Why did plantation owners in virginia and maryland prefer west african slaves

PLantation owners in Virginia and Maryland preferred West African slaves because tobacco prices had declined in the late 17th century and the plantation owners were struggling with the input cost incurred in tobacco cultivation. Initially, they were able to manage with British indentured servants but as British economy grew, they stopped coming to USA. Hence Virginia and Maryland plantation owners preferred West African slaves because tobacco cultivation is labor intensive in both cultivation and processing though farms became larger and more efficient.

Explanation: Plantation owners in Virginia and Maryland preferred West African slaves because many more slaves were sent from this territory than from East Africa, a factor that was vital due to the high production of cotton and other products such as tobacco and sugar. In addition, the owners of these plantations took into account that the slaves of West Africa were much stronger and for this reason they were indicated for hard work and improved production on their plantations.