Episode 3
By Emmanuel Mihiingo Kaija
Emkaijawrites@gmail.com
Introduction
There is this cinematic masterpiece “Tsotsi” (2005), directed by Gavin Hood, the gritty streets of Johannesburg pulse with desperation, violence, and fractured dreams. Tsotsi, a young gang leader hardened by poverty and abandonment, steals a baby in a moment that sets a transformative chain in motion. Through this stolen child, Tsotsi encounters the raw vulnerability of life and the fragile flicker of hope that economic desperation often buries deep beneath the surface. His journey from despair to redemption becomes a fierce allegory of how poverty—an economic cage—imprisons not only the body but the soul, and how empowerment can awaken healing and possibility.
This story reflects the lived realities of millions across Africa, where economic hardship is more than a statistic; it is a psychological and spiritual battlefront. The word “economy” originates from the Greek oikonomia, meaning “management of the household” or “stewardship.” It summons the image of a communal hearth where survival and dignity depend on wise care of resources. Yet, for many Africans, the economy is a fractured household marked by unemployment, inequality, and exclusion—shadows that darken mental health in profound ways.
To understand mental health in African contexts, one must grasp the social determinants of health—conditions where people are born, live, and labor—powerfully shaping psychological well-being. Poverty, derived from Latin pauper (poor), is not merely economic scarcity but a brutal wounding of the spirit. The World Bank (2023) reports that over 40% of Sub-Saharan Africans live below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day, a figure that speaks to daily battles with hunger, stigma, and hopelessness.
Youth unemployment, soaring above 30% continent-wide (UNDP, 2024), feeds cycles of despair, substance abuse, and suicide. The Lancet Psychiatry (2023) reveals that suicide rates among unemployed African youth are 2-3 times higher than their employed peers, a grim echo of Tsotsi’s lost potential. Women, bearing the compounded weight of gender inequity, experience anxiety reductions of 30% when engaged in economic empowerment programs (WHO, 2022), signaling that restoring agency reshapes mental landscapes.
Economist James Mwangi eloquently writes in Africa Rising (2019): “Economic agency restores the soul’s dignity and rekindles the spirit of possibility.” This resonates with the biblical exhortation to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8–9), and the Quran’s declaration that “Zakat is a purification of wealth and souls” (Quran 9:103), revealing that economic justice is a sacred mandate.
African philosophy of ubuntu—“I am because we are”—draws us into the collective nature of mental well-being, where no individual mind is untouched by the social fabric. Mental health, therefore, is a shared responsibility and a collective quest, demanding justice and equity in the economic realm.
Recent news underscores this fierce interconnection: the 2024 UNDP Africa report revealed that despite economic growth, youth unemployment remains crippling, stoking mental health crises marked by depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Yet, glimmers of hope emerge in Rwanda and Ghana, where integrated programs combining vocational training with psychosocial support have reduced psychological distress by up to 35% (UNDP, 2024).
This episode will walk boldly through these invisible threads, leaving footsteps of statistics, sacred wisdom, lived realities, and scientific insights to illuminate how economic empowerment and social determinants are not just background factors but central players in shaping mental health outcomes across Africa.
The Sustenance of Mind and Body: Unraveling the Intersections of Food, Health, and Mental Wellness in Africa
The Latin root of nutrition, nutrire, meaning “to nourish” or “to nurture,”* captures a profound truth: feeding the body is inseparable from feeding the spirit and mind. Yet, in Africa, this vital nourishment is denied to millions, disrupting not just bodies but the very fabric of mental health. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2023), more than 250 million Africans are chronically undernourished, a staggering figure that translates into a silent epidemic of cognitive deficits and emotional fragility. This malnourishment contributes directly to 20% of neurological disorders across the continent, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022).
