African Street Food Fresh Grilled Gingered Corn

African Recipes by African Gourmet 

Add African zest to your grilled corn this summer with this fresh gingered corn African street food recipe. It is common to find roasted corn or maize grilling on coals on the streets and in the markets of many African countries. 

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 20 min Total time: 30 min

Ingredients

4 ears of fresh sweet corn, shucked

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon butter

¼ tsp salt

Directions

Place corn husks directly on medium heat grill and roast for 20 minutes or until corn is soft. Cool for 5 minutes then peel down the husks and use as a handle when eating. Rub the ears of corn with butter and sprinkle with green onions, ginger, cinnamon, and salt and enjoy.

Corn is used in a variety of ways in African cooking. Simple corn recipe good for you. Try new grilled corn recipes to make every night for dinner, it's time to upgrade your grilling recipe skills to the next level using fresh corn.

Drilling off the southernmost tip of Ghana, Cape Three Points, are producing many rich gas and oil fields off Ghana’s coast.

Oil drums in Africa

The African continent is home to five of the top 30 oil producing countries in the world and Ghana offshore gas and oil drilling in the Tano Basin is the new hot spot. Ghana is a former British colony located on the south side of West Africa between Côte d'Ivoire and Togo. In 1957, it became the first country in Africa below the Saharan desert given independence. Its coastline, formerly called the Gold Coast, extends for about 335 miles or 540 km on the Gulf of Guinea.

Offshore gas and oil fields off Ghana’s Southernmost tip, Cape Three Points

In 2005, off the West Cape Three Points Block, Kosmos executed a 3D seismic survey over a portion of the block and unlocked the Tano Basin petroleum system with the Jubilee oil field in 2007. The Jubilee oil field is currently producing approximately 104,000 barrels per day. The field’s gross resources are estimated between 600 million and one billion barrels of oil equivalent. The 2008 Mahogany Oil field, 211 Akasa Oil field and the 2011 Teak Oil and gas-condensate field are major contributors to the Tano Basin petroleum system.

The Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) Integrated Oil and Gas Project include the Sankofa Main, Sankofa East, Gye Nyame, Sankofa East Cenomanian and Sankofa East Campanian fields. The Sankofa gas field was discovered in September 2009, the field was further appraised in April 2011 by drilling the Sankofa-2 well. The Gye Nyame gas field was discovered in July 2011, the field is located 10 miles or 16 km east of the Sankofa field. The Sankofa East gas field was discovered by drilling the Sankofa East-1X well in September 2012. The Sankofa East 2A well, the first appraisal well of the Sankofa East, was drilled in January 2013. Sankofa East Cenomanian and Sankofa East Campanian fields oil production from the projects started in May 2017 and is expected to peak at 80,000 barrels of oil a day in 2019.

On the other side, as gas and oil drilling is booming off Ghana seashores, wealth is not transforming the lives of the indigenous Cape Three Points residents. The Ahantas, who form about 6 percent, and the Nzemas and Evalues 11 percent of Ghanaians by birth in the region, occupy the entire coastline from Shama on the east to the western border of Ghana. The population is relatively young, with over 40 per cent within the age group 0-14.

Those Cape Three Points without electricity use mainly kerosene as lighting fuel. Fuel for cooking is mainly charcoal and firewood. Treated pipe-borne water is available mainly in the urban areas while the rural areas rely mainly on surface waters such as rivers, streams small lakes and springs. A few have access to relatively shallow but clean water wells. Potable water is however gradually being made available to rural communities through pipes sinked into deep drilled holes in the ground. Agriculture and fishing remains the biggest industrial activity in the region, employing more than 60 percent of the people.

Did you know?

Busua, Ghana is the unofficial surfing capital of west Africa and is around 16 miles or 27 km from the Southernmost tip of Ghana, Cape Three Points.

The Cape Three Points lighthouse built in 1875 marks a prominent cape at the southernmost point of Ghana; it is the central point of the three points on the cape. The lighthouse is painted white, lantern and gallery painted red.

Mozambique Crab Coconut Curry

Mozambique crab coconut curry is made with fresh crab, coconut, and peanuts — all staples of Mozambique’s coastal cuisine. This rich and creamy dish reflects the country’s Indian Ocean heritage and love for seafood.

