By: Gareth Austin & Joerg Baten & Bas Van Leeuwen

This study provides new insights into the biological standard of living in early nineteenth-century West Africa through anthropometric evidence. By analyzing the heights of West African soldiers enlisted in the British army, the article offers a unique perspective on health, nutrition, and living conditions prior to significant colonial impact. The findings suggest a relatively high biological standard of living compared to other regions, challenging assumptions about widespread poverty and malnutrition in pre-colonial West Africa. This research contributes to the historical understanding of health and economic conditions in West Africa, highlighting the need to reconsider narratives of African development and the impact of the slave trade and colonialism on health outcomes.