AFRICAN VEGANISM
Veganism And Animal Rights In Africa Benefit Everyone.
AFRICAN VEGANISM
Giriama Tribes Lady In Her Maize Field
The great work for animal rights and the teaching and spreading of veganism in Africa benefits everyone, especially us Africans and black people because if we end animal agriculture, which is one of the major reasons for starvation and hunger on the planet; if human beings stop exploiting, killing and eating animals, we can feed all the plants, grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits to starving people instead of feeding it to animals that are bred into existence just to be killed for meat.
Giriama Tribes Lady In Her Maize Field
Vast amounts of land in many African countries is sold to European, Chinese and Western countries and corporations to grow food and grains that are then fed to animals in the Western world.
The animals are raised and then killed and sold as meat to the human population. When more people go vegan or switch from meat-eating to a plant-based diet, we can feed all those grains, plants, legumes, fruits and vegetables, that are grown in Africa, to hungry people.
“Whilst poor countries sell their grain to Western countries, their own children starve in their arms and the West feeds those grains to livestock so that people in the West can eat a steak. Every morsel of meat people eat is slapping the tear-stained face of a starving child” – Philip Wollen
Villagers in Mombasa
VEGANISM ELIMINATES POVERTY
Veganism and animal rights is benefits Africa and the whole world in many different ways, for example, as Africans and black vegans, we gain better health from eating a vegan or plant-based diet. The whole planet thrives and prosper from a global vegan sustainable economy.
As African vegans, we must establish better animal rights laws across all of Africa and implement effective measures to end trophy hunting and poaching and take care of all of our beautiful wild and exotic animals.
Through veganism, black and or African vegan businesses, restaurants, corporations and enterprises are being started all over the world especially in Africa and across the diaspora. Vegan projects are also being started in the rural areas of Africa where African vegans are helping each other to grow their own food, such as planting vegetables, fruits and plants. Water projects have also been started to provide clean water for villagers and for the people living in the countryside.
“Today 1 billion people are hungry. 20 million people will die from malnutrition. Cutting meat by only 10 per cent will feed 100 million people. Eliminating meat will end starvation forever.” – Philip Wollen
VEGAN DIETS IN AFRICA
There is a huge misunderstanding and false belief that people living in poverty or in Africa and in other developing countries eat a lot of meat. This is absolutely not true. Meat is, relatively, a luxury item. Many people living in poverty-stricken areas, mainly eat a vegan, plant-based or vegetarian diet. They might not classify it as a vegan, plant-based or vegetarian diet, and might not even consider themselves to be vegans, plant-based or vegetarians but they usually have no other choice but to eat food with no meat because buying fish or meat every day is too expensive for the average family or person who is living in poverty. It is expensive, especially for people living in remote villages and in the slums or suburbs of Africa.
Westerners and people living in Europe probably think that many villagers hunt for their own food in Africa. That is also a huge misunderstanding. There are tribes and people in Africa who do hunt and live off of hunting and killing animals but the vast majority of people do not go hunting every day. A family in a remote village might go hunting maybe once a week or even less than that and even if they do go hunting, they don’t always get to kill an animal for its meat. “You may not know this” but hunting is not like going to the supermarket where you just pick the meat from the fridge and bring it home to eat. Not every hunter gets a kill every time they go out hunting which means that many times hunters come back to their villages empty-handed.
When there is no meat to eat, which is also too expensive for people living in poverty to buy every day and when people have not been able to hunt an animal and kill him or her for their meat, they are then “forced” to eat a vegan, plant-based or vegetarian diet. You might think that many villagers have farms and animals that they eat. This is not really true either. Yes, many villagers do have animals such as chickens, ducks, pigs, goats and cows on their farms but they do not always eat these animals and doing so could mean becoming “bankrupt” because they have these animals as a form of business to make money.