Serves: 4
Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ pound fresh crabmeat
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 hot pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• ⅓ cup coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry onion and spices for 2 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, peanut butter, and coconut milk. Simmer for 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add crabmeat and cook gently for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve hot with rice or steamed cassava.

Mozambique was once one of the world’s largest coconut producers until 2011, when Lethal Yellowing disease devastated the industry. Today, coastal farmers are rebuilding through sustainable seaweed and shrimp aquaculture along the mangrove estuaries.

About Mozambique’s Coastal Food and Culture

Three major population clusters shape Mozambique’s coastal cuisine — from Maputo and Inhambane in the south, to Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and up to Nampula and Pemba in the north. Crab, prawns, and tilapia are staple proteins, while coconuts and peanuts provide creamy depth to most stews.

In Cabo Delgado and Nampula, local communities farm seaweed and shrimp in shallow coastal areas, using earthen ponds built near mangrove forests. Portuguese remains Mozambique’s official language, though the country’s diverse dialects and indigenous tongues add unique rhythm and flavor to daily life.

Major languages spoken include Emakhuwa, Portuguese, Xichangana, Cinyanja, Cisena, Elomwe, Echuwabo, and Cindau. Each region’s cuisine reflects this blend of cultures and coastal abundance.

More African Seafood and Curry Recipes

• Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
• Frikkadelle — Afrikaner Meatballs
• Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
• Chadian Steamed Honey Cassava Buns
• Cameroon Smoked Bonga Fish Stew

African folktales are a cherished African oral storytelling tradition. African Folktale storytelling is the basis for everything in world society; the way we think, interact, live, love, communicate, and dream all derives from African Folklore storytelling.

African stories help us make meaning of our lives with the unseen.

As the ancestors say the thunder and lightning lived on the earth amongst all the other people, but the king made them live at the far end of the town, as far as possible from other people's houses.

The thunder was an old mother sheep, and the lightning was her son, a ram. Whenever the ram got angry he used to go about and burn houses and knock down trees; he even did damage on the farms, and sometimes killed people.

Whenever the lightning did these things, his mother used to call out to him in a very loud voice to stop and not to do any more damage; but the lightning did not care in the least for what his mother said, and when he was in a bad temper used to do a very large amount of damage.

At last the people could not stand it any longer, and complained to the king.So the king made a special order that the sheep (Thunder) and her son, the ram (Lightning), should leave the town and live in the far bush. This did not do much good, as when the ram got angry he still burnt the forest, and the flames sometimes spread to the farms and consumed them.

So the people complained again, and the king banished both the lightning and the thunder from the earth and made them live in the sky, where they could not cause so much destruction.

Ever since, when the lightning is angry, he commits damage as before, but you can hear his mother, the thunder, rebuking him and telling him to stop.

Sometimes, however, when the mother has gone away some distance from her naughty son, you can still see that he is angry and is doing damage, but his mother's voice cannot be heard.

More short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

1. Why the bunny rabbit has wiggly slits for a nose
2. Love Takes No Less Than Everything Marriage Folklore
3. Hunters Attack Cowards Tell the Story
4. One Do Wrong All Get Punished
5. Mighty Little Hedgehog

The Ashanti Kingdom: Ghana's Living Legacy in 2025

The Ashanti Region: Where Ancient Kingdom Meets Modern Ghana

In the heart of Ghana's middle belt lies the Ashanti Region, a vibrant administrative area where tradition and progress intersect. Home primarily to the Ashanti people—one of Ghana's most influential ethnic groups—this region continues to be a cultural powerhouse in West Africa.

Ashanti cultural traditions continue to thrive in contemporary Ghanaian society

Language and Global Influence

The primary language, Twi (pronounced "tree"), remains a vital link to Ashanti heritage. While the kingdom's historical influence extended far beyond modern Ghana's borders, today the Ashanti diaspora spreads this rich culture worldwide while maintaining strong roots in the region.

The Ashanti Today: By the Numbers (2025)

• 14.8% of Ghana's population claims Ashanti heritage
• 30.1% of Ghana's Akan population are Ashanti
• 3 million+ Ashanti people maintain active cultural connections

From Ancient Empire to Modern Powerhouse

The Ashanti story begins with the Oyoko clan around Asantemanso. After periods under Akwamu and Denkyira rule, King Osei-Tutu I (1695-1717) forged a powerful empire following the Battle of Feyiase. The legendary partnership with spiritual leader Okomfo Anokye, including the miraculous descent of the Golden Stool from heaven, established a kingdom that would dominate the region for centuries.

