Asisat Oshoala’s father admits he did not want his daughter to become a footballer and used to scold her when she returned from playing with friends on the streets in Nigeria.
“We didn’t see a bright future for her in football and my plan was to make sure all my children attained a high level of education and do better than us parents,” Alhaji Oshoala told the BBC.
But he is now pleased his rebellious daughter persisted as Asisat became the first Nigerian footballer – male or female – to score in three different World Cup tournaments.
The Barcelona forward will be facing England on Monday, in the last 16 of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and Alhaji said it has been a joy to see his daughter excel in the global tournament.
She did, however, raise a few eyebrows – including her father’s – when she ripped off her shirt to celebrate her match-winning goal against the tournament co-hosts, Australia, in the group stages.
Asisat’s shirtless celebration ruffled some feathers back home
“My dad is not happy with my choice of celebration,” she posted on Instagram, prompting fans to ask him to forgive her. They didn’t need to worry though.
“It was an outpouring of emotions and it was not intentional. I am proud of my daughter,” he said, without revealing the exact conversation. “What I said to her is between my daughter and I.”
In a 2022 documentary produced by football’s world governing body Fifa, Asisat spoke of the tug of war between wanting her to continue her studies and become a lawyer and her passion for football.
“I realised I was good at playing football and wanted to do it at the highest level,” she said.
“My parents didn’t want me to play sports at all and sometimes there were big fights at home. I had to run to my grandmother’s house to escape trouble.”
Asisat became the first Nigerian footballer – male or female – to score in three World Cups
Eventually Asisat’s parents agreed to let her embrace her passion and even drop out of school to pursue a professional career in football after she was spotted playing among male counterparts in Lagos and referred to local club FC Robo. That was in 2009 when she was 15.
Emmanuel Osahon, the club’s owner and head coach told the BBC that Asisat’s commitment to the game immediately stood out in training sessions.
“Asisat was very obedient and stubborn on the pitch. When she didn’t score, she would refuse to eat,” Osahon recalled.
The coach also said the player’s success has inspired young Nigerian women footballers to follow in her footsteps.
“I now have more than 10 players aspiring to be the next Asisat Oshoala,” he explained.
Asisat played in Nigeria until 2015, when she was signed by Liverpool and moved abroad. She also played in China for two seasons before joining Barcelona in 2019.
Two years later, she became the first ever African woman footballer to win the Uefa Champions League.
At FC Barcelona, Asisat became the first African woman footballer to win the Uefa Champions League
Asisat’s struggle to persuade her family to let her become a footballer inspired her to open an all-girls football school in Lagos last year, the Asisat Oshoala Academy.
On its website, she says she is committed to paving the way for others: “I have always strived to give back to the girls in my community and I believe this football academy will provide opportunities for more girls to excel through the combination of sport and education.”
Having served her national team since 2014, Asisat has been voted African Women’s Footballer of the Year a record five times.
Her contributions have not been restricted to the pitch, however. She spoke openly about disputes with the Nigerian Football Federation about unpaid bonuses and allowances to the squad that marred the team’s World Cup preparations.
“It’s not always a good look to stage protests because all the players want to do is focus on the football,” she told the BBC in June.
Nigeria have several Women’s African Cup titles in their trophy room but their best World Cup finish was a quarter-final in 1999.
This year’s tournament has already seen a fair share of surprising results, so Asisat and her team-mates are now entertaining the prospect of upsetting continental champions and title contenders England.
“Our team has a lot to offer, and the world has seen it [at the World Cup],” she said in a pitchside interview after the game against Australia.
What is certain is that her father will be glued to the TV set back home cheering on his daughter. “Nothing can stop Nigeria now. They will win,” he said.
With the help of the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the town of Luangwa, located in eastern Zambia, has implemented an innovative program to increase revenue collections and economic stability in the face of mounting climate change impacts.
According to a detailed report by local officials, Luangwa has been plagued by increased flooding in recent years due to climate change. The floods have led to repeated business closures and economic disruption. This spelled trouble for the Luangwa Town Council, which relies heavily on local revenue sources like markets and shops for its budget.
Overall revenue collection was meeting 92% of estimates, but revenue specifically from local sources languished at just 74% of expectations in 2022. Not only did this impact the council’s expenditures and services, but a portion of the tax proceeds had to be spent on tax collection itself.
Faced with this crisis, Luangwa officials developed a multi-pronged strategy focused on long-term financial health, economic pivoting, and tapping new revenue streams. Central to the plan were core values of participation, transparency, accountability, and equity/inclusion.
Specific initiatives included:
Frequent audits by the Town Council’s audit department decreased the risk of revenue loss by 41%. This provided greater oversight and transparency.
Construction of an elevated market in a flood-resistant area aimed to directly replace vulnerable revenue sources. The new market has already drawn many new women shopkeepers.
An 80% increase in women operating shops and stalls at the market. Officials noted the importance of inclusion and participation by this marginalized group.
A 10% increase in total revenue generation from the new market area. This provided a direct offset to losses from flooding.
