What was the primary source of economic disruption for West African societies as a result of the Transatlantic Slave Trade?

The primary source of economic disruption for West African societies due to the Transatlantic Slave Trade was indeed the loss of agricultural labor and skilled workers. This disruption had profound effects on these societies, as a significant number of able-bodied individuals, who were crucial for farming and other essential industries, were forcibly taken from their communities. The removal of these workers led to a decrease in agricultural productivity, which in turn harmed local economies that relied heavily on subsistence farming and trade.

The loss of skilled artisans and laborers not only affected agricultural output but also weakened various trades and crafts that were vital for the social and economic fabric of these societies. Consequently, this decline in labor availability caused disruptions in both local and regional commerce, deteriorating the overall economic stability of West African societies over time.

In contrast, while it is true that there was an increased demand for West African goods in Europe, this demand mostly benefited European traders and economies rather than the West African societies themselves. The expansion of African kingdoms' territories and a shortage of valuable resources like gold and ivory do not specifically capture the extensive and direct impact of the slave trade on the labor force crucial to economic activities in West Africa.