✨ The Golden Stool Legacy: This sacred symbol of Ashanti unity, believed to house the soul of the nation, remains central to Ashanti identity in 2025, with current Asantehene Osei Tutu II continuing the direct matrilineal lineage from Osei Tutu I.

Living Traditions in 2025

Ashanti cultural practices remain vibrantly alive through festivals like Akwasidae and AdaeKese. These aren't merely historical reenactments but active religious ceremonies that honor ancestors while strengthening community bonds. The belief that past leaders spiritually guide current generations continues to shape Ashanti worldview.

The Ashanti Global Footprint

While the empire's political power declined after King Prempeh I's exile, Ashanti cultural influence has globalized. From kente cloth on international runways to Ashanti business networks spanning continents, the legacy continues to evolve while maintaining core traditions.

Explore More African Heritage in 2025

African Country Names You're Saying Wrong
Updated guide to proper pronunciation

Waist Beads: Ancient Symbolism in Modern Fashion
2025 cultural revival trends

African Traditional Healing: Ancient Wisdom Today
Modern applications of traditional practices

Hurricanes and African Ancestral Beliefs
Cultural perspectives on natural phenomena

Making Injera bread is a unique bread recipe art.

At the very core, Injera bread requires simple ingredients flour, salt, water, and time. Injera is traditionally eaten in the African countries of Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. History of African food is traditional and foreign since African food recipes like the unique bread recipe injera bread is influenced by colonialists.

Injera pronounced In-jer-ruh is a classic East African bread recipe eaten with many African food recipes. Injera is a flatbread with a unique, spongy texture that is made from teff flour. Teff flour is light whole grain flour you can substitute whole wheat flour in the recipe but the taste will be different.

The taste and texture on injera, however, are quite unique and unlike the crepe. Injera bread is thicker than a crepe but thinner than a pancake. Injera is eaten daily in all most every in Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea family households.

Injera Bread Recipe

Unique African Bread Recipe Injera Bread

Ingredients

2 cups teff flour

2 cups water

¼ teaspoon salt

Vegetable oil for coating the pan

Directions

Mix flour, water, and salt. Put the batter aside overnight or up to three days to ferment. The batter will start to bubble and obtain its well-known tartness.

Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. In a large mixing bowl add all ingredients and lightly mix well. Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Coat skillet with a thin layer of batter. Cook until holes appear on the surface of the bread flip and repeat cooking on the other side. Cover completed bread with a damp cloth.

Unique Bread Recipe Main Ingredient
Teff flour where to buy is an easy answer, buy Teff flour at Whole Foods, Walmart or online at Amazon or Bob's Red Mill Natural foods.

African lamb recipes using a tagine is best served with warm couscous, pita or flatbread. 

Our lamb recipe tagine is primarily used to slow cook stews and vegetable dishes. Because the domed or cone-shaped lid of the tagine traps steam and returns the condensed liquid to the pot, a minimal amount of water is needed when cooking. Use a stew pot instead of a tagine for this lamb recipe just add an extra 1 cup of broth to the recipe.

Slow Roasted North African Lamb Recipe Using a Tagine.

Ingredients

2 pounds lamb cut into 2-inch chunks

2 cups cooked chickpeas

2 large onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 cups tomato juice

2 large chopped tomatoes

4 ounce dried apricots, cut in half

2-ounce dates, cut in half

2-ounce raisins

3 ounce flaked almonds

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1½ tablespoon paprika

1½ tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon turmeric

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon saffron

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoon coriander, roughly chopped

2 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

3 cups vegetable stock

2 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoon argan oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300F. Place the cayenne, black pepper, paprika, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon into a small bowl and mix to combine. Place the lamb in a large bowl and toss together with half of the spice mix. 

Cover and leave overnight in the fridge. Heat 1-tablespoon olive oil and 1-tablespoon of argan oil in a large casserole dish. Add the grated onion and the remaining spice mix and cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes so that the onions are soft but not colored. Add the crushed garlic for the final 3 minutes.

In a separate frying pan, heat the remaining oil and brown the cubes of lamb on all sides then add the browned meat to the casserole dish. Deglaze the frying pan with ¼ pint of tomato juice and add these juices to the pan. 