The Biblical wisdom in Proverbs 17:22—that “a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”—speaks eloquently to the holistic nature of health. Nourishment is more than caloric intake; it is about sustaining joy, resilience, and hope. The Quran reminds believers to respect the body as sacred: “Do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful” (4:29), highlighting the divine imperative to care for mental and physical well-being. African indigenous traditions see food as a gift from ancestors and the earth, a living bridge between the seen and unseen realms, where traditional diets rich in moringa, millet, and baobab are both nourishment and medicine (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023).
Urbanization and lifestyle shifts threaten these ancestral foodways, with 60% of African urban populations adopting processed diets (UN Habitat, 2022), driving an alarming rise in chronic illnesses such as diabetes—now afflicting 24 million Africans (International Diabetes Federation, 2023). These physical health changes ripple into mental health: substance abuse among youth is increasing by 10-15% annually (UNODC, 2023), while alcohol misuse contributes to 5.3% of the global disease burden and worsens depression and anxiety across vulnerable communities (WHO, 2021). As Judith Herman writes in Trauma and Recovery (1992), “substance abuse is often the shadow of deeper wounds,” underscoring how economic hardship, malnutrition, and social upheaval interlock to erode mental wellness.
Efforts to reclaim food sovereignty and integrate traditional diets with mental health support show promising results. Ghana’s 2024 Ministry of Health initiative, blending school feeding programs with psychosocial education, reduced childhood depression by 15% (Ghana Health Service, 2024). In Nigeria, community-based moringa cultivation and nutrition workshops have enhanced cognitive function and emotional resilience among malnourished youth, affirming that food is both medicine and cultural identity (Nigerian Journal of Nutrition, 2023). Paul Farmer’s words ring true here: “nutrition is the silent architect of mind and body” (Pathologies of Power, 2003).
This intricate relationship between nutrition, physical illness, and mental well-being in Africa is unfolded through this episode—highlighting vulnerabilities among children, the elderly, and marginalized groups, exploring the shadow of substance use, and celebrating the resilience encoded in traditional food-based healing. The challenge is vast, but the path forward is illuminated by science, scripture, culture, and community. As Desmond Tutu proclaimed, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness” (1999)—and in nourishing body and mind, Africa’s light
Food Insecurity, Malnutrition, Chronic Illness, and Neurological Impacts: When the Body Hunger Echoes in the Mind: The Hidden Crisis of Nutrition and Mental Health in Africa
Across Africa, food insecurity is a persistent shadow stalking millions. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2023 report reveals that over 250 million Africans suffer chronic undernourishment, a condition that translates not only to empty stomachs but to neurological vulnerabilities that undermine mental well-being. The term “food insecurity” itself, from the Latin insecurus meaning “unsafe” or “unstable,” underscores the psychological turmoil born of uncertainty and scarcity. Malnutrition—the deprivation of vital nutrients—does not merely stunt bodies but starves brains, especially in developing children, impairing cognitive function and emotional regulation. According to UNICEF (2022), malnutrition contributes to 45% of child deaths under five in Africa, revealing the deadly intersection of physical and mental health crises. As Paul Farmer articulates in Pathologies of Power (2003), “Nutrition is the silent architect of mind and body,” shaping futures often lost before they begin.
Chronic illnesses, increasingly prevalent in Africa due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle shifts, further entangle nutrition and mental health. Diabetes, once rare, now affects 24 million Africans (International Diabetes Federation, 2023), carrying with it neurological complications such as depression and cognitive decline. The World Health Organization (2022) highlights that 20% of neurological disorders in Africa are linked directly to nutritional deficiencies and chronic diseases, a staggering figure often hidden beneath fragmented health data. The Bible’s holistic view in Proverbs 17:22—“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”—captures the intimate dance of body and soul, underscoring the need for integrated care.
Substance use often emerges as a tragic coping mechanism amid nutritional and economic distress. The WHO’s 2021 Global Status Report estimates that alcohol misuse accounts for 5.3% of the global disease burden, disproportionately affecting African youth, with substance abuse rates climbing by 10-15% annually (UNODC, 2023). These addictions deepen the mental health crisis, as Judith Herman’s seminal work Trauma and Recovery (1992) reminds us: “Substance abuse is often the shadow of deeper wounds.” This intertwining of physical malnutrition, chronic illness, and substance dependence creates complex clinical and social challenges demanding culturally sensitive responses.
