Table 1 Typical components of regional African diets for adults and infants
Region | Adults | Infants |
|---|---|---|
East Africa | Starchy foods (e.g. cooked bananas, potatoes, cassava, corn, wheat products, rice). Food consumed to accompany starches includes beef, lamb, poultry, stews made of legumes, soups, vegetables (mostly fried in cooking oil or fat or cream) and peanut/groundnut-based sauces | Exclusively 4–6 months unless contraindicated. Weaning may start from month 3 onwards Supplementary milk from cows Early food: porridge containing milk or coconut oil. |
West Africa | Bean balls fried with oil, maize fortified with palm oil, groundnuts, bread, eggs, rice, yam, beef or fish stew, yams, vegetables (mostly fried in cooking oil) | Exclusively breast-fed up to 4 to 6 months unless contraindicated Supplementary milk (cow milk or baby formula) Early foods include chocolate drinks, mashed yam, beans |
Central Africa | Rice, cassava, sorghum, millet, vegetables (fried in peanut oil), palm oil, fish, meat | Exclusively breast-fed up to 6 months Supplementary milk from cows Early food: porridge from maize meal and milk |
Southern Africa | Maize, mashed potatoes, vegetables, beef, rice, bread, cassava | Exclusively breast-fed up to 6 months unless contraindicated Supplementary milk from cows Early food: porridge maize meal |