Study Questions on West African Culture and History

Compare the typical foods in the diets of West Africans with those from North Africa. Why are these diets different?

• West African diets are primarily based on grains and tubers, while North African diets include more fruits and vegetables.

• West African diets are rich in dairy products, while North African diets are primarily vegetarian.

• West African diets are heavily influenced by European cuisine, while North African diets are influenced by Asian cuisine.

• West African diets are primarily vegetarian, while North African diets are rich in seafood.

Identify at least three factors that have influenced the dishes West Africans usually eat.

• Climate, trade routes, and cultural traditions

• Technology, fashion trends, and sports

• Political systems, language, and education

• Music, art, and literature

Slavery had its beginnings in West Africa.

• True

• False

The most common method of preparing cassava in West Africa is:

• Boiling

• Frying

• Fermenting

• Roasting

Cassava is processed in a specific way when making gari. Why is cassava important in West Africa?

• It is a staple food and a major source of carbohydrates.

• It is used primarily for industrial purposes.

• It is not widely consumed in West Africa.

• It is only used for animal feed.

True or false. The land and climate of West Africa are optimal to support large farming operations.

• True

• False

A deterrent to successful livestock operations in West Africa is

• religious prohibition on eating meat

• rustling

• wild animals

• tsetse flies

• none of these

The earliest of the empires in West Africa was?

• the Roman

• Songhai

• Ghana

• Mali

• Egyptian

The Empire of Mali and the Empire of Songhai were concurrent for part of the time they existed.

• True

• False

Slaves bound for the Caribbean often were shipped from.

• Casablanca

• Robben Island

• Goree Island

• Cape Town