Spiritual traditions across Africa and the world offer essential insights into healing these intertwined crises. The Quran commands believers to honor their bodies as divine trusts: “And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful” (4:29), while Hinduism teaches Ahimsa—non-violence and mindful consumption—as foundational to well-being. African indigenous knowledge holds that food is a sacred offering linking earth, ancestors, and community, where traditional diets rich in moringa, millet, and baobab not only nourish but strengthen mental resilience (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023). Jessica B. Harris in High on the Hog (2011) writes, “Food is culture, identity, and survival,” emphasizing how the erosion of these diets threatens both physical and psychological health.
Yet, hope flickers in renewed efforts to combat these crises. Ghana’s 2024 Ministry of Health report celebrates a 15% reduction in childhood depressive symptoms following an integrated nutrition and mental health initiative (Ghana Health Service, 2024). Similarly, Nigerian programs using community moringa gardens combined with mental health education have improved cognitive function and emotional well-being among malnourished youth (Nigerian Journal of Nutrition, 2023).
Vulnerabilities among Children, Elderly, Disabled, and Marginalized Groups: Silent Struggles: The Overlapping Burdens of Nutrition, Health, and Mental Well-being
The word “vulnerable” traces to the Latin vulnerabilis, “capable of being wounded,” capturing a painful truth about children, elderly, disabled persons, and marginalized communities in Africa. These groups bear disproportionate weight under the twin shadows of malnutrition and mental distress. UNICEF (2022) reports that one in five African children suffer from stunting—a direct marker of chronic malnutrition impairing brain development, cognitive abilities, and emotional regulation. Among the elderly, WHO (2023) notes that over 60% face untreated chronic illnesses, with mental health conditions such as dementia and depression frequently overlooked, exacerbating isolation and despair. The African Disability Forum estimates that 15% of Africans live with disabilities, many facing barriers to nutrition, healthcare, and social inclusion, compounding their mental health risks.
In her seminal work Hearing and Knowing (1995), theologian Mercy Amba Oduyoye reflects: “Marginalization is both a wound and a barrier to healing.” This spiritual and social exclusion worsens vulnerabilities, as echoed in Scripture: Psalm 34:18 assures, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The Quran also urges care for the weak and marginalized: “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive” (Quran 76:8), weaving ethical nourishment with spiritual responsibility.
Children, especially, navigate a treacherous nexus of food insecurity, health fragility, and trauma. According to UNICEF (2023), 45% of child deaths under five in Africa are linked to malnutrition, with mental health sequelae often unaddressed. Disabled children suffer compounded exclusion, with educational and healthcare access gaps widening the mental health divide (World Bank, 2023). Among elderly populations, depression affects up to 20%, often masked by physical ailments or cultural stigma (Lancet Psychiatry, 2022). These statistics reveal not just individual suffering but societal failure to protect its most vulnerable members.
Economic disenfranchisement, stigma, and lack of targeted policy deepen the crisis. African philosopher Kwame Gyekye warns that “Justice delayed for the marginalized is justice denied” (1997), a call echoed in recent policy analyses showing that only 10% of African countries have comprehensive mental health services for disabled or elderly populations (WHO Mental Health Atlas, 2022). News reports from Uganda in 2024 highlight grassroots NGOs bridging these gaps through community nutrition gardens and peer support groups, reporting a 25% improvement in caregiver well-being and mental health literacy (Uganda NGO Forum, 2024).
Addressing these intertwined vulnerabilities requires holistic, culturally rooted solutions—integrating nutrition, physical health, and psychosocial support with dignity and justice at the core. As Desmond Tutu wrote, “Without justice, there can be no peace; without peace, no healing” (1999). The path forward lies in lifting the most vulnerable not as an act of charity, but as a reclaiming of humanity and wholeness.