Engagement efforts leading to a 30% increase in community participation in Town Council meetings. This boosted input on spending priorities.
A 38% increase in community input on the Town Council’s annual budget. Promoting participation and transparency.
Economic stability during downturns improved by 40% due to diversified revenue sources. This increased overall resilience.
The town’s ability to pivot to market changes increased by 50%. This adaptation promotes long-term viability.
Total revenue available for investment and growth increased 38% from 2021 to 2022. This supports future sustainability.
The comprehensive plan promoted inclusion, transparency, and participation by marginalized groups like women and youth. Officials credited this community engagement with the program’s success.
Total locally generated revenue increased 38% year-over-year, indicating improved economic stability despite climate change impacts. Officials say increased revenues will allow expanded services and local development.
“Working closely with our core values allowed us to constantly audit revenue flow,” said the Luangwa team. “Increased stability benefits our whole community.” Their innovative model provides a blueprint for other towns facing climate change worldwide.
By the time you finish reading this article, the chances are that another Nigerian has attempted to set some kind of world record in a frenzy that has gripped Africa’s most populous country.
It is hard to keep up with all the recent attempts but one man sang for 200 hours, a man is crying non-stop to set a record as you read this, a woman said she was staying indoors for the longest time while another was seen attempting to fry the most snails – one of at least six culinary-themed attempts – in the “record-a-thon” craze.
You can pinpoint the exact moment when some of the country’s 200 million people seemingly decided that every world record must fall – a medium-sized crowd braved rain and darkness for four days in May at a swanky venue in Lagos to watch Hilda Baci, a tired-looking chef, cook her way into the record books.
She cooked for a total of 100 hours, and although it was officially logged at 93 hours 11 minutes by the Guinness World Record (GWR), it was still enough to set a new record.
Since then, no day has passed without the now familiar sight of a digital clock on a dark screen signalling that someone, or a couple, is attempting a new world record.
Even GWR is struggling to keep up, after basking in the initial swell of attention as Nigerians keenly followed Ms Baci’s feat.
“Please enough of the record-a-thons,” the organisation humorously tweeted on Tuesday after someone broached the idea of not one, but two separate attempts – an “idea-a-thon” and a “puff-puff-a-thon”.
Hilda Baci sparked the craze by setting a cooking record in May
This followed a previous GWR tweet saying that people should first apply before attempting to set a record. The “polite reminder” was seen as a cheeky dig at Nigerians after a masseuse collapsed while aiming to set a new record for the longest time spent massaging non-stop.
That attempt was now abandoned, she said, adding that her 50 hours was enough for the record, even though she didn’t apply to Guinness.
It is the same bravado that has marked the recent wave, with people boldly announcing their attempts without applying to GWR and not sticking to the rules.
Two chefs turned off their stoves and went to sleep during their attempts, which disqualified them.
“To avoid disappointment, it is important to ensure that what you want to attempt is a valid record title and that you understand the guidelines,” a GWR representative told the BBC.
They said the organisation had seen a spike in applications from Nigerians but could not confirm if the number of attempts from one country itself constituted a record.
Farominiyi Kemi will need a bigger fryer for her record puff-puff attempt
“Nigerians are funny people and we tend to ride on the wave of whatever is happening at the moment. In less than three months the craze would die down,” said Farominiyi Kemi, the double-attempter who broke the patience of Guinness.
The idea of two attempts was a joke, she told the BBC, but frying a record number of puff-puff – a soft round deep-fried dough like a donut – has now taken firm root in her mind.
One man who is definitely taking his attempt seriously is secondary school teacher John Obot, who is going for the longest time reading aloud in September.
He has obtained approval from GWR and is rehearsing towards crushing the current record of 124 hours set last year in Turkey by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan.
Mr Obot aims to read aloud non-stop for 140 hours in the peaceful coastal city of Uyo in southern Nigeria.
“The motivation is to promote reading culture in Nigeria,” he said, leaving no doubt about his capability during a short call in which it was hard to get a word in edgeways.
“I decided to choose a record that is meaningful,” he added, taking a swipe at other attempts, including one for the most coconuts dehusked only using teeth.
“Of what value is that record, or the people that want to kiss?” asked Mr Obot, who proclaimed his attempt superior just for the Nigerian and English classics he would be reading on the day.
That kissing attempt has – disappointingly for some – been banned in Ekiti state where it was planned, with authorities warning all involved that there would be consequences if they went ahead with their attempt to set a record for kissing non-stop. GWR removed this category after people collapsed during previous attempts (outside Nigeria).
“[The] ‘kiss-a-thon’ as an event is not only absurd, immoral, unhealthy [but] capable of denigrating the image of Ekiti,” a statement from the culture ministry said.
Ekiti is closely associated with the recent craze as it was there that chef Dammy, while the steam was still rising in chef Baci’s kitchen and Guinness was yet to ratify her record, turned on her stove to try and outdo her fellow countrywoman.
The physical strain of some of the attempts, as seen with the masseuse, is also a slight cause for worry.
