African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

African Female Farmers Are Angry

There is a growing concern for the safety and protection of African women farmers who are facing challenges such as shady land purchases, and social, cultural, and legal barriers. Their anger towards these issues cannot be ignored, and it is essential to address and provide assistance to ensure their safety and well-being.

Women are the backbone of agriculture in Africa

Despite progress in gender equality worldwide, women are still largely excluded from farming roles. This inequality is a result of various social, cultural, and legal barriers that prevent women from participating in the financial aspects of farming. However, if women were given more opportunities to fund their own farms, especially in Africa, it could lead to greater rural prosperity and more balanced economic growth in the region.

The agricultural sector has always been a crucial aspect of African life. Women farmers play a pivotal role in this industry, whether they cultivate crops for personal consumption or for commercial purposes. Globally, women are assigned specific roles in various sectors.

In many cultures, women have traditionally been tasked with the responsibility of preparing food for their families. Interestingly, despite the fact that nearly half of the agricultural workers in sub-Saharan Africa are women, their farms tend to be less productive than those run by men in the same region.

Agriculture has always played a fundamental role in the lives of people on the African continent.

Millions of female African farmers face a range of problems, including traditional attitudes of the role of women, being denied access to owning land and claiming the land of a dead spouse or relative land not understanding their right under the law, access to credit and productive farm inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and farming tools and problems obtaining loans.

Africa's Progress Panel report in March 2018 shed light on a concerning issue - the limited access to formal financial services among Africans. The report revealed that only one in five Africans has any form of account at a formal financial institution. This financial exclusion is particularly prevalent among the poor, rural dwellers, and women, creating significant disadvantages for these groups and hindering efforts to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth.

In several African countries, including Cameroon, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Nigeria, the gender gap in financial inclusion is particularly pronounced. This is significant because smallholder farmers, predominantly women, play a crucial role in national food security and nutrition strategies. Enhancing the productivity and success of women farmers is vital for ensuring food availability and reducing hunger in these nations.

Access to financial services such as credit, savings, and insurance can make a significant difference in the lives of women farmers. By having access to credit, they can secure funds to invest in their agricultural activities and purchase improved seeds, fertilizers, and necessary equipment. This access to finance enables them to increase productivity, improve the quality of their produce, and adopt sustainable farming practices.

Moreover, financial services like savings and insurance provide a safety net for women farmers. In regions prone to drought or other climate-related risks, insurance can protect them against crop failures and other unforeseen challenges. This risk mitigation allows women farmers to manage their resources more effectively and make informed decisions about their farming activities.

Empowering women farmers with financial inclusion not only strengthens their economic resilience but also contributes to broader social development. When women have control over financial resources, they can invest in their families well-being, including healthcare, education, and nutrition. This investment in human capital has long-term benefits for communities and helps break the cycle of poverty.

To address the issue of financial exclusion and promote gender equality in agriculture, governments, financial institutions, and development organizations must work collaboratively. Efforts should focus on creating accessible and affordable financial products tailored to the specific needs of women farmers. This includes facilitating the establishment of savings groups, providing financial literacy training, and expanding the reach of microfinance institutions in rural areas.

Furthermore, policymakers should promote an enabling environment that supports women's economic empowerment and encourages financial institutions to extend their services to underserved populations. This can be achieved through regulatory reforms, innovative technology solutions, and targeted investments in infrastructure and digital connectivity.

By bridging the gender gap in financial inclusion and empowering women farmers with access to finance, African countries can unlock the full potential of their agricultural sector. This, in turn, will contribute to improved food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth, benefitting both individuals and the entire continent.


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Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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