Chapter 279: "Somali Banana"
With the right bank of the Kuango River secured by the West Route Army, East Africa had achieved its military objectives in the third war of conquest, marking the end of this campaign. East Africa was now shifting its focus from warfare to national development. The nation needed to consolidate the results of the war while preparing for the evolving global situation.
At the time, France was gaining influence in Europe, and Italy and Austria were still embroiled in conflict. Ernst, who had insight into the unfolding events, was aware of the likely outcome of the European situation. However, Italy's future remained uncertain.
On October 3, 1870, Ernst was at Hohenzollernburg, meticulously examining geographical data of Somalia under the electric light. He used a pencil to make adjustments to the map of East Africa nearby, focusing on the Northern Province and Juba Province of Somalia.
These two provinces were earmarked for vigorous economic crop cultivation and animal husbandry. While Somalia was often associated with desert landscapes, it had areas with forests and extensive grasslands, particularly in these provinces.
Ernst planned to increase the cultivation of frankincense and myrrh, which were already highly sought-after products. Somalia had a rich history of spice production and was a major global producer of these fragrances.
Animal husbandry, particularly camel breeding, was another focal point. Somalia had the world's largest camel population in his previous life, followed by cattle and sheep. Although East Africa had limited demand for camels, they could be exported to North Africa and the Middle East.
Ernst was also keen on developing the banana planting industry in Somalia. While bananas were already grown in the region, large-scale commercial cultivation had not yet been established. Bananas were a staple fruit for the local population but were not commercialized.
In his previous life, Somalia had earned the nickname "Banana Kingdom" due to its high-quality banana production. The bananas were renowned for their exceptional sweetness, often described as tasting like vanilla cream. Somalia's banana industry had thrived, especially during the Italian colonial period in the 1920s when more than 200 banana plantations were established.
The industry had become so successful that bananas had become a staple food for Somalis. They were consumed with rice, pasta, or as a pre-meal fruit. The influence of Italian cuisine was evident in Somalia's eating habits, thanks to the Italian banana plantations.
Ernst recognized the potential of Somalia's banana industry and aimed to capitalize on it. He believed that Somalia's strategic location, with proximity to the Suez Canal and easy access to European markets, made it ideal for banana production targeting Europe and the Middle East.
Tom, inquisitive about the choice of Somalia for banana cultivation, questioned the feasibility of growing bananas in a desert climate. Ernst explained that while Somalia had desert areas, it also had fertile land along the Shabelle and Juba Rivers. These rivers provided the necessary irrigation for banana cultivation.
Ernst's goal was to target the European market, taking advantage of Somalia's proximity to Europe and its accessible ports. He acknowledged that bananas could be imported from West Africa to Europe, but he emphasized the importance of Central and Eastern European markets, including the Ottoman Empire, Tsarist Russia, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. These regions, lacking tropical products, presented significant opportunities for banana exports from East Africa.
Ernst was particularly interested in exporting bananas to Tsarist Russia, a country with a predominantly frigid climate. While India was closer to Tsarist Russia, East Africa offered better transportation advantages, allowing for the delivery of bananas through the Black Sea via the Suez Canal to reach Russian ports.