Tembu Ebere, who is crying non-stop for seven days, says he’s experienced serious health issues, telling the BBC he has had headaches, a swollen face, went partially blind for 45 minutes and has puffed eyes.
“I had to restrategise and reduce my wailing,” he said, adding that he was determined to see it through so is now sobbing towards his target, even though he has not applied to GWR so it won’t be an official record.
Many Nigerians who find the slew of attempts cringeworthy say Ms Baci unlocked Pandora’s box.
And it is not as though the country is short of record holders:
Chinonso Eche, who holds records for: most consecutive football touches in one minute while balancing a football on the head; fastest time to 1,000 football touches while balancing a ball on the head; most football headers in a prone position in one minute and most football touches in a seated position while balancing a ball on the head in one minute.
But none of those generated as much buzz as chef Baci, who had a huge publicity machinery behind her.
“We did a lot of background work,” said Nene Bejide, head of the public relations firm that handled the branding.https://www.bbc.com/news/av-embeds/66194990/vpid/p0fnntbg
It yielded results on the day – Ms Baci had a call from the former vice-president, a visit from the Lagos state governor, record holder Amusan stopped by, as did a never-ending stream of celebrities and well-wishers.
Aside from the stardom and fame that an attempt garners – seen through an instant swell of social media followers that elevates one to influencer status, a digital currency these days – there is also the personal enrichment.
Ms Baci has been given a year’s free travel by a Nigerian airline among other endorsements, chef Dammy received cash gifts. Others have openly solicited donations during their attempts.
“I had to do something that is basically out of the ordinary to put myself on the map, to put Nigeria on the map,” Ms Baci told the BBC after her feat.
The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) is an open-ended Security and Exchange Commission-Registered Unit Trust/Mutual Fund with an initial public offering to raise N5billion through the issuance of 5,000,000,000 units at N1.00 per Unit.
It is a fund launched by GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited on Tuesday, March 22, 2022,to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges hindering the growth and advancement of football in Nigeria by focusing on sports development. Presently, TNFF is the catalyst energizing the transformation of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In the past, the organization of NPFL had so many challenges bedevilling it and topmost among them is the issue of poor funding which the Fund is going to breathe in a new lease of life into it going forward.
For the records, TNFF also invests in high-quality investment-grade instruments involving equities of quoted companies, money market or fixed-income instruments, and strategic investment in football/sports sector via securitized lending investments in identified short to medium-term “Football Projects.”
The Fund also aims to transform football clubs from socio-political tools to profitable business enterprises and by extension, a national asset; contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
As noted earlier, TNFF will promote investment culture among participants in the sports industry with an opportunity to earn returns from investment-grade instruments involving equities of quoted companies, sovereign and corporate short/long-term debt obligations and securitized lending investments in identified short to medium-term “Football Projects.”
The multiplier effects of building a “Football Economy” is extremely huge, as an improved football sector will drive a cycle of growth (value-chain effects) across several other sectors like Tourism, Broadcasting, Technology, Gaming, Media, Hospitality, Transportation, Merchandising etc. The result of these will lead to increased economic activities, increase in employment opportunities, rise in disposable income, significant contribution to GDP and a general increase in demand for the products, goods and services produced by Nigerian corporate/manufacturing companies.
The Fund which is currently managed by GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited has the following under-listed deliverables:
It will help the government to use football to manage social vices, especially among the teaming idle youths. Most of these youths would be kept busy through sporting activities and will not fancy indulging themselves in criminal activities if left unchecked.
Therefore, an improved football economy enhances national development as the beautiful game in turn becomes an easy tool or a veritable source of revenue for government finances.
Another deliverable is that TNFF will help to enhance national saving culture and will stimulate the financial inclusion agenda of the federal government.
Also, another good benefit of TNFF is that it deepens the creative economy of Nigeria, produces and distributes cultural goods with positive economic impact. The positive spill-over effect on the tourism sector development can be heartwarming because of its positive impact on hotel occupancy rates.
Aside from enhanced foreign exchange earnings, which TNFF will bring to the table through foreign television broadcasting rights, infrastructural development; the fund has demonstrated the capacity to convert the interests of mammoth Nigerian fans into commercial success and sustainable growth.
From the foregoing, the benefits of TNFF are much and for a country like Nigeria that wants to diversify its economy, TNFF is a ready mutual fund that will provide the magic wand to add up to the GDP of Africa’s most populous black nation.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) logo
A Cameroonian king is visiting the UK to try and raise money to help those who have fled the separatist conflict to settle in his small kingdom.
The Fon of Akum, George Ndikum II, has been on the throne for 65 years in an area of North-West Cameroon, one of two English-speaking regions where a secessionist rebellion has been raging for the last six years. The conflict was sparked by those in the two Anglophone regions who have long felt marginalised by the country’s French-speaking majority.
Akum, a lush highland village where most people make their living by farming, is struggling to cope with the influx of those who have lost their homes in the war, which Amnesty International said in a report this week involves rampant human rights violations and other crimes including executions, torture and rape.
