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The middle class in Africa is more vulnerable to emerging health problems because they have neglected their nutritional past, and embraced a present they do not understand well: their current diets are in conflict with their heritage. In spite of their material wealth, some of the features displayed by this class are compatible with those of a community in decline. The history of maize among Africans and its impact on communities are covered in detail in my second book, The Heritage of Maize is killing Africans: The Kenyan Story. (Please see www.nutritionafrica.com .)
References
1. McCain, James. Maize and Grace: Africa's Encounter with a New World Crop. Harvard University Press, 2005.
2. Okpewho, G, CB Davis, Ali Mazrui. The African Diaspora: African Origins and New World Identities. Indiana University Press, 2001.
3. Hacker, Andrew. Two Nations, Black and White: Separate, Hostile, Unequal. Ballantine, 1995.
4. Serventi M et al: “Early cessation of breastfeeding as a major cause of severe malnutrition among under 2: A Hospital Based Study.” EA Med J 72(2): 1995.
5. Mazrui, Ali. “Africa is now experiencing a declining political maturity”. Sunday Standard. 18th June, 2006.
6. Walker, ARP. “Low niacin concentration in the breast-milk of Bantu mothers on a high-maize diet.” Nature 173(4400), 405-6, 1954.
7. Snow, Kate. “Breast milk shipped to Africa to help feed orphans.” ABC World News. 19th October, 2007.
8. Mwinzi, Mwende. “Kenya fast becoming a narco state.” Daily Nation. 16th April, 2006.
9. Armah, Ayi Kwei. The Beautiful Ones are not Yet Born. Heinemann, 1988.
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Norma
I am an African community health worker interested in cultural practices. This is because I have come to believe that culture is a foundation for development. I am especially interested in food culture for the same reasons.
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