Slaughtering a cow or a chicken every day to eat would be very expensive and would not be a viable thing to do. They normally have these animals to sell and make money and do not eat them every day like how Europeans and Americans go to the supermarket and pick meat to eat for every meal. Villagers do not slaughter their animals very often. They eat a diet that consists of mostly vegan, plant-based or vegetarian food. Some families and people eat meat, if lucky, once or even twice a week. Some even go months without ever getting the “luxury” of eating meat.
WILD ANIAMALS
Photo Ngowa
African Animals
The rise of African vegans is crucial in the fight to protect African wildlife because our ethical commitment to nonviolence extends to the preservation of ecosystems and animal habitats. By embracing plant-based or vegan lifestyles, as African vegans we challenge exploitative industries like poaching, trophy hunting, and habitat destruction which are driven by animal agriculture.
This movement fosters a deeper cultural and spiritual connection with Africa’s natural heritage, emphasizing the value of coexistence with the continent’s iconic species. As stewards of their environment, African vegans can inspire policies and practices that prioritize sustainability and the protection of our wildlife, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving and balanced ecosystem.
FARM ANIAMALS
The rise of animal agriculture in Africa, driven by growing demand for meat and dairy products, has led to the intensification of factory farming across the continent.
As this industry expands, it often results in significant environmental degradation, increased carbon emissions and a lack of animal rights. As African vegans, we play a crucial role in advocating for the protection of all farm animals by promoting plant-based or vegan diets, whilst at the same time raising awareness about the ethical treatment of animals, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
By supporting animal rights and environmental justice, African vegans are helping to shift the narrative toward a more compassionate and sustainable future for both animals and the planet.
VEGAN AGRICULTURE
Vegan agriculture, also known as plant-based farming, embraces ethical and sustainable practices by avoiding the use of animals for food production. It focuses on cultivating crops, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, while minimizing harm to animals and the environment. This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and preserves biodiversity. Vegan agriculture embodies a commitment to compassion and eco-consciousness, offering a viable path to nourish the planet without exploiting its animal inhabitants.
“It is said that growing your own food is like printing your own money. As Africans, we are agriculturists by nature. We cultivate our own food because it’s a meaningful, fulfilling and sustainable way of life. It helps us to be in tune and in harmony with the earth.”
Tea Plantations in Kericho, Photographer Toto Wanje
VEGAN VILLAGE AGRICULTURE
Growing your own food offers numerous benefits, including access to fresh, organic produce and the satisfaction of cultivating your own sustenance. It encourages sustainable practices, reduces reliance on commercial agriculture, and fosters a deeper connection to nature.
Whether you have a large farm a garden or a small balcony, even a few pots of herbs or vegetables can enhance your diet, save money, and promote a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, home gardening can be a rewarding hobby that provides a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
In our village, we take pride in growing our own food, cultivating a vibrant array of vegetables and herbs that reflect our commitment to sustainability and quality. This farm-to-table approach not only ensures that our restaurant serves the freshest ingredients but also strengthens our community by connecting local farmers and residents. By offering dishes made from our homegrown produce, we provide a unique dining experience that highlights the flavors of our region, fostering a sense of pride and collaboration among villagers while promoting healthier, locally sourced meals.
CHILDREN PLANTING VEGETABLES
Involving children in the planting, growing, and harvesting of vegetables is a wonderful way to instill a sense of responsibility and connection to nature. As they dig in the soil and care for the plants, children learn valuable lessons about patience, teamwork, and the importance of healthy eating. This hands-on experience not only fosters a greater appreciation for where food comes from but also encourages them to embrace sustainability. Watching their efforts culminate in a bountiful harvest brings a sense of accomplishment and joy, making gardening an enriching activity for young minds.
Giriama village children actively planting vegetables! Their efforts not only nurture the earth but also teach valuable lessons about sustainability and community. Every seed sown is a step towards a greener future!
Harvesting fruit, not only nurtures their connection to nature but also reinforces community bonds and cultural traditions.
GIRIAMA CHILDREN
In Giriama culture, children are a crucial role in agriculture. They dig holes in the soil and carefully plant maize seeds, learning traditional farming techniques from their elders while fostering a strong connection to their community and land.