Add the remaining tomato juice, chopped tomatoes, apricots, dates, raisins or sultanas, flaked almonds, saffron, lamb stock and honey to the casserole dish. 

Bring to the boil, cover with a fitted lid, place in the oven and cook for 2-2½ hours or until the meat is tormentingly tender. Place the lamb in a tagine or large serving dish and sprinkle over the chopped herbs.

More economical easy breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

1. Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
2. Frikkadelle an Afrikaner dish of meatballs
3. Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
4. Chadian Steamed Honey Cassava Buns
5. Cameroon Smoked Bonga Fish Stew

There are many different versions of peanut butter stew in Africa

Make three easy recipes with the African Gourmet today, Chicken Peanut Butter Stew, Vegetarian Groundnut Soup, and Homemade Groundnut Butter Recipes. If you are concerned about the taste of peanuts overpowering your dish, do not worry, as peanuts absorb the flavor of the ingredients it is surrounded by.

Chicken Peanut Butter Stew

Chicken Peanut Butter Stew

African groundnut stew recipe with chicken; peanut butter adds richness and complexity to this delicious African food recipe.

Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 20 min Total time: 40 min

Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, chopped
1 medium sliced onion
1 medium chopped green pepper2 cups whole kernel corn
1 cup smooth peanut butter
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups baby carrots
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flake
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt to taste

Directions
Boil chicken in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth in a large pot for 10 minutes. Add onion, chopped pepper, carrots, tomato paste, salt, and cayenne pepper to chicken broth. Cook for 10 minutes. Add the remaining broth to peanut butter and mix well. Add peanut butter to the remaining ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over rice or with Injera bread.

What are groundnuts?

Groundnut is rich in oil and protein and has a high-energy value. The largest producers are China, India, Nigeria and the United States of America, but many other African and South American countries have sizeable production. Groundnut provides high-quality cooking oil and is an important source of protein for both human and animal diets.

Known as a complete food, groundnuts contain on average 63% carbohydrate, 19% protein, and 6.5% fat, making it a very important source of dietary protein. The color of the seeds varies from black, dark brown, red, white, cream or a combination of these colors. Groundnuts are among the most important crops for small farmers in Africa, providing both food and income for households.

 
There are so many great health benefits from groundnuts. First, they have lots of fiber and are very filling. Yes it is true they do have a high-fat content but it's lots of good fat and they are very heart-healthy because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. 

Groundnuts s fat is very easily absorbed and they give us some fast energy, have lots of fiber that helps to keep us regular and helps us to feel so also all the way around nuts are good for you.

 

Vegetarian Groundnut Soup Recipe

Here is another recipe to enjoy with groundnuts and peanut butter vegetarian style.

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 30 min Total time: 40 min

Vegetarian Groundnut Peanut Butter Soup Recipe

Ingredients
2 medium onions, diced
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
1 cup groundnuts
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt to taste

Directions
Grind nuts to a smooth paste. Peel, wash, slice and fry the onion in butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Heat stock and mix a little at a time with groundnut paste to a pouring consistency. Place paste, onion, salt, stock, and pepper in a saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any fat and add milk. Heat and serve with toasted bread of your choice.

Injera bread

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 30 min Total time: 40 min

Did you know that in the United States peanut butter by Law must contain at least 90% peanut in natural peanut butter the remaining weight is composed of peanut oil and salt and added sugar stabilizers and various additives to enhance shelf life and creaminess?

Homemade peanut butter is much more natural and healthier to make.

Place 2 cups of shelled and skinned roasted peanuts and 1/2 teaspoons of honey 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Clamp-on the lid processing for one minute, now that is not going to become completely smooth but clumpy. now add in 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil and mix for about 1 and 1/2 to 2 minutes or until it is nice and smooth. Since your homemade peanut butter does not contain any preservatives you want to keep your a homemade peanut butter in the refrigerator slightly sealed.

While you already know that you can eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon or pair it with jelly on bread for a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the options don’t stop there. Making peanut butter smoothies takes about 5 minutes to make just add ripe bananas blended together with creamy peanut butter to form this tasty mixture. Also, add peanut butter with tomato sauce and cinnamon and serve over chicken for the perfect tomato sauce.

