The continent of Africa is the world's second most populous and largest landmass on Earth. The 54 African countries are home to hundreds of different cultural and ethnic groups. This diversity is also reflected in religion, food, dance, music, sports, and clothing. While there is so much to say about this rich continent, BASA primarily intends to acquaint the campus with some general information on it.
Origin of Humanity and Grand Civilization
The continent of Africa is often referred to as the cradle of humanity because it is where the oldest human fossils are found. Ethiopia, a country in the eastern region of Africa is home to Lucy the oldest Autralopithecus Afarensis. An analysis of Lucy’s bone structures revealed that she was able to walk and had a few other human characteristics even though her primate characteristics were more prevalent. Scientists estimate that the climate and geography of the eastern African region made it possible for the first primates to exist and according to human evolution, they later evolved and gave rise to humans among other species. Also often unknown is that Africa was home to many grand civilizations from the Egyptian civilization to the Nuba civilization that was located in modern day Sudan, Ethiopia as well was home to a large civilization, and one of its queens (Queen Sheba) is even mentioned in the Bible.
Food
Due to different climates and growing conditions, the ingredients for African cuisine are very diverse. However, certain foods are common to many regions. In northern Africa, spices such as saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves are common ingredients. Wheat and its by-product, semolina, are also popular. Semolina has been adapted into couscous, one of the main staples of the region.
Many people in Southern and Eastern Africa mainly rely on grains, beans and vegetables, with fish providing protein in coastal, lake or river regions. Arabic influences can be seen in East African cuisine. For example, steamed rice is served with spices such as saffron, cloves and cinnamon. Ground maize or corn is used as the basis for many meals. Maize flour is cooked with water to form a stiff porridge (called ugali or nsima in certain countries). Sometimes it's made into dough. This starchy staple is served with sauces or stews.
The cuisine of West Africa tends to rely on heavy starchy foods. West Africans tend to give their meals taste with hot spices and chilli peppers, or sauces such as peanut. A typical starchy food is Fufu which is made from yams, cocoyams , or cassava. It is served with soup or stews. Rice dishes are also widely eaten in the region. Fish, cattle, goat and sheep are raised, depending on the parts of the region, and these animals serve as a source of protein.
Plantains and cassava continue to form the basis of many meals in Central Africa. Starchy staples are often served with meat, bean or vegetable stews.
Many people in Southern and Eastern Africa mainly rely on grains, beans and vegetables, with fish providing protein in coastal, lake or river regions. Arabic influences can be seen in East African cuisine. For example, steamed rice is served with spices such as saffron, cloves and cinnamon. Ground maize or corn is used as the basis for many meals. Maize flour is cooked with water to form a stiff porridge (called ugali or nsima in certain countries). Sometimes it's made into dough. This starchy staple is served with sauces or stews.
The cuisine of West Africa tends to rely on heavy starchy foods. West Africans tend to give their meals taste with hot spices and chilli peppers, or sauces such as peanut. A typical starchy food is Fufu which is made from yams, cocoyams , or cassava. It is served with soup or stews. Rice dishes are also widely eaten in the region. Fish, cattle, goat and sheep are raised, depending on the parts of the region, and these animals serve as a source of protein.
Plantains and cassava continue to form the basis of many meals in Central Africa. Starchy staples are often served with meat, bean or vegetable stews.
Sports
While each of the 54 African countries has its own specific sporting preferences, soccer is widely recognized as Africa’s trademark sport. It is very common in Africa to see little boys, and sometimes girls, kicking a soccer ball around or playing an intense match. It is also quite common to hear young boys say that they aspire to become soccer players in the future. The sport is popularly referred to as “football” in Africa.
That being said, countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya have a strong rugby and cricket culture with both countries playing at the international level. In wealthier countries such as South Africa, golf is rising in popularity.
African countries are also represented in the International Olympics. African athletes, such as Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia, have been particularly successful in long-distance running events.
That being said, countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya have a strong rugby and cricket culture with both countries playing at the international level. In wealthier countries such as South Africa, golf is rising in popularity.
African countries are also represented in the International Olympics. African athletes, such as Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia, have been particularly successful in long-distance running events.
Notable People
There are so many notable people in the history of Africa and it would be hard to list all of them. Africa is a land of heroes, revolutionaries, environmentalists, and peace advocates. Some of the contemporary notable people are Nelson Mandela, Desmond Mpilo Tutu, who are both from South Africa and were involved in the fight against apartheid in this country and the peaceful transition that occurred afterwards. In Liberia president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee, who are true heroes and peace advocates have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year. Of course we have to mention the late Wangari Maathai who started the Green Built movement. This courageous and extraordinary woman fought arduously against the deforestation in her country (Kenya)and many other places. Constantly under pressure she never gave up and in 2004 her efforts were acknowledged worldwide when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Sources: http://www.our-africa.org/
http://library.thinkquest.org/C002739/AfricaSite/LMEvoluEarly.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/C002739/AfricaSite/LMEvoluEarly.htm