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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.

Life in the Slums of Kibera Kenya Africa

Kibera slum is 617 acres or 2.5 square kilometers, a little smaller than New York’s Central Park. Only about 20 percent of Kibera has electricity and 10 percent of Kiberans have access to clean water. Sadly, there is currently no sewage system in the slums of Kibera.

Kibera slum in Africa is 617 acres or 2.5 square kilometers

Kibera (Key-bear-a) is a Nubian word meaning Forest or Jungle. Kibera is one of Africa’s largest slums. Fifteen densely populated villages make up this slum. Residents of Kibera are officially squatters and do not own, rent or otherwise have lawful permission to use the land, the land belongs to the government of Kenya. However, this does not stop slumlords from charging rent when families move into vacated shacks.

Little girl in the Slums of Kibera Kenya Africa

Generations have lived in Kenya’s largest slum of Kibera, one of Africa’s largest squatters settlements. Kibera slum is well for its crime, overcrowding, poverty, and lack of proper sanitation.

The majority of Africa’s 400 million city-dwellers live in slums

Every second, two people are added to cities around the world. This population surge is particularly rapid in Africa. The region has the largest urban growth rate in the world, with populations increasing 5 percent annually. In some cities, the annual growth rate exceeds 10 percent. These populations are projected to double within the next decade.

Issues of Kibera slum in Kenya

The majority of Africa’s 400 million city-dwellers live in slums with high population density and poor basic services. Slum dwellers often lack access to clean water and safe sanitation. Under these conditions, waterborne diseases spread rapidly. In the Kibera settlement of Nairobi, Africa’s largest slum, more than 18 percent of children die before their 5th birthday.

Life in the Slums of Kibera Kenya Africa

Mbagathi Hospital, a Kenyan health facility is one of Nairobi Kenya busiest hospitals, located on the edge of Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. The hospital has health services for nearly 9,800 HIV patients, supporting the supply of critical life-saving HIV treatment and community outreach.

African slums

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

How Are You Feeling Today?

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.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

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