People from Akum came to Heathrow Airport to welcome the Fon to London last week
The Fon of Akum has been feted since his arrival last Wednesday by London’s Cameroonian community.
Events during the monarch’s visit are focussed on raising funds for displaced children to give them access to education and to provide food.
It is the first Akum General Convention to be held and people came from around the world to attend.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, holds immense power. Like the drops of rain that come together to form a river, our collective efforts can create a powerful current of change,” said Charles Mambo, UK president of the Akum Welfare Association, during a gala event that brought hundreds of people from around the world for the first Akum General Convention.
Many attending the event on Saturday wore beautiful woven designs from the North-West region known as “toghu”
“As the Akum people say, ‘A tree is only as strong as its roots.’ Let us strengthen the roots of these children, allowing them to grow tall and strong, capable of weathering any storm that comes their way,” he said.
The Fon’s visit continues in London, where he is attending various events, until this weekend.
She came. She saw. She conquered. And she exited in a blaze of glory.
That’s the apt summary of the life and times of late Chief(Mrs.) Rachael Olaoko Fasakin-Adeyomoye( nee Afelebe), the Eyedogun of Odo-Iju, Ayetoro-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
The story of Chief (Mrs.) Rachael Fasakin-Adeyomoye is a classic of how a little girl with humble beginning turned out to be a roaring success, a true amazon of our times.
Chief(Mrs.) Fasakin-Adeyomoye was born in Ile-Aaye in Odo-Iju Quarters of Ayetoro-Ekiti, 87 years ago.
Her parents, Pa Matthew Dada Afelebe and Madam Janet Afelebe( both of blessed memory) who were devout christians were of modest means.
And for one who was born without the proverbial silver spoon, the future looked bleak and daunting for the young Rachael.
However, what her parents lacked in material resources, they made up for with the Christian values of generosity, hardwork, honesty and humility.
These values were instilled in the young Rachael before she left her parents to live with her uncle in Ikire, then in Oyo State(and now in Osun State).
Throughout her very successful sojourn here on earth those virtues defined her life.
And when she answered the Divine Call on Tuesday September 20, 2022 at the age of 87 she had left indelible footprints in the sand of time.
She was a phenomenal success by every standard.
Chief(Mrs.) Fasakin-Adeyomoye would always be remembered as one of the leading merchants in foodstuff business in Kwara State and the old Western region comprising present day states of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Ogun.
She traversed the length and breadth of the region buying foodstuffs in bulk and selling in wholesale and retail.
Unlike several merchants of her era who operated like Shylocks with the sole aim of profiteering, her business model had a human face; her objective was to make the foodstuffs available and affordable to even the poorest of the poor.
Chief(Mrs.) Fasakin-Adeyomoye made a name as a successful merchant; but what endeared her to many in her community and far-flung places was her philanthrophy.
Chief (Mrs.) Fasakin-Adeyomoye was obsessed with giving, giving and giving.
She met the needs of the vulnerable, the poor and the needy.
She adopted several vulnerable children and raised them in the same way she raised her children.
In her home, there was no way to distinguish between her biological children and her adopted children.
Aside attending to the individual needs of her people, she was also a champion of community service, supporting all the developmental projects with her resources.
In fact, she was one of the pillars on which her community rested.
Her enormous contributions to her community was appreciated in 1989 when she was conferred with the prestigious title of Eyedogun of Odo-Iju Quarters, Ayetoro-Ekiti. She held the title until her demise.
Though she died at a ripe old age of 87, the death of Chief(Mrs.) Fasakin-Adeyomoye triggered outpouring of grief from far and wide.
Her interment on September 24, 2022 attracted the creme d’la creme of society who turned up to pay their last respects to an amazon who overcame the vicissitudes of life, transformed the lives of many and played a huge role in the development of her community.
If the interment attracted the creme d’la creme to Ayetoro-Ekiti, the final funeral service of Saturday May, 13th 2023 brought together the high and mighty of different walks of life.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion which took place at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ayetoro-Ekiti included the Proprietor of Frontliners Schools, Mrs. Esther Aliu who was represented by Mr. Sunday Olaolu Ogunjimi, former Chairman of Ido/Osi Local Government Area, Ekiti, Mr. Adeola Ayodimeji, Navy Captain D. Fagbote and Barrister T. Fagbote who were represented and former councillor Ayetoro-Ekiti Ward 1, Hon. Kunle Ekundayo.
Others were Yeye Darlene Williams who was represented by Mrs S.O. Abiola, Mr. Oyalakin Ibrahim and Mrs Yemisi Oyedeji the chief executive officer of Crystal Etiquette and Poise Academy(Lagos and London)who were also represented.
Pastor and Pastor(Mrs) T.O. Olusoji of Christ Anointed Deliverance Ministry(CADM) were represented by Deacon Dayo Fadipe while Mrs. Shodeinde Aminat Kehinde and Pastor John Ayodeji of Graphic Application were in attendance to add colour to the occasion.
In his sermon at the Funeral Service, Venerable J.S. Komolafe of St. James Anglican Church, Itaogolu, Ondo State admonished the guests to always do good because according to him “Whatever a man does, be it good or bad is on record”.
