Africa Factbook

Having Faith African Proverbs Having faith 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 African Proverbs Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture When a home is burnt down the rebuilt home is more beautiful. –Zulu Proverb Those that plan without the help of the spirit must plan again. – African Proverb A chicken egg cannot turn the hen over. - Bassa Proverb Go forth alone, you will soon find a stone on the road that you that you cannot pass. – Zulu Proverb A small fire is easy to smother. – Kenyan Proverb A deaf ear is followed by death; an ear that listens is followed by blessings. – Zulu Proverb When heaven is pointed out a fool only sees the tip of the finger. – Ghanaian Proverb God who split His child's mouth, has something to put in it. - Bassa Proverb Did y

Black-eyed peas and Collard Greens for luck and money. If you love in the South in The USA, there is one New Year traditions that you just cannot ignore; cooking black-eyed peas and collard greens for a wonderful year.  So why do the US Southerners eat black-eyed peas and greens to ring in the New Year?  The tradition spread after the Civil War. During General Sherman's march, the Union Army pillaged the Confederates' food supplies but left the peas and pork believing they were food for the animals and not for human consumption. The Southern soldiers thus felt lucky to have these supplies to get them through the cold winter. Black-eyed peas, dried significantly expand in volume when cooked and symbolize expanding good look throughout the year. Collard green are green and the color of U.S. money so when you eat collard greens on New Year’s Day you will have money all year long. There is evidence that people ate black-eyed peas for luck as early as 500 A.D. as a part of the J

All-Star African Fish Recipes There Are Endless Fish Recipes in Africa There are endless fish recipes in Africa; our two favorite fish recipes, Fish Curry in a Hurry and Sierra Leone Fish Soup Recipe are ready in less than 20 minutes. West African Fish Curry in a Hurry Recipe Ingredients 1 pound firm white fish fillets, cut into medium pieces 2 cups of coconut milk 2 handfuls spinach 1 chopped tomato 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 ½ tablespoon good quality ground curry 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Directions In a large pot melt butter and sauté onions and garlic, add spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk stirring well. Add fish. Over medium heat and simmer 15 minutes. Add spinach simmer 3 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and serve as a soup with bread or over rice. Sierra Leone Fish Soup Recipe Ingredients 2 handfuls fresh sorrel leaves, chopped 7 ounces any fish 2 tablespoons butter Ho

Braai Dictionary The word braai is a South African Afrikaans language word pronounced BRY rhyming with why. Braai is popular in Southern Africa especially with people who live in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.  Braai may have originated with the South African Afrikaner people, but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds.  An important distinction between a braai and a barbecue is that it’s fairly uncommon for a braai to use gas rather than an open flame. Women rarely braai at a social gathering, as this is normally the braai realm of men.   Learn Southern Africa Braai Vocabulary Braaivleis is the roasted meat.   Braai is barbecue or roast.   Vleis is the raw meat used to cook.   Braaier or Baas is the chef and the boss, person in charge.   Braaistand is the fire or grill.   Varkstert is a tool for turning meat.   Braai hi jacker is someone you don’t really want to invite but, you have too.   Braaimaster

What is Fair Trade Coffee in Africa What is Fair Trade Coffee and why it is Important Look for Fair Trade certified, Africa does not benefit from the processing and manufacturing portion of the coffee bean, only the agricultural. Fair Trade coffee and many other products help with the sustainable development of Africa by offering better trading conditions and securing the rights of farmers and workers around the world. Africa does not benefit from the processing and manufacturing portion of the coffee bean, only the agricultural. What is Fair Trade and how does it help the small family coffee growers and not endorse poverty and exploitation of poor agricultural coffee growing regions.   Fair Trade Coffee Is Important to Africans What is Fair Trade? Fair Trade certified products including coffee are part of a trading partnership that seeks greater equity in international trade. Africa particularly the Ethiopian Rift Valley is famous across the world for gro

Banana leaves are used for cooking, wrapping and food serving in a wide range of cuisines in tropical and subtropical Africa. Banana leaves impart an aroma to food that is cooked in or served on them; steaming with banana leaves imparts a subtle sweet flavor and aroma to the dish. The leaves are not themselves eaten and are discarded after the food is eaten. Besides adding flavor, banana leaves are perfect for cooking cook fish, vegetables, rice or just about anything. Banana leaves are used for baking wrapped food in the same way you would use tin foil or parchment paper. It is important to know banana leaf packets should be placed in a baking dish so the juices don't drip to the bottom of your oven. Coconut Fish and Rice Banana Leaf Recipe Ingredients 4 small any fish fillet 2 cups any rice 4 ripe bananas, peeled, halved lengthways, then crossways ½ cup coconut milk ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 t