Ivory Coast is the leading producer of Cocoa globally, producing about 2,200,000 tons of cocoa beans annually.West Africa collectively supplies two-thirds of the world’s cocoa crop, with nearby countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Togo producing additional 1.55 million tonnes annually. Cocoa beans are produced in tropical zones around the Equator, where climate conditions are well suited for growing cocoa trees. Although cocoa beans originate from South America, most of cocoa bean production is attributed to Africa. In 2019/2020, Africa’s cocoa bean production amounted to around 3.5 million tons. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the world’s cocoa production comes from West…
Author: Onyinyechi Nwanunobi
In the history of the slave trade in Africa, there are many exciting and heartbreaking stories of Africans who were removed from their homes and taken to a land strange to them. Still, one may never find a story like the one of Omoba Aina, also known as Sarah Forbes Bonetta. Born an Egbado princess of the Yoruba people in Oke-Odan in present-day Ogun State, Omoba Aina was reaped from her homeland when it was invaded by Dahomeyen soldiers who raided neighboring villages and towns for enslaved people. In this raid, Princess Aina lost her parents, her entire family and her people. She…
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits and vegetables and is supplied as a nutritional supplement. Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for tissue healing, collagen creation, and the enzymatic manufacture of some neurotransmitters. Just because the body does not produce or store vitamin C, it’s essential to include it in your diet. Vitamin C is found in several fruits and vegetables but is also accessible as a supplement. Vitamin C supplements, according to research, include vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, which has a solubility similar to vitamin C found naturally in meals. Women…
Tomatoes are great natural bleaching agents when used as skincare ‘products’. Here are two ways to use them to lighten the skin without any side effects. Tomatoes are great natural bleaching agents when used as skincare ‘products’. Loaded with antioxidants, they are known to lighten dark spots and helps the skin remain youthful as well as brighter. Tomatoes also work as a natural astringent that helps tighten the skin as well as shrink large pores, leaving the skin tight and glowing. Tomatoes also work perfectly to lighten the skin for an even skintone or to clear dark spots. Here are two ways to achieve…
Every woman knows her face and body change according to her menstrual cycle. For some women, there is an ovulation glow. Their skin shines with a visible freshness and plumpness to her complexion as if nature is beckoning her to get pregnant. For others, the days leading up to her period can lead to massive acne breakouts. When you are on your period, it is normal to notice, especially if you are acne prone, dull skin and acne. Period acne is caused by hormones. The production of progesterone falls and estrogen (female sex hormones) levels rise and cause an excess…
Chronic pelvic pain is no joke. If you’ve been living with pelvic pain for weeks, months, or even years, you know just how challenging it can be. It’s estimated that one in five people in the United States suffers from pelvic pain at any given time, but there may be relief in sight. Getting to the Root of Pelvic Pain Chronic pelvic pain is described as any type of pain that occurs below the belly button and between the hips that lasts for six months or more. This pain and discomfort can be caused by any number of issues or conditions.…
Mindfulness, or attentiveness, is a practice that can be applied to our entire lives to help us be more fully engaged with both ourselves and others. When we fail to be mindful of what’s happening inside and around us, we’re prone to a sort of “perceptual blindness.” This means that we could easily be missing the obvious–especially when it comes to the people we encounter. When we’re too wrapped up in our own activities and to-do lists, we’re missing others’ needs. Then, we leave a gap where we could have provided help, attention, affection, guidance, or love. Loving mindfully is…
When you’re dating or engaged, the pre-marriage period leading up to the wedding can feel excruciatingly long. On top of that, this time in your life carries its own unique challenges. How can you and your significant other navigate these challenges successfully? Today, we’re sharing three common issues that couples face during dating and engagement. Let’s jump in! 1. HELP! OUR MENTORS DON’T THINK WE SHOULD MARRY. It’s difficult to learn that someone you look up to, like a trusted friend or your pastor, doesn’t support the marriage you’ve been planning. But when someone you trust raises a red flag…
If I could just find the right person to marry, then my life would be complete.” Does that sound familiar to you? Our society sells the idea that a marriage relationship can not only complete you as a person; it can fix your entire life. It’s a fallacy that runs deep and is woven into the fabric of our culture. By chasing the idea of wholeness through relationships, we neglect to establish a whole relationship with ourselves first. And the problem is, when we don’t learn to embrace our complete selves, we spend our lives chasing wholeness through our relationships…
For a person to have healthy relationships–whether family, friendship, dating, or marriage–they must first be a healthy individual. There are many factors that influence our health, one of which we like to call your social barometer. A fully developed social barometer helps to set you up for a successful romantic relationship. If you experience social insecurity, that means your social barometer needs some extra attention. Our social barometer impacts how we “read the room” and interact with others. It affects how well we can read social cues, and how we behave in social settings. Ultimately, our social barometer plays a…
Communication is key to a successful marriage. This likely isn’t a surprise, but it bears repeating. You and your spouse may share a life together, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re communicating effectively. Issues with communication often translate into other problems, such as a loss of intimacy. Many couples have stronger communication in the early days of their relationships, through dating and the honeymoon period. But ongoing, strong communication requires a consistent effort from both spouses, through all seasons of life. Being able to talk to and understand one another is one of the primary components of intimacy. If…
Nothing cramps your style than a banging headache that disrupts your plan. Due to advances in sciences and health, there are pills available to help relieve a headache. However, did you know that there are natural remedies to help ease off a headache? Below are helpful home remedies tips to help relieve a headache: WATER During the days when your head seems to pound with pain, drink some water to ease off the pressure in your head. Water is a great natural option to ease off a headache. According to Science direct, a headache can be a direct symptom of…