Try peanut butter coconut sauce by adding cilantro, jalapenos and lime juice mixed with smooth peanut butter and coconut milk this recipe will become a family favorite. Do not let that jar of peanut butter fit in your cabinet or only come out to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches think outside the box by using peanut butter on more than just bread.

In Africa using peanut butter as the main ingredient in soups and stews has been a long traditional history in African cooking. Peanuts are a thickener, it is great for use in soups, and stews of all types instead of using flour or cornstarch try using peanut butter in your favorite soup or stew recipe the next time you make your favorite dish. If you are concerned about the taste of peanuts overpowering your dish, do not worry as peanuts absorb the flavor of ingredients it is surrounded by.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter

Did you know?
Groundnuts and peanuts are used interchangeably but are not the same. The groundnut taste like chickpeas with a very mild flavor. Arachis hypogaea are the scientific name for groundnuts and peanuts are legume crops grown mainly for its edible seeds.

More economical easy lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

1. Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
2. Yedoro Stir Fried Ethiopian Chicken Dinner
3. Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
4. Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
5. Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

African Proverbs on setting a good leadership example for others to follow motivates and inspires us to be our best at leadership, teamwork, and creating successful lives.

African proverbs to help you remember that a happy life is up to you; and even when trouble comes your way, what is important is not the problem, but how you respond as a leader.

You cannot deny the simple beauty and power of an African Proverb.

What does leadership learning through African proverbs mean?

A leader is someone who sets the direction and influences people to follow that direction. There are numerous African proverbs about leadership and about carrying out the role of the leader. Leaders carry out their roles in a wide variety of styles.

African history is composed largely of accounts of the exploits of people who have left their marks, good and evil. These leaders stand out as persons who used African proverb characteristics of leadership and through their activities affected the course of African and world history.

Leadership style is influenced by the individual's beliefs, values, and assumptions, as well as the organizational culture and the situation. African proverbs communicate a sense of where the leader of an organization will be over the long term.

Red African Roses Growing in Kenya

Kenya is the world’s largest exporter of roses, producing a breathtaking variety of cultivars — from hybrid tea and floribunda roses to miniature and grandiflora types. The country’s high-altitude regions, cool temperatures, and abundant sunlight create ideal growing conditions that have made Kenya a floral powerhouse.

Kenya’s Naivasha region is home to Africa’s leading rose farms.

The Blossoming of Kenya’s Rose Industry

The Kenyan rose industry began in the late 1980s, when Dutch growers discovered the fertile highlands around Lake Naivasha. With cool air, volcanic soil, and abundant sunlight, the region quickly became one of the best places in the world to grow roses. Today, Kenya exports more than 70% of its roses to Europe, with others reaching Asia and the Middle East.

Most farms employ thousands — primarily women — who handle planting, pruning, harvesting, and packaging. The industry also sustains supporting sectors such as logistics, transport, and packaging, making it one of Kenya’s most vital agricultural exports.

Kenya exports over 5 million rose stems monthly to global markets.

Innovation and Sustainability

To address rising costs and environmental challenges, many Kenyan growers have turned to solar power, improved packaging, and eco-friendly pest management. The result is a sustainable industry that continues to thrive even under global competition from Ecuador and Colombia.

Rose Colors and Their Symbolism

Beyond their beauty, Kenyan roses carry deep symbolic meanings drawn from African and global traditions:

• Red Roses – Passion, love, and perfection.
• Dark Red Roses – Deep, unconscious beauty.
• Green Roses – Fertility and abundance.
• Lavender Roses – Enchantment, charm, and love at first sight.
• Orange Roses – Energy, desire, and excitement.
• Peach Roses – Gratitude and compassion.
• Pink Roses – Grace, elegance, and admiration.
• White Roses – Purity, unity, and joyful love.
• Yellow Roses – Friendship, joy, and new beginnings.

Lavender roses are prized for their rarity and romantic symbolism.

The Language of Flowers

Flower symbolism — once known as the “language of flowers” — dates back to ancient civilizations. Each bloom conveys a message: the violet means modesty, the lily purity, and the rose everlasting love. This floral vocabulary remains timeless, reflecting emotions across generations and cultures.

🌺 Part of our African Geography Hub — uncover how Africa’s land and climate nurture global floral exports.

The Acacia tree in Africa is known as desert gold and is well-known iconic symbols on the southern and eastern African savannas.

