Answer:
Mali was a major source and hub of the gold trade
Explanation:
The map above indicates that Mali was a major source and hub of the gold trade as they were a trade route where the precious materials came into Africa and parts of Europe.
The South didn't see a problem in almost everyone growing the same few cash crops. They were in high demand, especially cotton. They were all making good money. The idea to diversify seemed silly and dangerous. Here was something that was working and making them more than enough. To stop and venture into something different would be expensive and possibly fail.