- 4 votes
The economy of the Ndebele people was based on crop cultivation and cattle rearing.
The Ndebele cultivated grains such as millet, rapoko, and later maize. The cultivation of crops was done by individual homesteads for feeding the army, visitors, and the growing population.
The Ndebele had large herds of cattle. There was a national herd which belonged to the king. The cattle were used for feeding the population, distributed to chiefs as rewards for their service, payment of bride price (lobola), slaughter in religious ceremonies, and giving to the needy so that they could have milk, manure, and meat.
In addition to crop cultivation and cattle rearing, the Ndebele also engaged in trade with neighboring groups. They traded goods such as ivory and animal skins for goods such as salt and iron tools.
Overall, the economy of the Ndebele people was primarily based on crop cultivation and cattle rearing with some involvement in trade with neighboring groups.
