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Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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From political insights through food to traditional wisdom and modern solutions - explore Africa's depth.

Illegal Love Being Gay in Africa

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Being homosexual in certain African countries means your relationship is illegal, gay-rights activism is unlawful, and prison sentences or worse could be lawfully carried-out by family, neighbors, the police and even strangers. Illegal Love Being Gay in Africa Being Gay in Africa, the severe suppression on homosexual relationships is not restricted to Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, and Kenya. Numerous African countries criminalize homosexual relationships, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to death sentences.  Currently, there are two countries in Africa where being homosexual could legally carry a death sentence. One African country allows legal same-sex marriages and civil unions, South Africa but life is still difficult if you are gay Junior Mayema was enrolled in law school and hiding his sexual orientation in his hometown Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Mayema’s mother publicly denounced him as evil and tried to kill him plotting to inject ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

African Quilt Motifs & Their Meanings

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African Quilt Motifs & Their Meanings African Quilt Motifs & Their Meanings Traditional African textile motifs convey history, spirituality, and identity African quilt motifs carry deep cultural significance, with patterns often conveying proverbs, historical events, social status, and spiritual beliefs. The tradition of transforming African textiles into meaningful works of art extends beyond fashion. In the quilting communities of Liberia and Sierra Leone , artisans bow their heads in a similar act of devotion, piecing together vibrant fabrics to create quilts that tell stories, offer prayers, and warm families. Explore the deep cultural significance and meditative process behind these stunning textile artworks in our feature, The Sacred Stitch : Finding Prayer and Purpose in the Quilting Traditions of Liberia and Sierra Leone. These designs inspire quilters worldwide, blending traditional symbolism with modern artistry. Each pattern tells a story....
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

How Leopard Got His Spots African Folktale

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How the cunning leopard got his spots is a marvelous African folktale about the origin of his spotted leopard skin. Animals adapt to many landscapes—from deserts to wetlands—and shape local identity. Continue exploring African animal culture . How Leopard Got His Spots African Folktale As the elders say, at one time, the Leopard was colored like a lion, and he had no dark markings; but he was pursued by Akiti, the renowned hunter, and feared that he might be slain. To avoid this he ate the roots of a certain magic plant, which had the effect of making him invulnerable to any of the hunter’s weapons. Soon afterwards, Akiti saw him as he slipped through the dense undergrowth of the forest, but though he shot his poisoned arrows, Leopard escaped. But where each arrow struck him, there appeared a dark mark, and now, though hunters still pursue him, he is rarely caught, but his body is covered with the marks of the arrows, so that as he goes among the trees he looks exactly like the m...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

The Tomato is a Popular Food in Rwanda Africa

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The Tomato is a Popular Food in Rwanda Africa Tomato sauce is the basis for so many Rwandan African food dishes such as pasta, goat, chicken and vegetables. Tomatoes are commonly grown in Rwanda. In Rwanda, where nearly 70 percent of women are engaged in agriculture, tomato farming is big business. Women farmers grow tomatoes, beetroots, carrots, cabbages and bell peppers which are sold locally.  Tomato sauce is the basis for so many Rwandan African food dishes such as pasta, goat, chicken and vegetables. Here is a delicious basic tomato sauce recipe. Learn how to make this tomato sauce recipe the quick and easy way.  Growing tomatoes in Nyaruguru district in southern Rwanda Delicious ripe tomato sauce can be enjoyed with any kind of dish and if you are a home gardener, ripe tomato sauce is a great way to use your tomatoes and enjoy all year long. The tomato sauce can be dressed up with vegetables, and chicken. Tomatoes are the most commonly grown vegetable in Rwanda where a...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

How to buy the perfect piece of fruit in Uganda Africa

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Uganda has fertile soils growing apples , bananas , pineapples , passion fruit , mangoes , and watermelons , jackfruit , papayas , grapefruits , lemons and limes and more. How to buy the perfect piece of fruit in Uganda Africa Chic African Culture Shopping for fruit in Uganda Africa Apples Look for firm, crisp, well-colored apples. They may have a shriveled appearance after being held in storage. Avoid overripe apples, they yield to slight pressure on the skin, and have soft, mealy flesh. Grapefruit Look for firm fruits, which are heavy for their size. Thin-skinned fruits have more juice than coarse-skinned ones. If a grapefruit is pointed at the stem end, it is likely to be thick-skinned. Rough, ridged, or wrinkled skin can also be an indication of thick skin, pulpiness, and lack of juice. Kiwifruit Avoid kiwi that show signs of shriveling, mold, or excessive softening, all of which indicate spoilage. Look for plump, unwrinkled fruit, either firm or slightly yielding. Kiwi...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Why Women Have Long Hair African Folktale

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Why Women Have Long Hair is a wonderful African folktale about loving yourself inside and out. Read with your child and share wonderful African folktales, children enjoy listening to many types of African folktales learning from the wisdom and rich tradition of African storytelling. Why Women Have Long Hair African Folktale Two women quarreled, and one of them went out secretly at night and dug a deep pit in the middle of the path leading from her enemy’s house to the village well. Early next morning, when all were going to the well for water with jars balanced on their heads, this woman fell into the pit and cried loudly for help. Her friends ran to her and, seizing her by the hair, began to pull her out of the pit. To their surprise, her hair stretched as they pulled, and by the time she was safely on the path, her hair was as long as a man’s arm. This made her very much ashamed, and she ran away and hid. But after a while, she realized that her long hair was beautiful, and the...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Why you should know the writer Chinua Achebe “Things Fall Apart”