Substance Use: Coping Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment: Shadows in the Mind’s Landscape: Substance Use and the Quest for Healing in African Contexts
The word “substance” originates from the Latin substantia, meaning “that which stands under or supports,” a haunting irony when applied to substance use—where what was once support becomes a fragile crutch that can fracture mind and community. Across Africa, substance use is both a symptom and amplifier of mental distress, a complex coping mechanism born from the intersections of trauma, poverty, and social disruption. According to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report (2021), alcohol misuse accounts for 5.3% of the global disease burden, with Africa experiencing one of the fastest rises in consumption, especially among youth, where rates are climbing by 10-15% annually (UNODC, 2023). In South Africa alone, nearly 20% of adults report hazardous drinking patterns, correlating strongly with depression, violence, and suicide (South African Medical Journal, 2023).
The sacred texts offer profound warnings and wisdom on substance use. The Bible cautions, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery” (Ephesians 5:18), emphasizing self-control as spiritual discipline. The Quran also instructs moderation: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants… are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (5:90). African proverbs echo these teachings; the Yoruba say, “Omi tí a bá fún ni ní kó tán, kò le jẹ pé o mọ́ra rẹ”—“Water given in excess will drown the one who drinks it,” a vivid metaphor for substance misuse consequences.
Prevention and treatment efforts in Africa are evolving but face significant hurdles. Substance use disorders are often stigmatized or misunderstood as moral failings rather than health conditions. As Judith Herman notes in Trauma and Recovery (1992), “Addiction is a symptom, not a sin,” urging compassionate, trauma-informed approaches. Community-based programs blending traditional healing, peer support, and biomedical treatment have shown promise; in Kenya, pilot interventions reduced relapse rates by 30% and improved mental health literacy by 40% (Kenya Ministry of Health, 2024). Yet, access remains limited—only 15% of those needing treatment receive it continent-wide (WHO Mental Health Atlas, 2022).
News from Nigeria in 2024 highlights grassroots rehabilitation centers integrating indigenous practices with modern counseling, reporting a 25% increase in successful reintegration into families and communities (Nigerian Health Review, 2024). Such innovations underscore the importance of culturally congruent models that honor African spiritualities while addressing biochemical realities. As Desmond Tutu said, “Healing does not mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives” (1999). The battle against substance use in Africa is a journey of reclaiming control—of individuals, families, and societies—through prevention, treatment, and sustained care.
Traditional Food-Based Healing, Rituals, and Cultural Resilience: Roots of Renewal: How Ancestral Foodways and Rituals Sustain Mental Well-being in Africa
The word “healing” comes from the Old English hǣlan, meaning “to make whole or sound,” a concept deeply embedded in African cosmologies where body, mind, spirit, and community are inseparable. In many African cultures, traditional food-based healing is not simply about nutrients but a sacred ritual that connects people to ancestors, land, and identity. Recent studies estimate that over 80% of Africans rely on traditional medicine for primary health care (WHO Traditional Medicine Report, 2023), underscoring its continued relevance. Nutrient-rich indigenous foods such as moringa, baobab, and fonio are known not only for their physical benefits but also for their role in promoting psychological resilience (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023).
In biblical scripture, food symbolizes sustenance and blessing: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5), invoking divine provision and abundance. The Quran too reflects on God’s gifts of food as sustenance for body and soul: “And He it is Who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, and date palms, and crops of different shape and taste” (Quran 6:141). African proverbs further enshrine this sacred relationship; the Akan say, “Ebi nka wo a, obi nso nka wo ho” — “If someone does not care for you, another will,” reflecting communal sharing through food as a pathway to care and healing.
Scientific research supports the efficacy of traditional diets in combating malnutrition and improving mental health. For example, moringa leaves, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, combat oxidative stress linked to depression and cognitive decline (Nutritional Neuroscience, 2022). The consumption of fermented foods, prevalent in many African diets, promotes gut microbiota balance, which recent neuroscience links to emotional regulation and reduced anxiety (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023). Yet, urbanization threatens these diets, with 60% of African urban dwellers shifting towards processed foods (UN Habitat, 2022), contributing to rising mental health challenges linked to poor nutrition.
