Posts

Showing posts from September, 2020
Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

View citations →

Start Your African Journey

From political insights through food to traditional wisdom and modern solutions - explore Africa's depth.

Blackman and White Snake Folklore Story

Image
Short African folklore story Blackman and White Snake there are countless versions of the same folklore story but the lesson learned does not change. Understanding the significance of this African Folklore story may help in the solution of difficult real life probelms teenagers and adults face daily. White Snake Blackman and White Snake Folklore Story A Blackman was walking by himself and saw a small white snake lying under a large rock. The white snake begged his help; but when she had become free she said, "Now I will bite you!" The Blackman answered, "That is not right! Let us first go to spider." When spider had heard the affair, he said, "It is right." "No," said the Blackman, "Let us ask scorpion!" Scorpion declared the same, saying, "It is right." "Now let us ask bird," said the Blackman in his despair. The bird answered very slowly and considerately, doubting the whole affair, and demanding to see f...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

How to measure Africa's overall success

Image
Africa’s Human Development Index or HDI is a numerical scale from 1 to 189 used to measure an African country's overall success in its education and economic measurements using data from long and healthy life, access to education, high Gross National Income creating an adequate standard of living. One the best 189 the worst Human Development Index ranking scores explanied. In regards to HDI rankings, Norway is ranked 1, The United States of America is ranked 15 and Niger in West Africa is ranked 189 the lowest HDI score possible. 1. HDI health measurement is calculated by life expectancy at birth. 2. HDI education aspect is measured by average of years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and older and expected years of schooling for children of school entering age. 3. The GNI or Gross National Income is in US dollars and is the money earned in a year per person before any tax income is deducted, the HDI standard of living component is measured by gross national income for e...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Somalia Bananas and Warlords

Image
In Somalia up until 1990, before warlords, insecurity, drought and poor infrastructure over 20 years has led to a collapse of Somali banana industry. Watering banana seedlings. Before the beginning of the reign of terror of Somali civil war and drought; Somalia was the largest banana exporter in Eastern Africa. The banana industry was vital in Somalia with exports mainly to Italy and Middle Eastern markets. Somalia is closer to Middle Eastern main ports and can thus provide fresher bananas at lower transport cost than bananas from other countries. In the midst of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, the banana offered a small glimmer of hope for Somalis trying to reclaim economic harmony. Due to the civil war, warlords, poor roads and storage facilities, which result in much spoilage and high prices far from producing areas, hunger and malnutrition were some of the major causes of suffering for significant sections of the population. Before the civil war, almost all ba...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Air Afrique: Africa's Lost Aviation Dream and The Future of Continental Travel

Image
Air Afrique: Africa's Lost Aviation Dream From Pan-African vision to SAATM — tracing the continent's journey toward unified skies and economic integration. In 1961, a revolutionary idea took flight: a pan-African airline that would connect the continent and symbolize unity. Air Afrique represented more than just transportation—it embodied the dream of a connected, self-reliant Africa. Though it ultimately failed, its legacy lives on in today's efforts to create a Single African Air Transport Market. Air Afrique represented a bold vision for pan-African connectivity and economic cooperation The Rise and Fall of a Pan-African Vision 1961: Air Afrique launched as a joint venture between 11 Francophone African nations, Air France, and Union Aéromaritime de Transport. Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, it aimed to promote unity and development through air travel. 1970s: The airline expanded ra...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Number of Doctors in Africa

Image
The qualified healthcare worker shortage in Africa is felt keenly by the poor as HIV AIDS is the biggest killer second Diarrhea diseases third Malaria.  This article provides data from The World Health Organization on the number of generalist and specialist physicians per 1,000 of the population in Africa but first, the facts. The shortage of qualified healthcare workers brings significant social and economic losses to individuals and society at large. Out of 54 African countries, only one African country, Mauritius meets the criteria established by The World Health Organization. The World Health Organization states 23 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 populations would be sufficient to achieve coverage of primary healthcare needs. African countries that fall below this minimum threshold struggle to provide skilled care to pregnant women, at birth through old age as well as emergency and specialized services. This has direct consequences on the numbers of deaths...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Tasting African History Through Street Food

Image
Zowey is a popular street food in Ghana made from peanut butter, flour and ginger spices, Puff-puff from Nigeria is a traditional African snack similar to a large hot fresh doughnut hole,  Kelewele is also popular for breakfast in Ghana. The number of street food vendors in Africa is unknown but the historic economic, social and cultural value of street food in Africa throughout history is priceless. Tasting African History Through Street Food. Working on average 10 hours per day street food for many African people becomes the only way to earn a living, and street food vending, in particular, represents one of the easiest and viable jobs, as it requires little start-up capital. Limited access to credit is a major barrier to the growth of the street food enterprises. Food vendors need a license to legally trade in many places in Africa. However neither at the national nor at local level, in Africa there is no framework policy or law specifically regulating street food vending. Str...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Average of 78% of people in Africa are without internet access

Image
Top 10 African Countries with the lowest internet access. Average of 78% of people in Africa are without internet access, phone and computer internet access is failing to reach one billion people in Africa. Equatorial Guinea 0.2% Eritrea 1.2% Somalia 1.9% Democratic Republic of the Congo 3.8% Guinea-Bissau 3.8% Niger 4.3% Central African Republic 4.6% Madagascar 4.7% Chad 5% Burundi 5.2% = 3.74% average internet access for 10 African countries. Top 10 African Countries with the highest internet access. Morocco 58.3% Seychelles 56.5% South Africa 54% Mauritius 53.2% Tunisia 50.9% Cabo Verde 48.2% Gabon 48.1% Uganda 45.9% Algeria 42.9% Egypt 41.3% = 49.9% average internet access for 10 African countries. How does Africa compare to the rest of the world for internet access? The United States of America 76.2% United Kingdom 94.8% China 53.2% Brazil 59.7% Japan 92% Russia 76.4% Mexico 59.5% Germany 89.6% Africa 22% Average of 78% of people in Africa ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Average Age of People in Africa

Image
List of African countries by median age of the total population and male and female median ages. Which African country has the youngest population. Niger with an average age of 14.8 years old is the youngest country in Africa and the youngest country in the world. Which African country has the oldest population. Seychelles with an average age of 36.8 years old is the oldest country in Africa. What is the average age of the world population; 31 years old. The age demographics for Africa is very young, in fact Niger is the youngest country in the world; 19 out of 20 youngest countries in the world are in Africa. Top 20 youngest countries in the world. Niger 14.8 years old. Uganda 15.7 years old. Angola 15.9 years old. Mali 16 years old. Chad 16.1 years old. Democratic Republic of the Congo 16.7 years old. Malawi 16.8 years old. Zambia 16.9 years old. Mozambique 17 years old. Benin 17 years old. Burundi 17.7 years old. Burkina Faso 17.9 years old. Liberia 18...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

Africa Worldwide: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor's Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges.

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.