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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

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FOOD PROVERBS

When Husband and Wife are in Harmony

Nigerian Igbo proverb, when husband and wife are in harmony, one piece of yam is enough for their food, teaches us that by watering the seeds of kindness and cooperation, you can plant togetherness which will bring peace to your heart and home. 

I wish you everlasting peace, love, and harmony in your marriage.

Wife and husband colorful tapestry Art

When husband and wife are in harmony, one piece of yam is enough for their food. - Nigerian Igbo proverb.

The proverb serves as a reminder to prioritize harmony and unity in our partnerships and to appreciate the power of working together towards common goals. It encourages us to build strong, supportive relationships that can withstand challenges and nourish us emotionally and practically, allowing us to find contentment and fulfillment in even the simplest aspects of life. 

The essence of the proverb lies in the idea that when a husband and wife work together harmoniously, their combined efforts and mutual support create a sense of abundance and contentment, even with limited resources. It emphasizes the power of unity and the ability to thrive with less when there is harmony and understanding in the relationship.

When a husband and wife are in sync, they can effectively manage their resources, make joint decisions, and support one another in times of scarcity or difficulty. The proverb suggests that their relationship's strength and ability to work together can transcend material possessions or external circumstances.

When husband and wife are in harmony, one piece of yam is enough for their food. Nigerian Igbo proverb

African Harmony Proverbs.

In a happy marriage, the husband and wife dance to the same rhythm.

Proverbs make a husband wise. 

In a strong marriage, the husband and wife are like two wings of a bird; they cannot fly without each other.

A strong marriage is a rock that can withstand the strongest winds.

He who does not listen to the proverb remains begging for help. 

When husband and wife respect each other, their children grow up with wings.

A happy marriage is a shelter from life's storms.

A husband and wife should be like two threads in a tapestry; they create a beautiful pattern when woven together.

In a harmonious marriage, the husband and wife complement each other like the moon and the stars.

Husband and wife collaborate harmoniously.

When a husband and wife work in unison, they possess the ability to effectively handle their resources, reach joint resolutions, and offer each other support in difficult times or times of scarcity. This adage suggests that the strength of their bond and their ability to collaborate can surpass any material possessions or external situations.

The underlying message is one of cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. When a couple is united, they can overcome challenges, find contentment in what they have, and create a fulfilling life together. It reminds us that true abundance is not solely measured by material wealth but also by the quality of our relationships and the harmony we cultivate within them.

This proverb serves as a valuable reminder to place harmony and unity at the forefront of our relationships, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in pursuing shared objectives. It prompts us to cultivate resilient and nurturing connections that endure hardships and provide us with both emotional and practical sustenance. Through prioritizing such bonds, we unlock the potential for contentment and fulfillment in the ordinary facets of life, discovering profound satisfaction in the synergy of collective endeavors.

He who does not listen to the proverb remains begging for help.

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About the Author

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: WikipediaEmory University African StudiesUniversity of KansasUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalMDPI Scholarly Journals.
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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

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Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

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Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

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Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.