African Food Changemakers

This episode explores sorghum’s journey from an ancient African grain, considered 'poverty food' in Africa, to becoming a trendy, gluten-free superfood in the West. Featuring insights from Chef Mokgadi Itsweng, Rachel Klataske of New Life Market, and Malobi Ogbechie of Kadan Kadan, we investigate its current renaissance and Africa’s potential to be a hub for innovation in the global sorghum market.  

Explore the transformative potential of cassava, a starchy root vegetable increasingly popular in the West due to rising gluten sensitivities and climate change. Featuring insights from industry trailblazers such as Yemesi Iranloye, Chef Pierre Thiam, and Dr. Tony Bello, the episode explores cassava's journey from African farms to global markets, its diverse applications, and its promising future as a sustainable crop. Listen in to discover how cassava could revolutionize not just diets, but economies worldwide. 

This episode of Plates Without Borders, hosted by Chisom Enelemah and Chika Dunga and produced by African Food Changemakers, delves into the significant but unrecognized role of the kola nut in the history of Coca-Cola. It explains how Coca-Cola's name and original recipe were inspired by the African kola nut and the coca plant from South America. Guests include Chef Maria Bradford, author Mark Pendergrast, and Karma Foundation's chairman, Albert Tucker, who discuss the cultural, historical, and economic impact of the kola nut. The episode highlights efforts to revive the kola nut's prominence, particularly through ethical business practices of companies like Karma Drinks, which work directly with West African farmers. Chef Maria Bradford adds insights into using kola nuts in culinary traditions. The episode concludes by urging listeners to appreciate the authentic flavor of the kola nut through products like Karma Cola. 

Teff is just as unique as it is good. The source of its goodness starts in the vast fields where it is cultivated and thereafter harvested. With over 15 varieties cultivated in Ethiopia, it is a traditional staple food that is gluten-free, has lots of dietary benefits, and is consumed by over 70 million Ethiopians daily. Tune in to gain more insights about this super grain and how it is changing the narrative of African foods. Disclaimer; This episode is strictly for educational purposes.

There’s a reason why okra is called the gift that never stops giving! With a seemingly inexhaustible list of uses, from skincare to hair care, as a source of fuel and perhaps most popular - as an integral part of the food culture in the land from which it originates. Listen on to learn more about okra, its origins, uses and other little-known facts. Disclaimer; This episode is strictly for educational purposes.

WHAT’S IN YOUR STOCKING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?So, by now many of us have the tree up, as well as stockings hung and hampers packed. One item that’s almost never missing from those stockings and hampers? – Chocolate! But do you have any idea WHERE your chocolate comes from and all that goes on behind the scenes before the chocolate finds it’s way to the store shelves? Listen on to find out.

  “BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE…”Or for you it might be warm outside <lol> but world over the temperatures have dropped for many and folks are trying to keep warm as best they can. Thinking of more healthy beverage options? Well, we present to you – Rooibos tea! What is that you say? Well listen to find out.

Africa is arguably the most exciting coffee-producing continent. This rich, dark beverage enjoyed around the world pays homage to its African roots, no matter where it’s enjoyed. Our continent not only produces fruity coffee beans, but coffee is intricately tied to cultural norms and practices. From the highlands of Ethiopia where coffee was first discovered, to the rich soils of Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Malawi. In this episode we take a deep dive into Africa’s coffee, highlighting the 19 countries that boast quality coffee, exploring coffee culture, and predicting the future of our morning java.The episode features industry experts Sara Yirga, Founder and CEO of YA Coffee, and Vern Long, CEO of World Coffee Research.

In this podcast episode, we had a most insightful conversation with Kevin Govender, an expert on the subject of shared economies and author of "The Rise of the Sharing Economy: Access is the New Ownership". Kevin takes us through everything we need to know about how African agribusinesses can leverage the shared economy model to increase access to inputs, resources, and tools to improve productivity, increase income, and scale their businesses. 

In this exciting podcast session with Claudia Castellanos, Founder and Managing Director of Black Mamba Foods, Eswatini, Claudia shares her experiences taking Black Mamba chilli products from the local markets of Eswatini to Germany, Norway, the US, UK, and other countries. She provides incredible and practical insights on perseverance, research, certifications, inclusive and ethical business models, deep knowledge of your products, and the power of networks. Tune in for an incredible learning experience!Music from https://filmmusic.io“Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)