The title of the Venerable’s sermon posed a pertinent question “What will you be remembered for”?
For those at the Funeral Service and everyone who had an encounter with the late Chief(Mrs) Rachael Olaoko Fasakin-Adeyomoye in her glorious lifetime, the answer to the venerable’s question is not far fetched; they would want to be remembered for good and to achieve the goal, they have to emulate the departed who gave her all in the service to God, to the community and to humanity.
Late Chief (Mrs). Rachael Olaoko Fasakin-Adeyomoye who was a staunch member of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church was married to late Chief David Fasakin-Adeyomoye, the Otun Ijo of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ayetoro-Ekiti and they were blessed with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The children are Mrs. Deborah Oseni, Deaconess Alice Agbaje, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, Evangelist Benjamin Fasakin, Rev. Adebodun Fasakin and Mr. Abiodun Fasakin.
As reported in one of our articles, the global meat products market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% to reach a total value of $1,345.9 billion.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) forecasted global annual meat production of 361 million tons in 2022. This translated into an average meat consumption per person per day of 118.6 grams.
The FAO has forecasted an increase of 14% in global meat consumption by 2030. Considering the projected global population surpassing 9 billion by the middle of this century, it is expected that global meat consumption will rise to 570 million tons by 2050.
Overall, global meat consumption has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. According to Our World in Data, Hong Kong and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are the countries in which meat consumption per capita is increasing at the fastest rate.
Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes in developing countries have contributed to this trend. As more people move out of poverty, they often seek to include more meat in their diets. Meat consumption varies significantly across different regions of the world. Spain, Italy, and France are among the leading consumers of meat in Europe.
Developed countries tend to have higher meat consumption per capita compared to developing countries. While India has a significant level of annual meat supply, the country’s per capita meat consumption stands at only 4.58 kg. This makes India the country that eats the least meat on a per-person basis on our list.
On the other hand, countries like Germany, the United States, and Japan rank among the top 10 countries with the highest meat consumption. These nations have well-established meat industries and a cultural preference for meat-based diets.
Key Players in the Industry
As of 2023, 72%, or $963.20 billion, of the global meat industry revenue, is dependent on fresh meat and 26.2%, or $347 billion, comes from processed meat. Meanwhile, the remaining 1.8% or $12.74 billion, is contributed by meat substitutes. The patterns of red meat consumption per capita by country play a significant role in shaping the global meat industry landscape.
Some of the leading companies capitalizing on the expanding meat industry include Hormel Foods Corporation, Beyond Meat, Inc., and Kroger Co.
In the United States, the biggest meat company in terms of revenue is Kansas-based Cargill Meat Solutions, a subsidiary of the privately held company Cargill Incorporated. Cargill Meat Solutions had an annual revenue of $165 billion in 2022, with a headcount of 165,000 employees. Another significant provider of meat products in the US is Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods, Inc.
The company had an annual revenue of $53.3 billion as of 2022. Tyson Foods, Inc. has a presence in 45 states and employs 140,000 people. Furthermore, quick service restaurants (QSR) like the Chicago, Illinois-based McDonald’s Corporation also play an important role in the meat industry. McDonald’s Corporation alone purchases 0.861 million tons of beef annually to serve billions of burgers across the world through its 38,000 locations.
With this context in mind, let’s take a look at our meat consumption by country rankings.
Our Methodology
We obtained the annual meat consumption data for all the countries from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In order to gain a better understanding of the consumption patterns, we also calculated the meat consumption per capita for each country by dividing the annual consumption by the total population figures sourced from the World Bank. The countries have been ranked in ascending order of their annual meat consumption as of 2020.
Top 20 Countries with the Highest Meat Consumption
20. Canada
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 3.42 million tons Population: 37,742,150 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 90.55 kg
Canadians have a long-standing tradition of consuming beef, including steaks, ground beef, and other cuts. Pork is also widely consumed in various forms, such as bacon, sausages, and pork chops. Beef is often associated with Canadian cuisine, including dishes like poutine, hamburgers, and steak.
19. South Africa
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 3.54 million tons Population: 59,308,690 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 59.77 kg
South Africa is known for its vibrant braai culture, which refers to the tradition of grilling and barbecuing meat outdoors. Braais are social gatherings where family and friends come together to enjoy grilled meats, often accompanied by side dishes, salads, and beverages. Popular meats for braais include beef, lamb, pork, and chicken.
18. Philippines
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 3.70 million tons Population: 109,581,080 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 33.74 kg
Pork and chicken are the most commonly consumed meats in the Philippines. The total annual meat consumption stood at 3.70 million tons in the country as of 2020.
17. South Korea
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 4.03 million tons Population: 51,269,180 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 78.53 kg
South Korea is known for its barbecue as it is a popular dining experience in the country that has gained international recognition as well. It involves grilling various types of meat, such as beef (especially bulgogi and galbi), pork (samgyeopsal and dwaeji galbi), and chicken (dak-galbi). Korean barbecue restaurants are widely popular and offer a social and interactive dining experience.
