West African cuisine

West African cuisine encompasses a diverse range of foods that are split between its 16 countries. In West Africa, people buy groceries from markets, shops, stalls or supermarkets to make their meals. There are some families especially in rural places, that grow and raise their own food, in addition. Indigenous foods consist of a number of plant species and animals, and are important to in African cuisine. West african cuisine comes from crops with ancient origins to West africa, as well as introducted crops from other continents due to trade. Animal produce largely include farm animals, fishing, and some hunted ones by those who take part in that.

The history of West Africa also plays a large role in their cuisine and recipes, as interactions with different cultures (particularly the Arab world and later Europeans) over the centuries have introduced many ingredients that went on to become key components of the various national cuisines today.