Wages, government and employment conditions for agricultural workers on a sisal plantation on the world’s fourth-largest island of Madagascar.

What is sisal?

Sisal plant

Sisal is a strong fiber from the spiny leaves of the agave plant. Sisal hemp, or henequen, is the name given to the cleaned and dried fiber of the cultivated varieties of the agave plant. The name sisal may have originated from having been first exported through the port of Sisal, in Yucatan.

In Africa, sisal is cultivated for fiber in Angola, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. In Tanzania and Kenya, sisal is predominantly a plantation crop as opposed to small-scale farming.

A coarse and strong fiber, sisal is used in fabrics, twine, ropes, string, yarn, carpets, mats, cigarette paper filters, and tea bags. Sisal is also used in composite materials for cars, furniture, and construction as well as in plastics and numerous paper products.

Sisal can also be used to add strength in cement mixtures for the development of low-cost housing and to replace asbestos in roofing and brake pads. In addition, it is an insulation material and can be made into fiberboard as a wood substitute.

Sisal is not the same fiber as jute. Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. The finest jute comes from the Bengal Delta Plain, mostly in Bangladesh and India. The stalks of the plant are harvested, bundled and soaked in water for about 20 days to soften the tissues and permit the fibers to be separated. The fibers are then stripped from the stalks, washed, dried and baled. Jute has a very soft feel similar to cotton.

Working on a sisal plantation in Madagascar

Sisal Plantation in Madagascar

Although the sisal leaves contain about 90% moisture, they are rigid and the fleshy pulp is very firm. The first cutting of leaves takes place 3 to 4 years after planting and averages 25 mature leaves per plant. The fibers that lie embedded longitudinally in the leaves, being most abundant near the leaf surfaces, must be removed from the leaves as soon as they are cut in order to avoid the risk of damage during the cleaning process.

A bruise or injury to them stains the fiber and lowers its quality. Fiber removal is done by scraping away the pulpy material, generally by a machine or by hand stripping. When all the leaves have been cut, the stalk is cut away and the old plant is replaced by a sucker or a plant from the nursery.

In the town of Amboasary Sud in the Anosy region of southeastern Madagascar, in 2011 a sisal plantation worker can earn a US salary of $15 working 10 days a month. In an area with over 220,000 people, the plantation takes up 80% of land suitable for growing crops in five of the 16 villages. This limits the space needed to grow other crops to add to the household food needs. Agriculture is the main source of income for households in Madagascar. Further, rice is the primary staple crop, accounting for almost 50% of all calorie consumption in the country.

Sisal farming uses large amounts of water for the production and cleaning process. Only around 4% of the plant is used and 96% is a waste by-product. There is the economic need for sisal fiber production as well as the need to increase food production, achieve poverty alleviation and improve environments in the arid and semi-arid areas of Madagascar where sisal is grown.

Saturday in Madagascar

Current Economy of Madagascar

Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the Madagascar economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing roughly 80% of the population. Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by bushfires, slash-and-burn clearing techniques, and the use of firewood as the primary source of fuel, are serious concerns to the agriculture-dependent economy. Madagascar produces around 80% of the world’s vanilla and its reliance on this commodity for most of its foreign exchange is a significant source of vulnerability.

Madagascar is a mostly unregulated economy with many untapped natural resources, but no capital markets, a weak judicial system, poorly enforced contracts, and rampant government corruption. Madagascar’s main export commodities are coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth, clothing, chromite, petroleum products, gems, ilmenite, cobalt, and nickel.

Exports of apparel boomed after gaining duty-free access to the US market in 2000 under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA); however, Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the AGOA led to the termination of the country's duty-free access in January 2010, a sharp fall in textile production, a loss of more than 100,000 jobs, and a GDP drop of nearly 11%, however, Madagascar regained AGOA access in January 2015.

Madagascar plantation taxi

Government and officials of Madagascar

Madagascar has been independent of France since June 26, 1960. The legal system is a civil law system based on the old French civil code and customary law in matters of marriage, family, and obligation. The government type is a semi-presidential republic which is a system of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the latter being responsible to the legislature of a state. The President of Madagascar is head of state and the Prime Minister of Madagascar is head of government.