16. Pakistan
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 4.10 million tons Population: 220,892,340 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 18.59 kg
Mutton (goat or lamb) and beef are the most frequently consumed meats in Pakistan. The country had a per capita meat consumption of 18.59 kg as of 2020.
15. Italy
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 4.24 million tons Population: 60,461,830 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 70.19 kg
Italy offers a variety of meats that are enjoyed in different regions and dishes. Beef, pork, poultry (such as chicken and turkey), and lamb are co-consumed. Italian cuisine is highly regionalized, and meat dishes often reflect local traditions and flavours. For example, in Tuscany, bistecca alla Fiorentina (grilled T-bone steak) is a renowned speciality. The country has secured the fifteenth position on our list of the top 20 countries with the highest meat consumption.
14. Spain
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 4.76 million tons Population: 46,754,780 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 101.87 kg
Spain has various traditional meat-based dishes like jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham), chorizo (spicy sausage), and lomo (pork loin). Pork is also a key ingredient in popular dishes like cocido madrileño (Madrid-style stew) and fabada asturiana (Asturian bean stew). While pork is the most widely consumed meat, beef and veal also have their place in Spanish cuisine.
13. Indonesia
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 4.89 million tons Population: 273,523,610 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 17.89 kg
Indonesia is one of the few countries on this list that prefer chicken as their primary meat source. It is used in a wide range of dishes, such as ayam goreng (fried chicken), ayam bakar (grilled chicken), and ayam rica-rica (spicy chicken). Duck (bebek) is also popular, especially in dishes like bebek goreng (fried duck) and bebek betutu (spiced duck).
12. Argentina
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 4.98 million tons Population: 45,195,770 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 110.15 kg
Argentina is renowned worldwide for its beef production and consumption. The country is known for its high-quality grass-fed beef, and beef dishes are an integral part of Argentine cuisine. Asado is a traditional Argentine barbecue that involves grilling various cuts of beef, such as ribs, steaks, and sausages, over an open flame or charcoal.
11. France
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 5.11 million tons Population: 65,273,510 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 78.24 kg
France has a $53.90 billion meat industry as of 2023 that offers a wide variety of meats, including beef, pork, poultry, lamb, and game. Each type of meat has its own unique preparation methods and regional specialities. Beef is highly regarded in France, and various cuts are used in traditional dishes.
10. United Kingdom
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 5.37 million tons Population: 67,886,010 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 79.10 kg
The United Kingdom is at the tenth position on our list of the top 20 countries with the highest meat consumption. Customary dishes in the country include roast beef, bacon, and sausages. Sunday roast, a meal featuring roasted meat (often beef, pork, or lamb), vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding, is a popular tradition in many households.
9. Vietnam
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 5.90 million tons Population: 97,338,580 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 60.60 kg
Pork is amongst the most widely consumed meat in Vietnam. It is used in a variety of dishes, including braised pork belly, grilled pork skewers, and crispy roasted pork.
8. India
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 6.32 million tons Population: 1,380,004,390 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 4.58 kg
India has the lowest per capita meat consumption amongst all the countries on this list. India has a significant vegetarian population, and vegetarianism is deeply rooted in the country’s culture. Many Hindus abstain from consuming meat, particularly beef, due to religious beliefs.
7. Germany
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 6.60 million tons Population: 83,783,940 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 78.76 kg
Germany is renowned for its diverse selection of sausages. There are numerous regional varieties, including bratwurst, currywurst (sausage topped with curry ketchup), weißwurst (Bavarian white sausage), and bockwurst. Sausages are commonly enjoyed with mustard, sauerkraut, and bread. Pork is the most popular meat in Germany, and it is used in a wide range of traditional dishes.
6. Japan
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 6.75 million tons Population: 126,476,460 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 53.42 kg
Japan has a range of traditional meat-based dishes. Nikujaga (beef and potato stew), oden (simmered assortment of ingredients including meats), and sukiyaki (hot pot with beef, vegetables, and tofu) are examples of popular meat-based traditional dishes. Pork is also used in a variety of dishes, such as tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet), yakitori (grilled skewered pork), and shabu-shabu (hot pot with thinly sliced pork).
Some of the leading companies capitalizing on the rising demand for meat include Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ:BYND), and The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR).
5. Mexico
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 9.16 million tons Population: 128,932,750 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 71.05 kg
Beef is widely consumed in Mexico and is a common ingredient in numerous dishes. Carne asada (grilled beef), arrachera (marinated skirt steak), and bistec a la Mexicana (Mexican-style steak) are popular beef dishes in the country.
4. Russia
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 11.22 million tons Population: 145,934,460 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 77.74 kg
Russia has a deep-rooted connection with meat as a part of its culinary customs. Beef and pork are the most commonly consumed meats in Russia. They are used in a variety of dishes such as beef stroganoff (sautéed beef in a creamy sauce), pork kotleti (breaded and fried pork cutlets), and shashlik (marinated and grilled skewered meat).