The acacia tree is on the African savanna provides desert gold aka gum arabic for the world baking and soft drink industry.

Gum arabic is used in many foods as an ingredient for thickening and emulsifing baking and popular soft drink ingredients. The flavor of powder dry gum arabic is a neutral flavor, tasteless, and odorless.

Acacia Tree  at sunset in Tanzania Africa

Acacia trees in the African Savanna

The acacia tree in Africa also known as desert gold, are well-known landmarks on the southern and eastern African savanna. There are over 1,300 species of Acacia worldwide, primarily in Africa and Australia. 

Acacias are highly drought-resistant; therefore, thrive in harsh dry environments due to their tolerance to water scarcity. Acacias are also referred to as thorn trees; some have long straight thorns while others have hook-shaped ones.

The umbrella-dome shape of most African acacias is an evolutionary adaptation that enables the trees to capture the maximum amount of sunlight, with the smallest of leaves. Acacia Senegal, found in Sudan and the northern Sahara, is the main source of gum arabic, which has been used for over 2,000 years. 

Acacia Senegal, gum arabic, is used in adhesives, medicines, inks, confectioneries, and lithographic plates, special papers, fabrics, and as an anti-corrosive coating for metals as well as in the manufacture of matches and ceramic pottery, fireworks, cartridge powder, pesticide and insecticide sprays, concrete and in detergents.

Gum Arabic the substance obtained from acacia trees

The bark of most acacias is rich in tannin, which is used in tanning and in dyes and inks. Besides the highly valuable Gum Arabic, acacia trees offer animal feeds as its pods and leaves are fodder for camel and goats. Acacia trees are also major sources of fuel for families residing in the drylands of the savannas. Dried branches are used as firewood while some families exploit it for charcoal production.

Acacia erioloba, known as the giraffe thorn or camel thorn tree, is the most recognizable tree in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It can grow up to 59 feet or 18 meters tall and live up to 200 years. The taproot, which is more than 3 times longer than the tree, can grow up to 196 feet or 60 meters, allowing it to access deep groundwater sources and live in extremely dry climates.

Giraffes love acacia trees eating the undersides carefully not being pricked by the thorns. They carefully wrap their long, prehensile tongues between the spines and delicately remove the tender tasty leaves. In order to ensure enough food, giraffes tend to eat downwind from trees, in the hope that the trees do not alarm each other. They also usually browse only for a short time before moving on to the next tree.

Most species of the African acacia have long, sharp thorns, which prevent many animals from eating their leaves. Now and again stinging ants live inside hollowed-out thorns, which provide another layer of protection for the tree. Furthermore, the trees create toxic chemicals when they detect danger such as overgrazing triggering nearby acacia trees to start making their own poison.

When the leaves begin to fill with toxins, they release ethylene gas, which drifts out of their pores and toward other acacias in close range. In response, the nearby trees begin to manufacture their own toxins. Within 15 minutes, all the neighboring trees increase the tannin levels in their leaves, making the area unappetizing to tree-browsing animals. 

The toxin can be quite dangerous to the animals if ingested and can be lethal. Next time you see an acacia tree don’t just think of it as a tree but rather a tree that is the coolest tree in Africa.

Acacia Tree in Africa

Foreign Terrorist Organization is a designation for non-United States-based organizations deemed by the United States Secretary of State, in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, to be involved in what US authorities define as terrorist activities.

Libya has a population of 6.9 million with over 90 percent of the population living along the Mediterranean coast, the capital Tripoli to the west and Misratah and Benghazi.

Around 91 percent of the country is desert or semi desert due to the Sahara desert. Due to the vastness of the Sahara desert and the fact that only 9 percent of the land in Libya is arable meaning the land is capable of being ploughed and used for farming crops.

Libya's concentrated population and its proximity to southern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea makes it attractive to terrorists and fuel animosity toward Sub-Saharan African migrants.

Unrelenting fighting in Libya has devastated towns and villages

Four Foreign Based Libya Terrorist Groups

The US State Department declared four foreign based Libya terrorist groups Al-Mulathamun Battalion, Al-Qa’ida (AQ), Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Explanation of four foreign based Libya terrorist groups.

Al-Mulathamun Battalion.
Originally, part of al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the al-Mulathamun Battalion became a separate organization in late 2012 after its leader, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, split from AQIM. 

al-Mulathamun Battalion also known as the Masked Battalion aims are to replace regional governments, including Libya's transitional government, with an Islamic state. 