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African Author Albert Chinualumogu Achebe (pronounced CHIN-you-ah Ah-CHAY-bay) the Igbo author of Things Fall Apart was born on Nov. 16, 1930, in Ogidi Nigeria in an Ibo village. Chinua Achebe passed away March 21, 2013 in Boston. Why you should know the writer Chinua Achebe writer of Things Fall Apart. Chinua Achebe is one of Africa's greatest novelists. Chinua Achebe, after graduating from college in 1953, Achebe moved to London, where he worked for the BBC in London where he hand wrote “Things Fall Apart”. The original hand written manuscript was lost by a London typing service but was discovered months later. Born: Nov 16, 1930 Ogidi, Anambra Died: March 21, 2013 Boston In 1958, his groundbreaking novel Things Fall Apart was published. It went on to sell more than 12 million copies and translated into more than 50 languages. The groundbreaking novel centers on the cultural clash between native African culture and the t...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

On the way to school before and after apartheid

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There are many black rural areas in South Africa where access to school remains problematic and children wade through rivers and cross dangerous roads. School children in South Africa walk long distances to and from school. For South African school children walking to school before and after apartheid, things have changed little. In South Africa, 64.8% of students walk to school, while 9.5% travel by private car and 6.6% use a taxi, according to last year's General Household Survey conducted by the government's national statistical service Statistics South Africa. The survey also showed that 11.1% use a vehicle hired by a group of parents, 3.6% use a bus, 2.8% use a bus provided by the school or government, 0.9% use a bicycle or motorcycle to get to school, and 0.5% use a train. There are still a number of primarily black rural areas in South Africa where physical access to school remains extremely problematic...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

A Look at Girls' Education in Tanzania Today

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In Tanzania, there have been ongoing efforts to improve girls' education and increase their access to schooling. Despite progress in recent years, girls in Tanzania still face significant barriers to education, including poverty, cultural beliefs, early marriage, and gender-based violence. However, in some parts of Tanzania, there is a cultural bias that favors boys over girls, particularly when it comes to access to education and other opportunities. This can lead to girls being undervalued and discouraged from pursuing their goals and aspirations. A Look at Girls' Education in Tanzania Today. Girls in Tanzania face significant challenges in accessing education, with only 44% of girls completing primary school and just 3% completing secondary school. Poverty is a major barrier to education, with many families unable to afford school fees, uniforms, and other related expenses. In Tanzania, primary education is free and compulsory for all children aged 7-13 years old. However, t...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Ghanaian Catfish Stewed With Tomatoes

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A truly delicious Ghanaian Catfish Stew made in one-pot. Catfish are a bottom-dwelling freshwater fish with barbels that look a lot like whiskers but are sensory organs around the catfish mouth. Most of the meat from catfish is found around the belly. There is a large piece of meat on the belly of the catfish so larger the fish the more meat to make catfish stew. Fish is the cheapest source of animal protein in Africa. Ghana’s fisheries provide 65% of the countries protein requirements, and support the livelihoods of almost 10% of Ghana’s population.  Ghanaian Catfish with Stewed Tomatoes African Recipes by African Gourmet   Easy Ghanaian catfish stewed with tomatoes is healthy, an inexpensive recipe to make and incredibly delicious.   Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 30 min Total time: 40 min Ingredients 4 medium sized catfish fillets 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon allspice 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon minced garlic...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

East African Fish Recipe Marake Kaloune

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Marake Kaloune or stewed fish in sauce,  East African one pot dinner ready in 30-minutes. Marake Kaloune East African Dinner  East African Fish Recipe Marake Kaloune  East African Dinner in 30-minutes Ingredients 2 large firm fresh cod fish fillets 1 large potato, unpeeled and sliced 2 yellow onions diced 1 cup okra, chopped 1 eggplant, peeled and diced 2 large tomatoes, diced 1 bunch parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons tamarind paste 1 tablespoon diced garlic Salt and pepper to taste Directions Add potatoes, onions, okra, tomatoes, parsley, and eggplant in a large pot with a lid. Mix tamarind paste and seasoning in a little water and pour over vegetables. Add the fish on top and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cook for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft. About Sustainable Seafood We all share the same oceans, keep our oceans healthy and choose sustainable seafood. Sustainable seafood is seafoo...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Easy Nigerian Chicken Palm Oil Stew

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Easy Nigerian Chicken Palm Oil Stew Nigerian Stew is easy to make, learn how to cook the tastiest Nigerian stew for your family. Nigerian Stew is made from a blended mix of peppers, tomatoes, and onions and with Nigeria's famous palm oil. This tasty and aromatic stew is everyone's favorite in Nigeria and around the world. Easy Nigerian Chicken Palm Oil Stew Yields 3-4 servings  Ingredients 2 pounds chicken cut into small pieces 1 large yam cut into bite-size pieces 2 large chopped tomatoes 1 large can tomato sauce 1 chopped yellow onion 1 chopped hot pepper Black pepper and salt to taste 3 tablespoons palm oil 2 cups white rice Directions Heat oil brown onions. Add all ingredients into a large pot cover and simmer 30 minutes. Serve with bread. Quick facts about palm oil African palm oil aka macaw-fat is the world’s most popular and most purchased vegetable oil making up about 35 percent of the total international trade in cooking oils. The Palm oil...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

African Countries and IMF Dates of Membership

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African Countries and IMF Dates of Membership Nations labeled as developed currently control approximately 52.81% of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) voting strength while having less than one-fourth of the world population by 2050. Each member country has 250 basic votes plus 1 additional vote for each share of capital equivalent to US $100,000 subscribed. IMF in Nigeria 2011 About The World Bank and International Monetary Fund voting system in Africa. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund voting system is complex at best where the number of people in a country does not equal proportional representation of the average person. Established in 1944, The World Bank began operations in 1946 headquartered in Washington, D.C. Lead by Jim Yong Kim since 2012, the Board of Executive Directors elects the President for a five-year, renewable term. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank differ from most public international organization...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.