigenous population of East Africa. Estimates suggested that the number of indigenous people ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 million. East Africa's numerous development projects and the demand for labor led to a continuous reduction in the number of slaves, with a daily exodus from the port of Dar es Salaam.
The proportion of slaves to the native population in East Africa was nearly one-to-one, a ratio even higher than that of the southern United States. Labor shortages in East Africa were not a concern, given this abundant supply of labor.
East Africa, being a pragmatic and efficient colony, aimed to maximize the contributions of its immigrants rather than relying solely on slave labor. The Fisher family's arrival, like many others, had enriched the colony's labor force.
In terms of territorial expansion, East Africa's growth had been steady but not dramatic in 1868. The region's weaker neighbors posed no significant challenge. The expansion into the northwest was limited in scope, and Northern Kenya, though newly developed, did not present substantial difficulties.
Northern Kenya, within the sphere of influence of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, was already under indirect control by the Sultanate. The presence of the East African colony had temporarily disrupted the Sultanate's intentions to reestablish its dominance over the Gradi Sultanate, saving it from annexation.
In northern Kenya, East Africa made smooth progress, with a less dense population making colonization and development easier. The situation was further facilitated by recent upheavals in Ethiopia, where the Abyssinian Empire had been defeated by the British, leading to the emperor's suicide. The northern regions of Kenya became more accessible for development.
With the addition of the Northwest Territory and Northern Kenya, the total land area of East Africa exceeded two million square kilometers, not including water bodies like Lake Victoria.
In contrast to its territorial growth, East Africa's industry remained relatively limited. The colony boasted only a few dozen factories and workshops, a fraction of what could be found in a typical European nation. For perspective, Prussia, two decades earlier, had over 78,000 workshops and factories with more than 550,000 workers.
Agriculture remained the backbone of East Africa's economy, offering stability amid these industrial limitations. By November 26, 1868, East Africa had cultivated a total of 20.4 million mu (about 13,600 square kilometers) of arable land. The per capita land allotment for planting was approximately 12.75 mu, excluding slaves and recent immigrants.
The mainstay crops included rice, wheat, and millet, which served as staples for East Africans. Corn and sorghum were primarily grown for indigenous populations and livestock.
Cash crops, such as sisal, soybeans, and coffee, had gained prominence, with soybeans gradually surpassing sisal due to their role in crop rotation and nitrogen fixation. While the coffee planting area had increased, its harvest was not yet substantial.
Many commercial crops thrived in the Great Lakes region and the eastern coastal plains, areas with abundant rainfall. However, East Africa faced challenges due to uneven precipitation distribution across the region.
Commercial crops requiring ample water for growth, like rubber, thrived along the Great Lakes and rivers in the region. In contrast, cash crops like cotton and sesame were suitable for dryland cultivation.
East Africa's agriculture relied heavily on slave labor and advanced iron tools. The use of iron farm tools was crucial, as East Africa's iron ore resources were limited, and modern steel production remained absent.
Despite its rich coal and iron resources, East Africa's lack of transportation infrastructure hindered steel factory construction. The absence of modern steel production facilities necessitated imports, particularly from Europe.
East Africa's limited transportation capabilities slowed the establishment of steel factories, and the region primarily relied on labor-intensive industries. East Africa possessed a few factories using steam engines, and these were key for drainage in the Mwanza coal mine.
The handicraft industry in East Africa was underdeveloped, primarily dependent on the presence of the Sultanate of Zanzibar's economic center along the coast. Notably, there was a military factory in East Africa, mainly focusing on firearm repairs and the production of improvised explosives and bullets.
In conclusion, while East Africa's industry remained nascent, its agriculture thrived, allowing for both local sustenance and exports. These developments were underpinned by the vastness of East Africa, its sparse population, and a thriving economy driven by the slavery system. East Africa's agricultural productivity was moderate by global standards, but efficient farming techniques and crop diversity allowed for successful export-oriented agriculture.