In May 2013, the al-Mulathamun Battalion cooperated with the E.O. 13224-designated Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) in twin suicide bombings in Niger, which killed at least 20 people. In August 2013, the al-Mulathamun Battalion and MUJAO announced that the two organizations would merge under the name “al-Murabitoun.” 

The newly formed al-Murabitoun extremist group constitutes the greatest near-term threat to U.S. and Western interests in the Sahel. Both the “Those Who Sign in Blood” battalion and “al-Murabitoun” are included in the designation as aliases of the al-Mulathamun Battalion; they maintain an operational presence and engage heavily in kidnappings for ransom.

Al-Qa’ida (AQ).
Al-Qaeda means The Base in Arabic and is broad-based militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in 1989. 

The oldest of the Islamist militant groups operating in North Africa, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) came into being in 2005 when it changed its name from the Algerian Salafi Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) and announced its allegiance to Osama Bin Laden. 

In February 2017, 15 people were killed and 19 injured in Tiloa, Niger in an ambush attack by Al-Qaeda militants. 

Al-Qaeda was declared terrorist group by US on October 8, 1999. Al-Qaeda aims to bolster networks in Libya and, ultimately, establish a pan-Islamic caliphate under a strict Salafi Muslim interpretation of Sharia and maintains a growing presence operating training camps and safe havens stages attacks in Libya against Egypt and Tunisia.

Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which emerged in 2007 after the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat allied itself with al-Qaida in 2006. 

Kidnapping for ransom by taking European hostages has become a key funding source for terrorist groups operating in the southern portion of the country. Designations of Mohamed Belkalem and Taleb Nail are in direct response to the threats posed by al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb and its senior leaders. 

Mohamed Belkalem has played a key operational role in AQIM. He has participated in terrorist attacks such as the 2005 assault on Mauritanian military barracks and, separately, the kidnapping of two Austrian tourists in 2008. 

Belkalem is wanted by the Algerian government. He was also charged with and sentenced by the Government of Algeria, in absentia, to death for forming a terrorist organization. 

Taleb Nail has been involved in numerous terrorist attacks in the Maghreb including a 2005 assault on Mauritanian military barracks. In 2005, Nail joined a terrorist cell specifically dedicated to kidnapping western nationals, preparing and carrying out attacks, and recruiting violent extremists. 

Nail is wanted by the Algerian government for terrorist activities and for membership in a terrorist organization active both within and outside Algeria. al-Qaida aims to replace Libya's transitional government with Sharia and, ultimately, establish a regional Islamic caliphate across all of North and West Africa. Area of operation is primarily in the western and southern regions; centered mostly on kidnappings for ransom.

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
May 2016, the Department of State has announced the designation of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (ISIL’s) branch in Libya (ISIL-Libya) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 

ISIL-Libya’s attacks have included the kidnapping and execution of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, as well as numerous attacks targeting both government and civilian targets that have killed scores of people. 

Their aim is to strengthen its affiliate ISIL-Libya and enhance operational planning and logistics networks for staging attacks inside Tunisia. ISIL-Libya stages attacks in Libya against Tunisia along the Libya-Tunisia border; collaborates with its affiliate ISIL-Libya

Africa super fish the sardine, tilapia and Nile perch are the three most common freshwater fish in Africa. Fish is truly nature’s superfood as it contains most of the nutrients you need to lead a healthy life and is a good source of protein, minerals and vitamins.

Sardine, Tilapia and Nile Perch Three Most Common Freshwater Fish in Africa

Fish have been on the earth for more than 450 million years.

African Freshwater Sardines, Nile Perch and Tilapia Fish

Freshwater Sardines

·        The freshwater sardine is a small silvery fish with a strong taste that is usually sun dried and eaten whole.

·        Sardines contain Omega-3, Vitamin D, selenium, B12 and many other nutrients that make them beneficial for reducing inflammation and protecting cells.

·        Sardines provide plenty of essential nutrients, earning them a place in the Diabetes Forecast Magazine list of five superfoods you should be eating.

·        If you are purchasing fresh sardines, look for ones that smell fresh, are firm to the touch, and have bright eyes and shiny skin.

