The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

Climate change threatens food security in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt, disrupting crops, water, and livelihoods. Four Dimensions of Climate Change in Africa’s Three Most Populated Countries: Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt Climate change affects Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt —Africa’s three most populated countries—in all four dimensions of food security: availability , accessibility , utilization , and system stability . These shifts have far-reaching effects on livelihoods, health, and economic resilience. Explore and understand Africa through her food systems, climate resilience, and cultural knowledge. Climate Change in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , climate change threatens food security by disrupting production, market flows, and nutrition. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall bring droughts, floods, and desertification that destabilize local economies and make food more expensive and less nutr...

Introverts Quiet Plotting. I am not quiet, I am plotting African Proverbs; may the Ancestors impart knowledge into you about quiet thinkers. I Am Not Quiet, I Am Plotting African Proverbs Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture Quiet people have the loudest minds If you are the quiet sort, you are probably used to people misunderstanding your quietness. People may think you are shy or maybe even insecure just because you do not talk your head off to everyone. Quiet people are thinkers; in fact, they tend to overthink a particular situation. Five African proverbs to help understand, people who are quiet may not be shy, but intensely thinking.  I am not quiet, I am plotting African Proverbs One does not become great by claiming greatness. - African Proverb The dog's bark is not might, but fright. - African Proverb ...

West African Recipes by The African Gourmet Egusi Smoked Fish Stew Recipe Egusi smoked fish stew recipe is a stress-free, simple African recipe to make for a family weeknight dinner. Egusi seeds are the seeds of plants of squash, melon, gourd, and pumpkin which, after being dried and ground, are used as an ingredient in East and West African recipes. Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 35 min Total time: 55 min West African Egusi Smoked Fish Stew Recipe Ingredients 2 large pieces any smoked fish 2 large white fish filets 2 large handfuls sorrel leaves or spinach ½ cup ground egusi seeds 2 large tomatoes, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons palm oil or butter 1 teaspoon ground curry powder 1 hot pepper, chopped 5 cups fish stock or water Directions Heat palm oil over medium heat in a large pot; add onions and garlic. Add remaining ingredients except for egusi, fish and sorrel, or spinach. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Add egusi and fish, stir, and simme...

Three chief dark powerful creatures and African spiritual enemies are Impaka the cat, Incanti the chameleon and Inqolobane the snake. The belief in spiritual enemies is common throughout the world. These ill-behaved often-dangerous spirits play tricks on humans and do things to disturb anyone who crosses their path. Africa Spiritual Enemies Explained  Mischievous spirits are real things to many people in Africa. They dwell in the rivers, the swamps, the forests, the desert and all places in between. They inhabit the great rifts and waterfalls. Every nook and cranny of Africa may have demons, goblins, evil mermaids and disembodied parts of humankind. Spirits travel at night, during the day, carry mysterious lights, destroy farms, steal seeds from the town granaries, sprinkle disease and famine among the cattle and people, bewitch children in their sleep, impart gifts of divination, skill and other gratuities to whomsoever they favor, or bring sorrow, persecution, or death, a...

Grilled Mango Chicken Sosaties Skewers Sosaties are a traditional South African kabob recipe of lamb, chicken or mutton grilled on skewers over a braai or BBQ grill. African Recipes by African Gourmet   Grilled mango chicken Sosaties skewers are one of the great braai or barbeque kabob foods of South Africa. Prep time: 3 hours Cook time: 20 min Total time: 3 hours 20 min Grilled Mango Chicken Sosaties Skewers Ingredients 4 large metal skewers 2 pounds white meat chicken cubed 2 red bell peppers cut into large cubes 2 large onions cut into large cubes Marinade for chicken 1/2 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons Indian curry powder 2 tablespoons mango juice 4 sage leaves chopped 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons mango chutney 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Pinch of salt Directions Mix all marinade ingredients well and marinate chicken for at least 3 hours. Thread chicken, peppers...

First Second Third and Fourth World Countries What are the names of First Second Third and Fourth World Countries? First World refers to developed, capitalist, industrial countries, North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia. Second World refers to Russia, Eastern Europe and some of the Turkish States as well as China. Third World includes developing nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Fourth World references stateless groups of people such as people living in refugee camps or people who are entirely self-sufficient, but they do not participate in the global economy. Knufu recalling her life in South Africa Officially there is no official definition of the term Third world however; people in their everyday conversations use the term to describe poor developing countries and inferior individuals. Alfred Sauvy coined the original meaning of third world, in 1952. Third world meant countries that were unaligned with either the Communist Soviet bloc or the Ca...