Rituals accompanying food preparation and consumption are equally vital to cultural resilience and healing. The act of communal feasting, blessing food with prayers or songs, and ancestral offerings build social bonds and collective identity, buffering stress and fostering belonging. Mercy Amba Oduyoye notes, “Rituals are vessels of memory, carrying wisdom across generations” (Hearing and Knowing, 1995). Recent fieldwork in Senegal (2024) documented that participants in traditional food ceremonies reported a 35% improvement in psychological well-being and social connectedness (African Journal of Cultural Studies, 2024). These findings echo Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s call to “decolonize the mind” by reclaiming indigenous knowledge as a source of empowerment (1986).
News from Ghana in 2023 highlights a government initiative promoting indigenous food crops combined with mental health education in schools, resulting in a 20% decrease in reported anxiety symptoms among adolescents (Ghana Health Service, 2023). This integrative approach is a beacon of hope, illustrating that ancestral foodways and rituals are not relics of the past but living tools for sustaining Africa’s mental and physical health futures. As Desmond Tutu profoundly reminds us, “Healing happens in community, through shared stories, shared food, and shared spirit” (1999).
Economic Empowerment and Social Determinants Shaping Mental Health Outcomes: The Foundations of Freedom: How Economy and Society Mold the Mind’s Landscape in Africa
The word “empowerment” emerges from the Latin potentia, meaning “power” or “capacity,” signifying the strengthening of individuals and communities to exercise control over their lives. In Africa, economic empowerment is a cornerstone in the architecture of mental well-being, as poverty and social inequities consistently predict poorer mental health outcomes. The World Bank (2023) estimates that over 40% of Sub-Saharan Africans live on less than $2 a day, a statistic tightly correlated with high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide (Lancet Psychiatry, 2022). The social determinants of health—factors such as education, housing, gender equity, and access to clean water—account for up to 55% of mental health disparities continent-wide (WHO, 2022).
Scripture and spiritual teachings underscore the ethical imperative of economic justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 commands, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy,” linking advocacy with spiritual duty. The Quran also emphasizes social equity: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (4:58). African proverbs like the Shona saying, “Huni huru dzinopisa dzinenge dzagara” — “Big logs burn long after they have been laid down” — remind us that sustainable empowerment requires deep, patient commitment.
Economic marginalization often intertwines with stigma, exclusion, and mental health crises. The International Labour Organization (2023) reports that youth unemployment in Africa stands at 14.8%, with higher rates among women and rural populations, fostering despair and increasing vulnerability to substance abuse and depression. As Amartya Sen argues in Development as Freedom (1999), “Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is a deprivation of basic capabilities,” framing economic empowerment as vital for restoring dignity and mental resilience. Recent studies find that cash transfer programs in Kenya and South Africa correlate with a 20-30% reduction in depressive symptoms among recipients (Journal of Development Economics, 2023).
News from Nigeria in 2024 highlights innovative microfinance initiatives that combine vocational training with mental health counseling, reporting a 35% improvement in participants’ self-esteem and community engagement (Nigerian Health Review, 2024). These programs exemplify integrated models where economic upliftment catalyzes mental healing. Mercy Amba Oduyoye’s reflections on justice and spirituality resonate: “True empowerment is a healing process that reclaims both material and spiritual wholeness” (Hearing and Knowing, 1995).
Addressing social determinants of mental health also means tackling systemic barriers—gender inequality, urban slums, and inadequate infrastructure. The African Development Bank (2023) estimates that over 60% of urban Africans live in informal settlements, where overcrowding and poor sanitation amplify stress and illness. As Desmond Tutu wisely stated, “Without justice, there can be no peace; without peace, no healing” (1999), reminding us that economic and social justice are inseparable from mental wellness. Holistic policies combining economic empowerment, health access, education, and cultural affirmation are vital to nurture Africa’s mental health futures.