3. Brazil
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 21.08 million tons Population: 212,559,420 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 99.15 kg
Brazil is another country on our list that is popular for its high levels of beef consumption. Churrasco, the Brazilian barbecue tradition, involves grilling different cuts of beef over an open flame. Picanha (top sirloin cap), maminha (tri-tip), and costela (beef ribs) are some of the favoured cuts in the country.
2. USA
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 42.57 million tons Population: 331,002,650 Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 128.62 kg
The USA has a well-known fast-food culture, where meat-based food like hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and hot dogs are popular choices. Fast-food chains are widespread in the country and offer convenient access to meat-based meals. Pork consumption is also prevalent in the United States.
1. China
Total Annual Meat Consumption: 91.37 million tons
Population: 1,471,286,870
Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption: 62.10 kg
China is the largest consumer of meat on an annual basis. Pork is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is used in a wide variety of dishes, including stir-fries, braised dishes, soups, and dumplings. Popular pork dishes include sweet and sour pork, char siu (barbecued pork), and mapo tofu (tofu cooked with minced pork in a spicy sauce).
As the number of migrants trying to reach Europe grows so does the number of deaths in the Mediterranean. While European Union officials struggle to contain the exodus the plight of those fleeing poverty and persecution is leaving its tragic mark on the shores of Tunisia.
As the sun creeps above the horizon off the shores of its eastern coast, fisherman Oussama Dabbebi begins hauling in his nets. His face fixes anxiously on its contents, because sometimes fish are not all he finds.
“Instead of getting fish I sometimes get dead bodies. The first time I was afraid, then step by step I got used to it. After a while getting a dead body out of my net is like getting a fish.”
The 30-year-old fisherman, clad in a dark hooded sweat short and shorts, says he recently found the bodies of 15 migrants in his nets over a three-day period.
“Once I found a baby’s body. How is a baby responsible for anything? I was crying. For adults it’s different because they have lived. But you know, for the baby, it didn’t see anything.”
Mr Dabbebi has fished these waters near Tunisia’s second city of Sfax since he was 10 years old.
In those days he was one of many casting their nets, but now he says most fisherman have sold their boats for vast sums to people smugglers.
“Many times smugglers have offered me unbelievable amounts to sell my boat. I have always refused because if they used my boat and someone drowned, I would never forgive myself.”
A short distance away a group of migrants from South Sudan – which has been hit by conflict, climate shock and food insecurity since its independence in 2011 – are walking slowly away from the port.
All ultimately hope to reach the UK. One explains that they have reluctantly abandoned a second attempt to cross to Italy because of an overcrowded boat and worsening weather.
“There were so many people and the boat was very small. We were still going to go, but when we pushed away from the shore it was really windy. There was too much wind.”
According Tunisia’s National Guard 13,000 migrants were forced from their often overcrowded boats near Sfax and returned to shore in the first three months of this year.
Between January and April this year some 24,000 people left the Tunisian coast in makeshift boats and made it to Italy, according to the UN refugee agency.
The country has now become the biggest departure point for migrants trying to reach Europe. Libya previously held this dubious accolade, but violence against migrants and abductions by criminal gangs has led to many travelling to Tunisia instead.
Many of their rusting and rotting vessels lie either half submerged in water or stacked in huge piles next to Sfax’s port. Forlorn reminders of the dangers of the world’s deadliest known migration route.
Another stark reminder can be found at the cemetery on the outskirts of the city.
Rows of freshly dug graves lie empty in an extended part of the graveyard, waiting for the next loss of lives at sea.
But they will not be enough. A new cemetery entirely dedicated to migrants is now being planned.
In just one two-week period earlier this year more than 200 bodies of migrants were retrieved from the sea here.
More than 27,000 have died trying to cross the Mediterranean since 2014.
This accelerating tragedy is causing great difficulties for the city.
The director of the regional health authority, Dr Hatem Cherif, says there simply are not the facilities to deal with so many deaths.
“The capacity of the hospital mortuary is a maximum of 35 to 40. This is usually sufficient, but with all this influx of bodies, which is getting worse, it’s way past the numbers we can take.”
As many as 250 bodies were brought to the mortuary recently. Most had to be placed in a chilled adjoining room, grimly named the “catastrophe chamber”, one on top of each other. Though Dr Cherif was keen to point out that all will be buried in separate, numbered graves.
Many any of those who died are unidentified, so DNA tests are being organised and the results carefully stored.
The idea is to enable relatives searching for loved ones to see if they are buried here, by checking for matches with their own DNA.
Three hours drive north-west in central Tunis several hundred members of Tunisia’s black minority, many of them women and children, are camped in small tents outside the offices of the International Organization for Migration.
All were evicted from their homes and sacked from their jobs in the city after an incendiary racist speech in February by the country’s President Kais Saied.
He claimed “hordes” of illegal migrants were entering the country as part of a “criminal” plan to change its demography.
Comments widely viewed as an attempt to find scapegoats for the country’s severe economic crisis, which has led many desperate Tunisians to become migrants themselves.
