African Storytelling for Transforming African Food System

By Misheck Nyirongo

AFRICAN food systems are at a crossroads. With the continent facing challenges such as climate change, population growth, and malnutrition, it's time to rethink the way we produce, consume, and interact with food.

African storytelling offers a powerful tool for transforming food systems, by amplifying voices, preserving culture, and inspiring change. Storytelling has long been an integral part of African culture, passing down traditions, values, and knowledge from generation to generation.

By harnessing this power, we can:

·       Preserve traditional food ways and cultural heritage

·       Amplify the voices of small-scale farmers and local food producers

·       Promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture practices

·       Celebrate African cuisine and its diversity

·       Inspire young people to take up careers in agriculture and food systems

Through African storytelling, we can create a movement that transforms food systems, prioritizes sustainability, and celebrates African culture. To take us on this journey, as we uncover the stories and flavours that will shape the future of African food, the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB), in collaboration with SCOPE Zambia, CARITAS Zambia and CSO-SUN organized the launch of the Barefoot Guide. This event was part of the broader" Transforming the African Food System to Sustainability" (TAFS)project.

The Barefoot Guide promotes agroecology and the nutritional and economic value of local foods, aligning with the national effort to build resilient and sustainable food systems It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at the launch of the "My Food is African" Barefoot Guide.

This publication is not just a book; it is a celebration of Africa's rich and diverse agricultural heritage, a beacon of hope for food sovereignty, and a testament to the resilience of our communities. This event, themed "My Food is African," captured the essence of celebrating - vibrant embroidery of culture, tradition, and sustainable food systems.

Celebrating Africa's Agricultural Heritage:

Africa's agricultural history is as old as time itself, deeply rooted in our cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Our continent is blessed with a vast array of unique, nutritious, and delicious foods, each telling a story of the people and places they come from. These foods are more than just sustenance; they are the essence of our identity, away of life, our heritage, and our pride. The Barefoot Guide summarizes this heritage, highlighting the importance of these foods in our daily lives and their role in shaping our future.

The Role of Sustainable Farming in Food Sovereignty:

In today's world, where industrial agriculture often overshadows traditional farming, it is crucial to advocate for sustainable farming practices like agroecology. These practices are not only environmentally friendly but also essential for maintaining the biodiversity that Africa is renowned for. The Barefoot Guide emphasizes the role of smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of our food systems. By supporting local markets and promoting sustainable farming, we ensure that our communities are not just food secure but also food sovereign, with the power to control their food systems.

Preserving and Passing on Traditional Knowledge:

Our traditional food knowledge is a treasure of wisdom passed down through storytelling from one generation to the next. It encompasses not only the methods of cultivation but also the preparation, preservation, and sharing of food. This knowledge is at risk of being lost in the face of modern agricultural practices and consumption patterns. The "My Food is African" Campaign aims to revive Zambians ’interest in local foods - our culturally appropriate foods which are diverse, nutritious, healthy, colourful and easy to produce.

The Barefoot Guide serves as a crucial resource for preserving and communicating this knowledge, ensuring that it is passed onto future generations through stories, plays, music etc. It is a call to action for all of us to value and protect the wisdom of our ancestors.

A Call to Action for the Future:

Dr. Kampengele Muntanga Mapani made a call to action, “As we celebrate the launch of this guide, let us not forget thechallenges that lie ahead. Climate change, land degradation, and the loss ofbiodiversity are just a few of the issues threatening our food systems. However, with challenges come opportunities.”

“Opportunities to innovate; adapt and build resilient food systems that can withstand the tests of time. This guide is not just a celebration of what was, but a roadmap for what can be a future whereAfrican food systems are sustainable, equitable, and just,” Dr. Kampengele Muntanga Mapani noted.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, let us take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. Let us work together to ensure that the rich heritage captured inthe "My Food is African" Barefoot Guide is not only preserved but also shared, nurtured and celebrated. Our future and the future of our children depend on the choices we make today. Let us choose to perpetuate our traditions, protect our environment, and ensure a prosperous and healthy future for all.

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