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Showing posts from February, 2017

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 cashew farmers positive and negative impacts

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Africa is the center of the cashew world, producing well over 40 percent of the world's cashew nuts. Cashew plantations are owners and issues. Cashew plantations are owned primarily by men in Africa, as women and migrants have difficulty obtaining access to land ownership. For most growers, work in the plantations is manual and involves the use of manual hand tools.  Growers with large cashew plantations use animals to work the land, in rare cases heavy machinery; in all cases, family labor makes an important contribution. Most African cashew nuts are shipped raw and unprocessed directly to processing factories in Asia, where they are turned into kernels for the European, American and Asian markets.  Cashew growing has a positive environmental impact in that it serves to protect, conserve and reconstitute the land. In Cote d’Ivore, Mozambique, Tanzania, Benin, Guinea Bissau, Togo, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, cashew trees are usually grown in areas that are suitable for growin...

Five I’m That Chick African Proverbs

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Five I’m That Chick African Proverbs What are the qualities of a real woman? I'm That Chick African Proverbs teaches us what are the fascinating characteristics of highly desirable women. 5 I’m That Chick African Proverbs I'm That Chick African Proverbs The spirit of womanhood consists of truth and openness, which are meant both to please ourselves, and to make others comfortable with real women. Womanhood is the goodness of heart put into daily practice; there can be no true womanhood without kindness, transparency, honesty, and awareness. I'm That Chick African Proverbs Many believe that a strong woman is but a mask worn in the world meant to conceal fragility and weak minded impulses, and to make a show of strength not really existing in the heart. That womanhood is merely hypocrisy and camouflage. I'm ...

Bad Sister African Folklore Story

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Bad Sister African Folklore Story Mushonga the Bad Sister is a popular South African Folklore story of brutal jealousy and an obsession that ends in the horrific murders of three innocent brothers. Bad Sister  Bad Sister African Folklore of Poor Jealous Mushonga. Mushonga was the only daughter of Lightning and Rain . One day, Lightning’s three sons from another marriage came to visit their baby sister for the first time in 15 years. Mushonga did not know her three brothers though the township people said, "Do not you see they are your brothers?" Mushonga was jealous she was no longer her father’s center of attention and decided to kill her three brothers that very night. The three brothers had, however, a Guinea fowl who watched over them their entire journey to their father’s house. Mushonga begged her boyfriend and his four brothers to help her in her murderous plans and they agreed. However, when the men crept near, in order ...

Why are conflict minerals called conflict minerals

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Conflict minerals fuel, fund and sustain armed violence in Africa. Materials used in cell phones have a direct influence on Africa's armed conflicts. Materials used to make cell phones have a direct influence on human rights abuse in Africa Why are conflict minerals called conflict minerals? Africa has 54 countries and 15 African countries are fighting wars and involved in perpetual violence. Conflict-Minerals 3TG. Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank-Act; disclosing the use of the conflict-minerals or 3TG, tantalum, tin, gold and tungsten in Africa. Food is not the main imported item into Africa however; machinery and equipment top the list. Machinery and equipment used to mine minerals. Pick any household electronic at random such as a cell phone, a remote control, or a laptop and it probably contains minerals mined in Africa. Companies that are required to file a Conflict-Minerals Report must exercise due diligence on the sou...

Fried Cassava Garri Fritters

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Fried Cassava Garri Fritters Garri fried fritters is a popular West African food made from cassava flour and fried until golden brown served with African soups and stews. West African Fried Garri Fritters Recipe African recipes by African Gourmet Golden brown Garri Fritters are a favorite recipe of Western Africa made with ground cassava flour and spices fried into delicious snacks. Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 10 Total time: 20 min By Chic African Culture African food recipe West African Garri Fritters Recipe Ingredients 2 cups cassava flour 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 - 1/3 cups water 1-2 cups oil for frying Directions In a large frying pan heat vegetable oil. Add all ingredients, mix well and form small fritters, fry until golden brown about 3 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with extra salt or curry powder before se...

Homemade African Suya Meat Rub Recipe

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Let's make an easy suya meat rub like they do in Nigeria’s capital city of Lagos. What are Suya Joints? Suya Spots in Africa three facts. Suya is a street food that defies ethnic and racial boundaries.  Suya sellers create delicious street food from the flames of charcoal grills.  Suya spots are Lagos equivalent to happy hour. Mai Suya, often referred to as Mallam are people who make their living by selling roasted Suya, a spicy skewered meat that is a popular delicacy among many African ethnic groups.  However, Suya is a street food that defies ethnic and racial boundaries, as even non-locals enjoy it as much as locals.  Nigeria’s capital city of Lagos generates about a quarter of Nigeria's total gross domestic product; this is due to impart of the local entrepreneurs, the Suya seller. Cheap eats, good friends African happy hour  One of the most prominent ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria, the Hausa tribe traditionally prepares Suya. Suya sellers...

Sweet and Savory Deep-Fried Peanut Snack

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Kuli Kuli is made from roasted groundnuts ground into a rough paste mixed with sweet and savory spices deep-fried. High protein Kuli Kuli African Fusion groundnut snack recipe. Ingredients 1 cup roasted Bambara groundnuts or peanuts 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground paprika ¼ teaspoon salt Peanut oil for grinding Directions Grind nuts and spices in a food processor adding enough oil to make a rough paste. Shape the peanut paste into balls. Roll Kuli Kuli in coconut flakes or chocolate chips for an African Fusion twist. Serve as a snack. Did you know, Groundnuts and peanuts are used interchangeably but are not the same. The name groundnut generally refers to the peanut even though the Bambara variety was cultivated in West Africa hundreds of years before the introduction of the peanut. Bambara groundnuts taste like chickpeas with a very mild flavor. Read more food recipes about Africa Fried Coconut Garden Eggs Eggplants Easy Vegetarian Sweet Potato Curr...

