African diets 1/3 African Food Systems, Crops, and Cultural Food Taboos

A food system includes all elements and activities involved in the (5) of food,

and their outcomes on: (5)

A food system includes all elements and activities

involved in the

production,

processing,

distribution,

preparation, and

consumption of

food,

and their outcomes on

nutrition,

health,

society,

economy, and the

environment.

What factors influence the diversity of African food systems? 3

Ecological, cultural, and economic factors.

What are key challenges faced by African food systems? 4

Poverty, inequality, climate change, and food insecurity.

Which organization identifies five priority areas for African food system improvement?

FSNet-Africa.

What are FSNet-Africa's five priority areas?

Food system governance,

Indigenous crops & African foods,

Innovations for smallholder farmers,

Consumer preferences,

Food loss and waste (food loss at production level, food waste at consumer level)

Name examples of indigenous African crops that support nutrition and resilience. 4

Egusi,

moringa,

sweet potato leaves,

and cowpea.

What is required for sustainable transformation of African food systems? 4

Inclusive governance, climate-smart innovations, reduced food loss, and recognition of traditional knowledge.

Why is multi-stakeholder collaboration important in African food systems?

It supports resilient and equitable food systems that benefit diverse communities.

10 Most Popular Foods in Africa

1. meat cooked over charcoal

2. fried plantain

3. fufu - pounded yams, starchy foods, cassava

4. biryani, pilau

5. piri piri sauce

6. ugali/ sadza/ nsima: maize mill dough

7. injera

8. mafe-west africa: stew with meat simmered in ground peanut sauce

9.fried wheat dough sweet or savoury

10. tagine -berber meat

where did Jollof rice originate

west africa - nigeria

what is semolina made from

Comes from durum wheat endosperm

what piece of evidence that African foods are trending in North

America

Whole foods predicts that

- traditional West African

flavours and foods will become very

popular

- african cereal grains will become more widespread

such millet, teff, and srghum

Diet may be influenced by religions such as 2

- what region is each religion most popular

Diet may be influenced by religions such as Eastern Orthodox

Christian (Ethiopia) and

Islam (e.g., Northern Africa and

Nigeria), as well as numerous local food taboos.

Which African populations are more likely to be lactase persistent?

Some African herder groups, such as pastoral communities who rely on cattle and goats.

What types of milk are commonly consumed by herding communities in Africa?

Cow's milk and goat's milk.

Which African countries tend to consume more dairy products, and why?

Countries with larger European populations, like South Africa, where lactase persistence is more common.

Where are fish commonly consumed in Africa?

In coastal regions and areas near lakes.

What are common animal protein sources in Africa? 6

Cow, sheep, goat, camel, chicken, and wild game (bush meat).

Why might red meat not be consumed often or in large amounts?

Economic constraints make red meat less affordable.

Is protein deficiency a concern in some African regions?

Yes, protein deficiency is common in certain areas.

What is bush meat?

Bush meat refers to wild animal species hunted for food.

What are the benefits of bush meat for humans?

Bush meat is a source of valuable protein for humans.

What is a risk associated with bush meat consumption?

It risks the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Stew, soup, or sauce is served with a carbohydrate such as: 6

Stew, soup, or sauce is served with a carbohydrate such as:

– rice (e.g., West Africa)

– couscous (North Africa)

– plantains (starchy cooking bananas)

– an unleavened wheat flat bread (chapatti of South Asian origin, often East Africa)

– a fermented teff or sorghum flat bread/ injera (often Ethiopia)

- a stiff mash or porridge (ugali or fufu) made from maize (mostly in East Africa),

coarse grains (sorghum, millet),

plantains, or tubers (yams or cassava, mostly in West Africa)

what tool can be used to make fufu

wooden pestle and mortar

Tanzanian meals

- two examples

Corn porridge (ugali), vegetable

sauce, fried plantain, fried white

potato, goat, vegetables

Stew with pasta

Food insecurity exists due to 5

Food insecurity exists due to

climate change (drought, flooding, locusts),

agricultural practices,

poverty,

war and

civil unrest.

What does 'hidden hunger' refer to?

Micronutrient deficiencies that may not show obvious signs but harm health.

Which group commonly experiences hidden hunger in sub-Saharan Africa?

Many women.

Which micronutrient deficiencies are common among women in sub-Saharan Africa? 4

Iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc.

How does undernutrition impact early childhood development?

It compromises brain and central nervous system development.

What is one harmful cultural practice affecting infant nutrition?

In some regions, newborns are deprived of colostrum.

Why might pregnant women refuse iron supplements?

Some associate pills with illness or disease and may avoid taking them.

Which groups are most often targeted by food taboos in some African regions?

Women of reproductive age and children.

What types of foods are commonly restricted by food taboos?

Protein-rich animal foods and micronutrient-rich foods.

Which protein-rich foods may be considered taboo for pregnant women in parts of Africa?

Meat, fish, eggs, and legumes.

Why might children be restricted from eating eggs in some communities?

Due to cultural beliefs or taboos, even though eggs are nutritious.

Why are oranges and orange juice taboo during pregnancy in some South African communities?

They are believed to cause the baby to be born with yellow skin and eyes.

Why is fish considered taboo for pregnant women in some parts of South Africa?

It is believed the baby will be born with scales and a skin rash.

Why might pregnant women avoid chicken in certain South African traditions?

There is a belief that the child may grow up walking like a chicken.

Why are baboon and vervet meat taboo during pregnancy in some South African cultures?

They are believed to cause the child to be naughty and behave like a monkey.

Why is antelope meat avoided by some pregnant women in South Africa?

It is believed the baby will behave like an antelope.