This project is an  initiative of the FoodBridge vzw in partnership with the Africa Museum,Diaspofood Research Group ULB and Sankaa vzw. Funded by the EU Impetus Accelerator Program. The objectives of this project are:

(i) to highlight the importance and potential of African food systems to the larger public

(ii) to motivate Africans residing in Europe to reappropriate their foodways

(iii) to facilitate the dissemination of healthy African foods to the wider public. 

Using citizen science research methodology, people participated in many stages of the scientific process, from the design of the research question,to data collection and volunteer mapping, data interpretation and  analysis,  to publication and dissemination of results

The main research questions for African diasporas are -What are the challenges of African food culture in Belgium? What aspects of theAfrican food culture needs to be passed on to the next generation? What are the two questions you wish you had asked your grand parents about their food culture and tradition? Can you think of a cherished African food culture that has been lost due to the influence of western culture? Can you name three African superfoods from your food culture?

We also developed a set of questions for non Africans because their inputs are also important for the research-

Have you ever eaten African food? If yes, what did you eat and where?  Do you think African cuisine in Belgium has the same visibility as cuisines from other continents? In one word what was your initial reaction or impression of African cuisine? What challenges have you encountered when trying to understand or eat African food? How likely are you to try African recipes at home or to recommend African food to others in Belgium?

The project will end in January 2025 and we will share the results of the research later in the year.