In 1800s, Europeans powers occupied only a few small coastal ports on the African coast. By 1900s, those same powers had divided almost all of the continent among themselves. Those conquests brought about significant Economic changes to those across the continent. Cash crops were one of largest economic changes. In 1800, most subsistence farmers grew all their food to support themselves and families. They grew thing such as maize, yams, sorghum and vegetables. But, those who were cash croppers focus on one single crop to exchange for useful things they may need that cannot be grown in fields. For an example Cotton was one of their popular seller, they would sell the cotton to exchange for food, clothing, and other household materials needed.
