In the Mali Empire, the empire was divided into provinces controlled by governors known as what?

• A. Ferba
• B. Governors
• C. Caliphs
• D. Feudal Lords

Answer: (A)

Provincial administration in the Mali Empire used a distinct title for its governors: farba. These officials were appointed by the emperor to oversee each province, handle taxation, enforce laws, and raise or lead troops as needed, keeping the vast realm under centralized control. The term farba shows how Mali organized distant territories under a unified state, rather than using generic or European-derived terms.

Caliphs would imply a formal caliphate structure, which doesn’t fit Mali’s imperial setup. Feudal lords belong to a European-style system of vassalage, not the Mali administration. Calling them simply governors misses the specific title used in Mali’s records, which is why farba is the best fit.