ECONOMY AND FISHING ACTIVITY IN THE ATLANTIC SOUTH: THE CASE OF MOÇÂMEDES IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Abstract This work analyzes Moçâmedes during the 19th century and its importance for the development of southern Angola and for trade with other ports in Africa and Portugal. It is observed that the main export goods were those derived from fishing in the cold waters of its coast and not those derived from agriculture, as it seemed to be the first intention of the settlers who arrived there and of the Portuguese state, which promoted colonization. The food trade, including fish, cattle and various garden species, was essential to the development of Moçâmedes, also to economic changes with different places and peoples, both African and foreign, and to the process of occupation that Portugal implemented in Angola.