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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Farming African Proverbs

Farming African proverbs and the difference between agriculture and farming.


Farming in Ethiopia Africa

If the day of harvesting or eating yams is the same as the day of planting yams, even goats will not be allowed to eat the yam peels. English language 


Nenye etedugbe enyetefagbe la anye gbowoha madu tetsro o. - Ewe language

Ikiwa siku yakuvuna magimbi ingekua kama siku ya ku panda, basi hata mbuzi wasinge ruhusiwakula maganda. - Swahili language 

Si le jour de récolte d’ignames serait comme le jour de sasemence, même les chèvres ne séraient pasautorisées à manger ses pelures. - French language 

Planting seeds in Africa

Farming African proverb explained

Due to changing conditions in many African societies from rural agrarian populations into blue-collar urbanites, this kind of proverb is well placed to educate people to be humble and not forget their humble backgrounds even when they become very successful people later on in life.

They should be kind to others who may not be fortunate enough to benefit from the joys of modern life. They should have open minds and open hearts in sharing and helping others in need. 

One billion people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger, which kills more people every year than Malaria, Ebola, Tuberculosis and AIDS combined.


Farming African Proverbs

Agriculture is divided into two different types; industrialized agriculture and subsistence agriculture. Subsistence agriculture occurs when farmers grow food crops to feed themselves and their families. In subsistence agriculture, farm output is targeted to survival and is mostly for local requirements with little or no surplus trade. 

Industrial agriculture is a form of modern farming that refers to the industrialized production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. The impacts of industrial agriculture on the environment, public health, and rural communities make it an unsustainable way to grow our food over the long term.

Farming is divided into nine classifications according to what is grown and how it is grown.

Arable - Crops.

Pastoral- Animals.

Mixed - Crops and animals.

Subsistence - Grown just for the farmer and his family.

Commercial - Grown to sell.

Intensive - High inputs of labor or investment usually small.

Extensive - Low inputs of labor or capital.

Sedentary - Permanently in one place.

Nomadic - The farmers move around to find new areas to farm.

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

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Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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African Culture and traditions