Meaning: The quote by Jared Diamond touches upon the historical patterns of plant and animal domestication in Africa. Diamond is a renowned author and scientist known for his work in the fields of geography, anthropology, and environmental history. In this quote, he highlights the distinction between the domestication of plants and animals in different regions of Africa and the timing of the acquisition of valuable domestic animals.

The first part of the quote mentions that native Africans domesticated some plants in specific regions such as the Sahel, Ethiopia, and tropical West Africa. This refers to the early agricultural practices that emerged in these regions, where indigenous people began to cultivate and cultivate crops for sustenance. The Sahel, a semi-arid region that spans across the African continent, was historically inhabited by several ethnic groups who developed agricultural techniques suited to the region's climate and soil conditions. Similarly, Ethiopia has a long history of agriculture, with evidence of early plant domestication and cultivation dating back thousands of years. Tropical West Africa, encompassing countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse agricultural practices, including the domestication of crops such as yams, sorghum, and millet.

The second part of the quote emphasizes that valuable domestic animals were acquired later, specifically from the north. This refers to the introduction of livestock and domesticated animals into African societies from outside the continent. The "north" likely refers to regions outside of Africa, possibly the Middle East or North Africa, where the domestication of animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle occurred earlier in human history. The migration of these domesticated animals into Africa had a significant impact on the development of pastoralism and agricultural practices in various regions.

The timing of the acquisition of valuable domestic animals is an important aspect of Diamond's quote. It highlights the complex interactions and exchanges of knowledge, technology, and resources between different regions of the world throughout history. The delayed acquisition of valuable domestic animals in Africa, compared to the earlier domestication of plants, sheds light on the varying trajectories of agricultural and pastoral development on the continent.

Diamond's quote prompts a deeper exploration of the historical and ecological factors that influenced the patterns of plant and animal domestication in Africa. It raises questions about the spread of agricultural and pastoral practices, the impact of environmental conditions on domestication, and the cultural exchanges that shaped the development of food production systems in different regions. By understanding the timing and dynamics of plant and animal domestication in Africa, researchers can gain insights into the diverse agricultural heritage of the continent and its enduring significance for contemporary agricultural practices and food security.

In conclusion, Jared Diamond's quote encapsulates the nuanced history of plant and animal domestication in Africa, highlighting the early domestication of plants in specific regions and the later acquisition of valuable domestic animals from outside the continent. This quote invites further exploration of the complex interactions between human societies and their environments, as well as the diverse agricultural traditions that have shaped the African continent.