·        Fresh sardines are very perishable and normal refrigerator temperatures of 36-40F (2-4C) do not inhibit the enzymatic activity that causes them to spoil; they are best when stored at 28-32F (-2-0C).

Freshwater Nile Perch

·        Nile Perch is a large fish that can be bought whole, as fillet or steak.

·        Easy to digest, delicate in taste with a firm and flaky texture.

·        One of the best sources of Omega 3 fats.

·        A large-mouthed fish, the Nile perch is greenish or brownish above and silvery below and grows to about 1.8 m or 6 feet and 140 kg or 300 pounds.

Freshwater Tilapia

·        Tilapia is a medium sized white fleshed fish that actually refers to several related fish species that originated in Africa.

·        Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

·        Low in fat, making it a healthy choice for the sick and elderly with risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart diseases.

·        An excellent source of vitamin B12, which is very important in our body to help maintain our energy levels.

Fresh Lake Sardine Porridge Recipe

Freshwater Sardine Porridge 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of lake sardines dried and ground

2 teaspoons of sorghum flour

2 teaspoons of maize flour

2 teaspoons of millet seeds

2 teaspoons of soya flour

2 teaspoons of butter or margarine

Juice from one lemon

5 cups of water

Directions

Bring 4 cups of water to boil in a pot. Mix flour in a bowl, add ½ a cup of water and mix well. Add the flour mixture to the boiling water constantly stirring bring to boil. Add remaining ingredients. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve with fresh bread.

Did you know?

The definition of porridge is a soft food made by boiling meal of grains or beans in milk or water until thick eaten hot made sweet or savory.

Graca Machel will take her place in history as a leader in the fight against poverty, illiteracy and injustice.

Graca Machel First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa

Graca Machel is the only women to have ever been first lady of two different countries, wife of Mozambique former president Samora Machel 1975 to 1986 and Nelson Mandela President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Graça Simbine Machel was born on October 17, 1945, in Gaza, Mozambique, the last in a family of six children. Her father, a Methodist minister died three weeks before she was born. She attended Lisbon University in Portugal in 1968, to major in languages. Under surveillance from the Portuguese secret police, she was forced to abandon her education and flee to Switzerland to escape the prison sentence that was almost certainly waiting for her due to her political activities as a student.

Graca Machel and Samora Machel

In Tanzania, she underwent military training and learnt how to take an assault rifle apart and put it back together. Subsequently, she spent a short period in Mozambique Cabo Delgado Province, where she met Samora Machel, the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO) commander who later became her husband.

In September 1975, she married Samora Machel, the first president of newly independent Mozambique. When Mozambique became independent and FRELIMO formed the country’s first government in 1975, Machel became a member of Frelimo's Central Committee and the Minister of Education and Culture. Machel is recognized for her dedication to educating the people of Mozambique, and for her leadership in organizations devoted to the children of her war-torn country. She has been a major force in increasing literacy and schooling in Mozambique and has spoken of the needs and rights of children, families and community, from platforms all over the world.

Following President Machel’s death in a plane crash on October 19, 1986, she resigned her post as Minister of Education; she was able to reduce the illiteracy rate in Mozambique by 72 percent.

Graca Machel and Nelson Mandela

After Graca Machel and Nelson Mandela met, she was reluctant to marry him or discuss their relationship in public. Nevertheless, Mandela wooed her the old-fashioned way, occasionally giving his bodyguards headaches as president when he would make unannounced stops to buy her chocolates. The friendship between Graca Machel and the President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in the 1990s began to flourish. Machel has known Nelson Mandela since her husband's death in 1986.

Shortly after his release from prison, Mandela met Graça Machel, the widow of former Mozambican president, Samora Machel. The couple decided to tie the knot on Nelson Mandela's 80th birthday on July 18, 1998; she was 52 and Mandela 80 however, Machel said they were a perfect fit because they were both settled. She's Mandela's third wife, Nelson Mandela once said his wife, Graca Machel, makes him "bloom like a flower." They were married for 15 years until Mandela’s death December 5, 2013.

Graca Machel is a leader in her own right known for her integral part Mozambican liberation struggle, international advocate for women and child rights, and had headed the first United Nations study on the impact of war on children. She was a Laureate of Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger from the Hunger Project in 1992 and in 1995 the Nansen Medal in recognition of her contribution to the welfare of refugee children and a member of the Africa Progress Panel.