... kidnapped, captured and sold into slavery. Through computerised calculations, it has been determined that the population of Africa in the 19th Century would have been double what it was had the slave trade not occurred. This would suggest that instead of a continental population of 25 million in 1850, it would have been closer to 50 million. The Atlantic slave trade took men over women in a ratio of two to one. A policy of The Royal African Company read, "In slaving our ships, always observe that the Negroes be well liking and healthy from the age of 15 years not exceeding 40; and at least two thirds men slaves." (Iliffe, 1995) These implications were great especially for a polygamous society. Exceptionally large numbers of women entered into single polygamous marriages. In terms of labour, there were higher expectations; there was also increased dependency and child care loads. Though it is not ...

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