Creative article by Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe
As the sun sets over the palm trees, casting a warm glow over the bustling markets of The Gambia, one cannot help but marvel at the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up this West African nation. From the rhythmic beats of the djembe drums to the colorful textiles adorning the women’s dresses, The Gambia is a place of beauty and diversity. A country where peace reigns in colors and the strings of the kora beats frantically to the navigable waves of The River Gambia, attracting traders and explorers from all over the world.
One of the most significant influences on the culture and economy of The Gambia, and indeed West Africa as a whole, is the arrival of sugar. Sugar, a commodity that we often take for granted in our daily lives, has played a pivotal role in shaping the history and development of this region.
The history of sugar in West Africa can be traced back to the early days of the transatlantic slave trade, when European colonizers first introduced sugar cane to the region. The fertile soil and tropical climate of West Africa were ideal for growing sugar cane, and soon plantations sprung up along the coastlines of countries like The Gambia.
The production of sugar became a lucrative business for European colonizers, who relied on the labor of enslaved Africans to cultivate and harvest the sugar cane.
The brutal conditions on these plantations led to countless deaths among the enslaved population, as they toiled under the hot sun with little respite.
But have you ever imagined what happened when sugar first arrived in The Gambia? The use of sugar in our daily lives, the reaction of the local people, traditional rulers, and the district chiefs. For example, what was the reaction of people such as farmers, fishermen, etc? History will tell you from a historical perspective about the transatlantic slave trade and the barter exchange trade that existed in West Africa.
Since literature hasn’t addressed this topic creatively; it might interest you to know what exactly happened in pre-colonial Africa when sugar first arrived in The Gambia. At the dawn of the Atlantic slave trade, sugar cane served as an important commodity such as cotton and salt.
In fact, Africans, especially Gambians, were both consuming and growing sugar cane in large quantities. But Africans do not have the means of extracting sugar from sugar cane. And when the white man discovered that sugar cane is grown in Africa; they engaged in the trade and started trading processed sugar with the local people.
Interestingly, before the use of sugar was taught in schools and well-known in Africa, Gambian families that had first tasted and consumed sugar were grossly misusing the commodity. Notably, the Njies in Banjul (then Bathurst), the Ceesays in Kiang and Badibu, the Bahs, Sowe’s, and Jallows in Fulladu, and the Jobes in Serre-Jobe (now Serrekunda), were well-known families in The Gambia who might have traded and abused the commodity.
At first, sugar was consumed by the district chiefs at the expense of district commissioners and governors. Amongst the Manjagos and the Jolas, for instance, farmers used to sprinkle some sugar in their farmlands to produce sweet crops and fruits at every harvest season.
The Ceesays in Badibu and Kiang used to put large amounts of sugar in their drinking water, streams and wells. Traditionally, the Jobes had also added sugar in their food to produce sweet meals for their husbands.
Additionally, the traditional rulers, mostly the kings– married second wives who first introduced them to sugar cane meals. Fictionally, village heads and council of elders took loans for the sake of consuming sugar cane.
Despite the harsh realities of sugar production in West Africa, the arrival of sugar had a profound impact on the culture and economy of the region. The demand for sugar in Europe created a booming trade industry, as European merchants flocked to West Africa to procure this valuable commodity.
The influx of European traders brought with them new technologies and ideas that would forever change the landscape of West Africa. The introduction of the sugar industry spurred the development of other industries, such as textiles and pottery, as artisans sought to meet the demands of the growing sugar trade.
The arrival of sugar also had a profound impact on the diet of West Africans. Sugar quickly became a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, adding a sweet flavor to savory dishes like jollof rice and peanut stew. The use of sugar in traditional recipes became a symbol of status and wealth, as those who could afford sugar were seen as more affluent.
Today, sugar continues to play a significant role in the economy of The Gambia and other West African nations. The cultivation and production of sugar remains a major industry, providing much-needed employment opportunities for thousands of people.
In addition to its economic impact, sugar has also become deeply ingrained in the culture of The Gambia. Traditional ceremonies and celebrations often feature sweet treats made with sugar, such as kola nuts dipped in sugar syrup or sesame seed candies. The sweet, comforting taste of sugar has become a beloved part of everyday life in The Gambia, symbolizing joy and abundance.
Despite its dark history as a commodity linked to the transatlantic slave trade, sugar has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of West Africa. Its arrival in The Gambia and other countries in the region has forever changed the way people eat, work, and celebrate, leaving a lasting imprint on the landscape of this diverse and vibrant region.
In conclusion, the arrival of sugar in West Africa, and specifically in The Gambia, has had a profound impact on the culture and economy of the region. From the brutal days of the transatlantic slave trade to the bustling markets of today, sugar has shaped the history and development of West Africa in ways that are impossible to ignore.
Despite its dark past, sugar remains a beloved and cherished ingredient in the daily lives of West Africans, symbolizing joy, abundance, and the resilience of people who have overcome immense hardships.
