by: Derrick Wachaya

Africa's youths are driving a new wave of vegan eating habits that is rooted in the continent's rich cultural heritage. The trend is a return to traditional African dietary practices, which have been suppressed by the influence of Western diets in recent decades.

In many African countries, plant-based diets have been the norm for generations. These diets were based on indigenous crops such as cassava, yams, maize and often included a variety of leafy greens, legumes and nuts. However, with the rise of globalization and Western influence, the consumption of animal-based products has increased dramatically, leading to a decline in the traditional plant-based diets.

Millennials and more so the Gen Z, are leading the resurgence of veganism that is reclaiming African roots. Young people are turning to veganism for a variety of reasons, including health, environmental and ethical considerations. They are seeking to rediscover the dietary traditions of their ancestors and celebrate the rich heritage of African cuisine.

The resurgence in traditional African crops has been led by the return to veganism by the younger population. Farmers are starting to cultivate indigenous crops that were once considered niche but are now in high demand as ingredients in vegan dishes. This is providing a new source of income for small-scale farmers and helping to revive traditional African food systems. Late last month, Senegal held the first Africa Vegan Restaurant Week, on the continent on a mission to create awareness against the rising animal agriculture practices and similarly fight climate change on the continent. 

Moreover, veganism is helping to address some of the most pressing environmental and health issues facing Africa today. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and a shift towards plant-based diets can help to reduce these impacts. Additionally, plant-based diets have been shown to improve health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes.

Veganism is helping to address climate change in Africa by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The production of animal-based products is a significant contributor to climate change, as the emissions from livestock production account for a large portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the clearing of forests for pasture and feed crops is a major contributor to deforestation and the loss of important carbon sinks.

By reducing the demand for animal-based products and shifting towards a plant-based diet, veganism can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Africa. Plant-based foods require far fewer resources to produce, such as land, water, and energy, than animal-based products. This means that the shift towards a vegan diet can reduce the strain on the environment and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the adoption of veganism in Africa can help to revive traditional food systems, which were often based on plant-based diets and used indigenous crops that are well adapted to local climates and conditions. These traditional food systems can continuously provide a model for sustainable agriculture and help in promoting local food security while reducing the dependence on imports to the continent. 

Africa's young population is leading a return to the continent's rich cultural heritage through their vegan eating habits. This trend is helping to revive traditional African food systems, address environmental and health issues, and celebrate the diverse cuisine of the continent. As the popularity of veganism continues to grow, it is likely that African veganism will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of food on the continent.