African Cultures are Fading Away

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African traditions are passed on through generations, but Africans gradually lose many indigenous traditions and rituals. On the one hand, globalization has opened up new avenues for cultural exchange and appreciation. African traditions, music, art, and cuisine have gained international recognition and appreciation, allowing for the celebration and preservation of diverse cultural practices. This exposure has created opportunities for Africans to share their rich heritage with the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. On the other hand, the melting pot effect of globalization has brought challenges to indigenous African cultures. The introduction of foreign concepts, principles, and behaviors can result in the decline of customary practices and lifestyles. The spread of Westernization and homogenization are worrying as they are influenced by the worldwide media, consumerism, and Western beliefs, which impact native cultures and could lead to unique traditions...

Two youngest African billionaires

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Two youngest African billionaires as Africa's number of billionaires are increasing. Two youngest African billionaires are Mohammed Dewji, 41 and Isabel dos Santos, 43. Africa currently has many African billionaires; Mohammed Dewji is ranked 16th and is the youngest at age 41, his current net worth is 1.4 billion. Isabel dos Santos is ranked 8th with a net worth of 3.2 billion at age 43.  African Billionaire Mohammed Dewji African billionaire Tanzania’s richest man and Africa’s 31st richest man Name: Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji Net Worth: $1.4 Billion Age: 41 Source of Wealth: Diversified Residence: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Citizenship: Tanzania Marital Status: Married Children: 3 Most Memorable Quote: “Every good and bad experience in life will teach you something. Choosing how to learn from your past shapes who you are today” Tanzania's only African billionaire Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji is a Tanzanian businessperson, humani...

Feet are the best part of the chicken recipe

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Chicken feet dishes are considered a delicacy in many parts of Africa learn how to prepare chicken feet recipes the easy way. Feet are the best part of the chicken recipe Chicken feet dishes and recipes are found all over the world. Chicken feet are unused in many parts of the world but are considered a delicacy in many parts of Africa. The African Gourmet will show you how to prepare chicken feet recipes the easy way. Chicken feet are available to many people at affordable prices. How to prepare chicken feet the best way is with the African food recipe of chicken feet sauteed with wild mustard green leaves. Chicken feet have a unique flavor of sharp mustard greens and sauteed with chicken feet simmered into a delicious and easy chicken feet African food recipe. African food recipes are easy to make at home. Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 20 min Total time: 30 min Feet are the best part of the chicken recipe Ingredients 4 cleaned and prepared chicken feet cut i...

African Wild Pigs

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Facts about African wild pigs Learn about a face only a mother could love African wild pigs also known as warthogs. 1.   African wild pigs live in many countries of Africa; Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 2.         Scientific name of African wild pig is Phacochoerus aethiopicus. 3.         Warthogs are a wild member of the pig family. 4.         African wild pigs are very strong, smart animals. 5.         Adult males average 28 to 30 inches long and 250 pounds; adult females average 25 to 28 inches long and 150 pounds. 6.         African wild pig average lifespan is 15 years. 7.         African wild pig are omnivo...

Farming African Lions

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Hunting of lions in fenced areas is called canned hunting where a fully-grown, captive bred lion is taken from its pen to an enclosed area where it tracked for hours before being shot dead by trophy hunters and it is all completely legal.  There are now more lions held in captivity, upwards of 5,000 in Africa than live wild, about 2,000. Canned lion hunting on lion farms and private hunting reserves in South Africa guarantee hunters easy trophy heads in exchange for upwards of $50,000 by hunting lions born and bred in cages.   Killing Lions Born and Raised on Farms According to Wildlife Extra, tourist hunters kill around 105,000 animals per year, including around 640 elephants, 3,800 buffalo, 600 lions, and 800 leopards. The great majority of lion populations in Africa have declined. Every single day in South Africa, around three caged bred lions are being killed in canned hunts while hundreds more are slaughtered annually for the lion bone trade. Captive lion breeders ...

United States Executive Order 13769 Muslim Bans

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Libya, Sudan and Somalia are three Muslim African Countries on President Donald Trump executive order immigration ban. Executive Order 13769, titled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States. Trump's executive order 13769 on immigration bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days. About Sudan Executive Order 13769 Sudan is situated in northern Africa, with a coastline bordering the Red Sea. It sits at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Sudan, the Muslim population is 97%. Sudan's development has been plagued by ongoing conflicts, most notably the Darfur conflict, which began around 2003 when several rebel groups took up arms against the government in Khartoum which still continue today. Sudan's President, Omar al-Bashir, was charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, incl...

Peppery Breadfruit Fritters

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Super Simple Breadfruit Recipe Breadfruit may not be the first item you reach for in the supermarket, but the large, protein nutrient-rich breadfruit is a staple food in sub-Saharan Africa. Peppery Breadfruit Fritters African Recipes by African Gourmet   African breadfruit fritters are deep-fried and scrumptious; the fritters are a tasty blend of savory and peppery. Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 10 min Total time: 20 min Peppery Breadfruit Fritters Ingredients 1/2 cup cooked breadfruit, mashed 1 cup cassava flour 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon salt Oil for frying Directions In a large bowl add all ingredients and mix well, add just enough water so the mixture will make small soft balls with the dough. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, place fritters on a paper towel to soak up excess oil and serve warm. Did you kn...