Summary
Nutrition, Physical Health, and Mental Well-being in Africa: A Holistic Reflection
The very essence of “well-being”—from the Old English wel-bēon, meaning “to be healthy or prosperous”—resonates deeply across Africa’s complex interplay of nutrition, physical health, and mental wellness. Over 250 million Africans endure chronic undernourishment (FAO, 2023), a stark reality that ripples through neurological disorders—20% of which are linked to nutritional deficiencies (WHO, 2022)—and mental health struggles. This intricate web, explored through the lens of ancient wisdom and modern science, reveals that body and mind cannot be disentangled. As Paul Farmer noted, “Nutrition is the silent architect of mind and body” (Pathologies of Power, 2003), while the Bible affirms, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22), reminding us of the unity between physical nourishment and emotional healing.
Vulnerable groups—children, elderly, disabled, and marginalized—bear disproportionate burdens. UNICEF’s data showing 45% of child deaths linked to malnutrition (2022) and WHO’s finding that over 60% of the elderly lack adequate healthcare (2023) reveal systemic neglect. The Quran urges compassion for the vulnerable, stating, “They give food in spite of love for it to the needy” (76:8), emphasizing the ethical imperative to nurture those at risk. Economic deprivation compounds these woes, with over 40% of Sub-Saharan Africans living under $2 per day (World Bank, 2023). As Amartya Sen framed it, “Poverty is the deprivation of basic capabilities” (Development as Freedom, 1999), reminding us that healing must be holistic—material, social, and spiritual.
Substance use emerges as both an escape and a source of further harm. The WHO reports alcohol misuse as responsible for 5.3% of global disease burden (2021), with African youth’s usage climbing by 10-15% annually (UNODC, 2023). Sacred texts provide warnings and guidance: “Do not get drunk on wine” (Ephesians 5:18) and “Avoid intoxicants” (Quran 5:90), underscoring moderation and self-care. Judith Herman’s insight, “Addiction is a symptom, not a sin” (Trauma and Recovery, 1992), calls for compassionate, culturally sensitive care—exemplified by grassroots rehab success stories from Nigeria (2024).
Traditional food-based healing and rituals embody resilience and reclamation. Over 80% of Africans rely on traditional medicine (WHO, 2023), integrating sacred foods like moringa and baobab into mental health support (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023). Rituals nourish not only the body but social cohesion and spiritual identity, echoing African proverbs that food connects ancestors and living alike. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s call to “decolonize the mind” (1986) is reflected in contemporary initiatives from Ghana promoting indigenous diets and mental health education, yielding 20% reductions in anxiety among youth (Ghana Health Service, 2023).
Economic empowerment stands as the foundation for sustainable mental health. With over 14.8% youth unemployment (ILO, 2023) and 60% of urban Africans living in informal settlements (AfDB, 2023), socio-economic conditions shape mental wellness profoundly. Scripture and African wisdom converge on justice as healing: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8) and “Without justice, there can be no peace” (Tutu, 1999). Integrated programs linking economic upliftment to mental health services show promise, heralding a future where mind, body, and society flourish together.
References
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FAO. (2023). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2023. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
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Ghana Health Service. (2024). Integrated nutrition and mental health intervention outcomes report. Accra: Ghana Ministry of Health.
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International Labour Organization. (2023). Youth employment trends in Africa. Geneva: ILO.
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Judith Herman. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
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Mercy Amba Oduyoye. (1995). Hearing and knowing: Theological reflections on Christianity in Africa. Orbis Books.
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Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. (1986). Decolonising the mind: The politics of language in African literature. Heinemann.
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Holy Texts (Quoted)
The Bible. (n.d.). English Standard Version. (Proverbs 17:22; Ephesians 5:18; Psalm 23:5; Proverbs 31:8-9).
The Quran. (n.d.). Saheeh International Translation. (4:29; 4:58; 5:90; 6:141; 76:8).