Madagascar Key Leadership Roles as of September 2019

President
Andry Rajoelina

Prime Minister
Christian Ntsay

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries
Lucien Fanomezantsoa Ranarivelo

Minister of Communication and Culture
Lalatiana Andriantogarivo Rakotondrazafy

Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget
Richard Randriamandrato

Minister of Employment and Public Service
Gisele Ramampy

Minister of Energy, Water, and Hydrocarbons
Vonjy Andriamanga

Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development
Alexandre Georget

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Naina Andriantsitohaina

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Felicitee Madeleine Rajo-Fienena

Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Crafts
Ladisoa Rakotomalala

Minister of Interior and Decentralization
Tianarivelo Razafimahefa

Minister of Justice
Jacques Randrianasolo

Minister of Mining and Strategic Resources
Fidinarivo Ravokatra

Minister of National Defense
Leon Richard Rakotonirina

Minister of National Education and Professional Development
Marie Therese Volahaingo

Minister of Population
Irmah Lucien Naharimamy

Minister of Post, Telecommunication, and New Technology
Christian Ramarolahy

Minister of Public Health
Julio Rakotonirina

Minister of Public Security
Roger Rafanomezantsoa

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructures
Hajo Andrianainarivelo

Minister of Transport, Tourism, and Meteorology
Joel Randriamandranto

Minister of Youth and Sports
Tinoka Roberto

Sec. of State for Gendarmerie within the Minister of Defense
Richard Ravalomanana

Governor, Central Bank
Gaston Ravelojaona

Ambassador to the US
Eric Andriamihajamananirina Robson

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York
Arisoa Lala Razafitrimo



Many female African farmers lose crops due to disease and pest infestations. This inability to control endemic disease outbreaks means that African families fail to meet international trade standards and so lose market opportunities and opportunities to make a living to send children to school.

Part of the African Cuisine Hub — featuring African cooking techniques, ingredients, and traditional recipes from across the continent.

Green Bananas Culinary Creativity

Green bananas, also known as unripe bananas, are firm, starchy, and mildly tangy. Unlike their ripe yellow counterparts, they hold their shape beautifully when cooked and are perfect for savory African dishes like stews, curries, soups, and even chips. Green bananas are a delicious, healthy substitute for potatoes or yams and can even be mashed to thicken soups.

Green bananas are a perfect substitute for potatoes in many recipes.

Banana Facts and African Heritage

• Bananas float in water.
• Bananas are the most popular fruit in the world.
• Banana skins can be red, pink, purple, or black.

Over 1,000 varieties of bananas are grown and eaten worldwide. In Africa, bananas and plantains are essential staples and a source of livelihood for over 70 million people. East African Highland cooking bananas make up about 70% of all bananas grown on the continent.

Green banana stew for dinner tonight.

People in Central and East Africa consume more bananas per person than anywhere else—up to 440 pounds annually in Uganda, Rwanda, and Cameroon. Bananas thrive across the continent, from the fertile highlands to the Congo Basin, where plantains protect soil and provide food year-round.

Discover more in the African Ingredients Collection.

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African Green Banana Recipes

Fish and Green Banana Stew

• 4 medium fish fillets
• 12 green bananas, peeled and chopped
• ¼ cup freshly ground peanut butter
• 3 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 hot chili pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp palm oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: In a pot, sauté onions in palm oil until soft. Stir in peanut butter, green bananas, tomatoes, fish, and spices. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Serve over rice or as a stew.

Curried Green Bananas

• 6 green bananas, sliced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 hot chili pepper, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp palm oil

Directions: In a frying pan, sauté curry powder in oil for 1 minute. Add banana slices and fry lightly. Add chili, salt, and coconut milk. Simmer 20 minutes and serve over rice.

Green Banana Silver Dollar Pancakes

• 6 green bananas, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fine cornmeal
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp palm oil
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions: Mix grated banana with onion, cornmeal, salt, palm oil, and egg. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden. Serve as a snack or side with cheese or tomato sauce.

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What Is Palm Oil?

Palm oil for sale in Ghana.

The palm oil tree (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West and Central Africa. Palm oil is harvested year-round and used in countless African recipes. While it provides natural color and flavor, palm oil production also raises environmental concerns due to deforestation in tropical regions.

Explore more in the African Cooking Techniques Collection.

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The Banana Carbon Footprint

Bananas play a crucial role in African diets and global trade. However, understanding their carbon footprint is important. While 75% of Africa’s banana production is consumed locally, global exports contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through farming, shipping, and ripening. Sustainable local consumption remains the best approach.

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African Recipes by The African Gourmet

Ethiopian eggplants are small, bright red to orange, intensely flavored vegetables, similar in appearance to a tomato. Fruits and leaves of the Ethiopian Eggplant are eaten boiled, as a recipe ingredient of African soups and stews. Ethiopian Eggplants are usually picked when still green or slightly yellow and are typically grown in micro-gardens and small family gardens.

Three Ethiopian recipes, two recipes using Ethiopian eggplants and one for making the best Injera bread to eat with your Ethiopian eggplant stews by the African Gourmet.

Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 20 min

Spicy Ethiopian Eggplant Stew Recipe

Ingredients

4 sliced Ethiopian eggplants
1 small head cabbage, shredded
2 onions, sliced
2 cups baby carrots
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 large white potato, finely diced
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons oil
8 cups of water

Directions

In a large pot with a lid, lightly sauté onions with garlic add all ingredients to the pot cover and simmer for one hour. Serve with Ethiopian Injera bread.