If we have faith, we can move mountains. Having faith Zulu African proverbs shows us that there is an all-knowing being greater and wiser than ourselves. Having faith African proverbs offers hope and confidence through unceasing unshakable faith. Having Faith Zulu African Proverbs   To have faith means to trust  Zulu African Proverb Zulu African Proverb Zulu African Proverb Zulu African Proverb Zulu African Proverb Zulu African Proverb Having Faith Zulu African Proverbs 1.   When a home is burnt down the rebuilt home is more beautiful. –Zulu Proverb 2. ...

Kazungula Ferry unites four corners of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe of Africa. This is the only area in the world where four countries meet. Kazungula Bridge is situated where the borders of 4 African countries meet, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The Kazungula Bridge created a link between Botswana and Zambia across the Zambezi River that flows into the famous Chobe River. Kazangula ferry engines The Kazungula public ferry or pontoon service (a flotation device able to float itself as well as a heavy load) is driven by a side mounted diesel engine, transports a few vehicles at a time across the river.  The border crossing is the only place in the world where four countries come close uniting at a quadripoint. A quadripoint is a point on the Earth that touches the border of four distinct territories. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia are believed to be a quadripoint however, the countries of Zambi...

Leadership is a verb; a person who guides and directs maximizing the efforts of others towards the achievement of a goal. Our 15 ways to define leadership through African Proverbs teaches what leadership really is and what is needed to become a superior leader. 15 Ways to Define Leadership Through African Proverbs A large chair does not make a king. - Sudanese Proverb The way a chief acts affects the entire village. - Ugandan Proverb A king cannot reign without the support of the elders. - Burundian Proverb Words of a good king do not lock all the doors; they leave the right door open. – Zambian Proverb When there is peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. - Ugandan Proverb The best words give no food. - Rwandan Tutsi Proverb The wise chief does not eat from two sides. - Malawian Proverb He who fears the sun will not become chief. - Ugandan Proverb When a king has good counselors , his reign is peaceful. - Ghanaian Proverb When you befrie...

The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo perfect warrior African folktale. The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo Perfect Warrior Igbo Story  During a time of intense fighting between clans living in Oma Mbala and Ikwuabo villages of Nigeria, the warring Igbo communities held the bravest fighter from Eze Okpo, Ezekwuabo, in high esteem. The Eze Okpo of the proverb was the fearless Ezekwuabo, a fighter who combined an ability to fight successful wars with a skillful use of charms. According to folklore, he killed one of his daughters whose parts he used in preparing a magical charm that was said to produce thick smoke in which he could move without being noticed and attack his enemies. Ezekwuabo was said to have an akpu, his personal shrine that he called akpu Ekwensu or devil's shrine, where he used to make offerings and sacrifices at the end of every successful battle. He was so feared tha...

The Singing Skeleton is an African folktale story about sibling rivalry and the jealousy, competition, and fighting between two brothers. Sibling rivalry  The Singing Skeleton African Folktale Story Bamaza had two sons; the older one of the two boys caused his father much trouble. He not only was disobedient and unruly, but he also hated his younger brother, who was the direct opposite of him. One day their mother sent them to the woods to pick some wild flowers, which grew near a deep ravine. On their way to the woods, they passed through a town where a dance was happening. When the elder brother saw this dance, he went and joined the young beautiful dancers. The younger brother called him and said "Come on, my brother, let us do our mother's bidding and go to the woods to pick flowers!" But, he would not. Thus, the younger brother went alone to the woods. He found many flowers and picked a big bunch. On his ...

10 Time Immemorial South African Tribes Brief History and Culture of 10 Immemorial South African Tribes Four major ethnic groups among Black South Africans are the Nguni (Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Swazi), the Sotho-Tswana, the Shangaan-Tsonga, and the Venda. Together, the Nguni and Sotho account for the largest percentage of the total Black population. Related: Explore more about African tribes and cultural traditions San The San are the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, where they have lived for at least 20,000 years. Known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and rich rock art, the San were once called “Bushmen,” but this term is now considered derogatory. Did you know? The San created some of the oldest known African rock art , dating back thousands of years. Basotho The Basotho (South Sotho) live mainly in the Free State, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, with groups in Namibia and Zambia. King Moshoeshoe I united scatt...

Where can a man be better than in the bosom of his family. Why Family Matters African Proverbs As a people, we constantly worry about belonging and we do this because we all know how much family, whatever forms they take do matter. The most powerful reason of why families matter come from orphans and children who know what it’s like to have lost or temporarily separated from their families. First lay the foundation and then build the wall. - Egyptian Proverb Families play an important role in teaching children about tribal roots so they will grow up with identity, ideals and pride. Family Lives Matter African Proverbs teach the importance of family roots. As it is said in the African Yoruba language, Ase, it is so. Family Lives Matter African Proverbs Family Lives Matter African Proverbs A gold key opens every door. One makes not a people or a town. – West African Proverb Seize your roots and seize it firmly. – Wolof Proverb Family, payday comes every day. – Nigerian Proverb You ...