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.

Managing African Waters

International conventions like the London Convention aim to regulate marine waste disposal and protect African coastal ecosystems.

Like other continents, Africa faces environmental challenges related to marine pollution and waste disposal. The region has a combined total coastline of 30,725 kilometers or 19,091 miles. The London Convention and subsequent amendments and protocols set international standards for responsible waste disposal to protect African coastal waters and marine ecosystems.

African nations that are signatory parties to the London Convention must adhere to its provisions. This includes prohibiting the disposal of hazardous materials like high-level radioactive wastes in their respective maritime zones and exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

African Waters
African Waters

Waste Management in African Waters

In 1958, a significant decision was made during the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. It was agreed that "every State shall take measures to prevent pollution of the sea from dumping of radioactive wastes, taking into account any standards and regulations formulated by competent international organizations." At that time, the world was facing a growing concern related to the disposal of industrial wastes, including radioactive materials, into the oceans. This practice was seen as a potential threat to marine environments.

As the 1970s approached, the international community recognized the need for a comprehensive convention to regulate these activities and prevent marine pollution. The aim was to establish standardized procedures while discouraging actions that could harm the world's oceans. With time, there was increasing pressure, particularly from smaller countries not involved in ocean disposal, to further restrict waste disposal practices.

Then, in November 1993, a pivotal decision was reached: the disposal of industrial and radioactive wastes at sea was to be prohibited. This marked a significant milestone in the effort to protect our marine ecosystems.

The origins of these regulations can be traced back to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972. This led to the establishment of the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, commonly referred to as the London Convention 1972. This convention, which came into force in 1975, was instrumental in regulating materials disposed of in the marine environment.

High-level radioactive wastes

Within the London Convention, a system of categorization was created. It included black and grey lists. Substances on the blacklist were strictly prohibited from disposal except in trace quantities. Substances on the grey list were subject to special care measures, and their disposal required a special permit to ensure that it would not harm the marine environment.

High-level radioactive wastes (HLW) were placed on the blacklist, acknowledging their potential dangers. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was recognized as the competent international body in radioactive waste disposal and radiation protection. It was entrusted with the responsibility of defining HLW unsuitable for dumping at sea.

Other radioactive wastes and materials not on the black list, including low- and intermediate-level wastes, were placed on the grey list. Special permits were required to dispose of these materials, and this process was closely monitored to prevent adverse effects on the marine environment.

Coastal communities in Africa often rely on fishing and tourism as primary sources of livelihood. The London Convention and its associated regulations help protect the health of marine ecosystems and support the sustainability of these coastal economies.

Marine pollution knows no borders, and waste disposal in one part of the ocean can affect distant shores. Waste dumping activities in other parts of the world can influence Africa's coastal regions, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

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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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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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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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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