nāfolo

This episode is an ode to Africa day (May 25) but it is also an exploration of the name change of Acacia, an emblematic genus that was previously shared by Africa, Australia, Americas, and Asia.

This episode is a stepping stone for the upcoming episodes on a tree that was part was part of this genus.

Relevant link:

"How to write about Africa" - Binyavanga Wainaina

Part 2/2 of this episode is on African rice (Oryza glaberrima) domesticated in the flood plains of the Niger River and carried across the Atlantic.

Dr. Tinde van Andel and Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black both highlight the importance that a plant can hold in a culture. Together, we explore the challenges of using interdisciplinary methods when retelling history. We unravel the gender dynamics and technology that was present in West Africa to establish African rice cultivation in Suriname and North America. 

Welcome to the first episode of nàfolo.

Part 1/2 of this episode is on African rice (Oryza glaberrima) domesticated in the flood plains of the Niger River.

Dr. Tinde van Andel and Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black both highlight the importance that a plant can hold in a culture. Together, we explore the challenges of using interdisciplinary methods when retelling history. We unravel the gender dynamics and technology that was present in West Africa to establish African rice cultivation during pre-colonial times.

Trailer