Most Manding speakers can trace their roots back to the once great Mali Empire. This empire was created by several Mandinka clans in the second millennium. In the fifteenth century, Portuguese explorers reached the coast and began trading in slaves and ivory. Ancestors of most of the present population of Cote d'Ivoire probably moved into the area from the northeast and east in the 1700's and 1800's. The Malinke are mainly full-time subsistence farmers.
Rice is an important staple crop, along with millet, sorghum, and peanuts.
When they have time, the men are also involved in other activities. Some have small part-time businesses to supplement their incomes. They may keep goats, sheep, bees, poultry, and dogs. In addition, they keep cattle for prestige, as bride-price payments, or as sacrifices. Men usually do the heavy farm work, while the women do both domestic and farm chores.