Practiced throughout Africa, ancient iron metallurgy is one of the technological activities that consumes large quantities of wood to obtain the fuel and combustive agent needed to transform metallic materials. In addition, it has enabled and continues to enable the manufacture of efficient farming tools that increase crop yields and make it possible to clear larger areas of forest. For these reasons, iron metallurgy has played an important role in the dynamics of societies and the development of the agricultural sector. This human activity has had a considerable impact on the environment, leading to changes in plant cover and even the disappearance of certain plant species. These profound landscape transformations have taken place over time and in certain regions where iron production was intensive. Such is the case of the Lake Chad basins. Archaeological research coupled with oral surveys and anthracological analyses have enabled us to identify the different plant species used to reduce iron ore and to measure the impact of this activity on the natural environment. Through this presentation, I'd like to show you the importance of studying the history of production and consumption, as metallurgical activities have had consequences for the environment and the interactions between man and his environment. In this talk, I examine the history of early iron metallurgy in Africa, and emphasize its importance in the development of agriculture and the maintenance of power.