About Ethiopian Eggplants

Ethiopian eggplants are a type of eggplant popular in parts of East Africa. Ethiopian eggplants are also a staple in many parts of Africa, where it is called garden egg in English and aubergine in French, among many other names in African languages.

This Solanacious vegetable resembles traditional or European eggplant; however, the fruit of Ethiopian eggplants is bitter and much smaller. The East African markets value Ethiopian eggplants for its bitterness.

There are two basic types of Ethiopian eggplants found in East Africa. One is called comprido verde claro and the other is called morro. Morro Redondo is considered bitterer than comprido verde claro.

The morro redondo type will also remain green, immature and therefore marketable, longer than comprido verde claro types. Ethiopian eggplants start out green and turn orange-red as it matures.

Ethiopian eggplants are popular mostly in Southeastern East Africa and countries with large East African populations.

Ethiopian eggplants are used in several ways in East African cuisine, including as an ingredient in main dishes, soups, and fried. Ethiopian eggplants are an ingredient in a tonic used as a home remedy for weight-loss teas, colds, and fevers.

Another African recipe by African Gourmet, Ethiopian Eggplant Recipe

Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 35 min

Ethiopian Eggplant Vegetable Stew

Ingredients
8 Ethiopian Eggplants, sliced and quartered pepper to taste
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ medium onion, sliced thin
1 medium yellow squash, sliced and quartered
1 medium zucchini, sliced and quartered
4 plum tomatoes, sliced and quartered
½ cup of water

Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add Ethiopian Eggplants and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Add water, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with injera bread.

Injera bread recipe to eat with your Ethiopian eggplant stew

Injera is a flatbread with a unique, spongy texture made from teff flour. Making Ethiopian, Somalian, Djibouti and Eritrea injera bread in African households come with practice.

At the very core, Ingria 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 is a flatbread with a unique, spongy texture and is made from teff flour. 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

Making Ingria bread by hand

Ingredients
2 cups teff flour
2 cups of 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.

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Instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Threat to Iconic National Parks and Wildlife

The ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has serious implications for the conservation of its renowned national parks, including Garamba National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Salonga National Park, and Virunga National Park. Political violence, fueled by more than 100 armed groups operating in the eastern DRC, directly threatens the biodiversity and habitats in these UNESCO-listed reserves.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve

The Role of DRC’s Forests in Africa’s Ecosystem

The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds half of Africa’s tropical rainforest, a critical region for global climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. As the second-largest rainforest in the world, the Congolese forests are home to many endemic species such as the bonobo, mountain gorilla, and okapi, which face imminent danger from the ongoing conflict.

Impact of Political Instability on Congolese National Parks

Political instability in the DRC has caused widespread displacement, with over 4.5 million internally displaced persons and nearly 800,000 refugees seeking asylum in neighboring countries. This displacement severely disrupts the management and protection of these critical natural habitats.

Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park

Garamba is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and home to the northern white rhinoceros and an endangered population of forest elephants. The park also houses other iconic species like giraffes, hippos, and rhinoceroses, which are at risk due to the park’s proximity to conflict zones.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Straddling the Albertine Rift and the Congo Basin, Kahuzi-Biega serves as a refuge for the critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas. The park’s unique biodiversity also includes species such as the chimpanzee, bongo, and the aquatic genet, all of which are increasingly threatened by illegal activities such as poaching and the expansion of armed conflicts.

African wildlife threatened by war

Okapi Wildlife Reserve

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is located in the northeast of the DRC and is one of the largest protected areas in the world. The reserve is home to around 5,000 okapi, a rare species related to the giraffe, along with a diverse range of primates, mammals, and birds, all of which are increasingly vulnerable due to the instability caused by militia groups and illegal logging activities.

Salonga National Park

As Africa’s largest tropical rainforest reserve, Salonga National Park plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. However, human encroachment, poaching, and illegal logging are putting immense pressure on its ecosystems. The park is home to endangered species like the dwarf chimpanzee and forest elephant, which are at risk due to these external pressures.

Virunga National Park

Located in the Albertine Rift, Virunga National Park is not only Africa’s most biodiverse park but also home to active volcanoes. The mountain gorillas that live here, along with hippopotamuses, elephants, and various other endemic species, are increasingly endangered by both human activity and the volatile political situation.

Albertine Rift

Conservation Challenges Amid Conflict

While these national parks are crucial for the survival of many species, they are facing enormous challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the DRC. The presence of over 100 armed groups, including the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces, exacerbates the difficulties in conservation efforts. Despite the presence of more than 16,000 UN peacekeepers, the situation remains dire, with armed groups controlling vast areas of these parks, making them increasingly inaccessible for wildlife monitoring and protection efforts.

Protecting Africa’s Natural Heritage

The situation in the DRC highlights the need for global collaboration to protect not only the endangered species in the region but also the broader ecosystems that are critical to Africa’s environmental health. Urgent action is required to address the political instability and provide adequate resources for wildlife conservation in these parks.

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