Pointing to a recent stab wound on his arm, a young man originally from Sierra Leone – which still recovering from a brutal civil war that ended in 2002 – says that since the president’s speech knife-wielding local youths have assaulted many people here.
“Some Arab boys came here to attacks us. The police said they would keep us secure if we stay here. But if we go outside of this area, we are not safe.”
This worrying situation and the continued jailing of opponents and erosion of civil rights by the country’s president, appears to be less of a priority to EU officials than curbing the flow of migrants.
So far this year more than 47,000 migrants have arrived in Italy, a three-fold increase on the same period of last year and demands have grown for something to be done.
During a brief visit here earlier this month a visiting delegation led by the head of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen promised a possible financial support package of nearly 1bn euros ($1bn; £850m).
If approved around a tenth of this sum would be spent on measures against human trafficking.
Last week’s tragedy off the Greek coast has heightened demands for something to be done.
Yet with many migrants so desperate and people smuggling so profitable for traffickers, stopping the increasingly flow of small boats will be very hard to do.
Crowds of migrants from all over Africa and parts of the Middle East gather in groups in shaded spots of the streets of Sfax.
Some have funds to pay for a place in a trafficker’s boat, others live in limbo, unable to even pay for their food and shelter.
Many have either lost their passports or had them stolen, while some never had one having left their countries illegally.
All have heard of the deaths of so many who tried to reach Europe, but it seems desperation continues to trump danger, as a young man from Guinea made clear.
“We cannot go back to our country because we don’t have money or passports. I’m not afraid. I’m starving, there is so much poverty [at home] and my parents have nothing. I don’t want my children to live like that. I need to go.”
The tragedy is that this basic human aspiration for a better life so often comes at such a very high price.
When it’s hot outside, having AC can feel like a luxury. Air conditioning units will absorb the heat in your room and simultaneously blow out cold air. They’re the best way to cool a room down quickly. But while higher temperatures can make sleeping a struggle, experts warn against keeping the AC on at night.
From health risks associated with poor sleep to increases in energy costs, both sleep and home energy experts suggest the few adverse effects of running your AC outweigh the benefits of keeping cool.
But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from night sweats either. As H&G’s dedicated sleep editor and a self-confessed hot sleeper, I’ve also listed some of the best cooling bed products to help keep your temperature regulated, so you can follow this advice and keep your air conditioning and best fan off.
You don’t have to stick to this advice if you can’t sleep without that cool breeze. However, if you want better sleep and lower bills, then it’s certainly worth consideration.
Why you should turn you AC off at night
Bedroom with shelving unit woman holding AC controller pointing at AC unit on wall
If you live in a very hot area, having the AC on at night seems like a no-brainer – a colder room is said to be the best temperature for sleep, plus it’s much cheaper to run air conditioning in the evening. That being said, the experts I spoke to suggest that turning it off has benefits for sleep and as well as your energy bills
1. Turning off your AC promotes better sleep
If you’ve ever woken up shivering, you know that a room that’s too cold will disrupt your sleep. ‘Maintaining a cool and comfortable bedroom environment is crucial for a good night’s sleep,’ says Alvin Pullins, a home improvement and maintenance specialist. ‘However, shallow temperatures, especially during sleep, can interfere with sleep quality and overall restfulness.’
Though that is not only the obvious drawback of getting cold at night. ‘Having your fan on while you sleep can trigger allergies and make you feel congested, leading to poor sleep,’ adds Martin Seeley, founder, and CEO of MattressNextDay. ‘Naturally an electric fan will circulate air around the room. But what many people aren’t aware of is that it also circulates dust mites, spores, pollen, and other allergens.’ It will also dry out the air and cause you to feel congested. If you’re suffering from sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, itchy throats and even breathing difficulties, it’d be better to invest in one of the best air purifiers.
By turning the AC off at night ‘you can create a more moderate and natural sleeping environment, which is conducive to better sleep. Additionally, the absence of AC noise can contribute to a quieter and more peaceful sleeping environment.’ adds Pullins.
2. Turning off your AC can alleviate aches and pains
If you have sore joints or muscles, your AC could be contributing to your aches and pains at night. As Seeley explains, ‘if you have pre-existing pains, either from injury, improper posture or sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, you should refrain from directing a fan’ or having strong AC on throughout the night. This is because the concentrated cool air can make your muscles tense and cramp up, causing you even more pain. You may even notice that you have a stiff neck since using an electric fan or having your AC on, so stop using it for a few nights to see if you spot a difference.
You should, of course, consult a doctor first to help with any back pain or sleep issues. Then you should ask whether your bed set-up is to blame. An old sagging mattress lacking in support can cause severe lower back pain and spinal injury, and a pillow of the wrong size can lead to neck aches. One of the best mattresses, designed with your back in mind will make a difference in how well you sleep, and buying the right pillow will positively impact how you feel when you wake up.
3. Turning off your AC at night saves money
Air conditioning controls
Most energy providers will put their ratings at their lowest at night. But turning your AC off will help conserve energy and cut down on costs. If you maintain your room at a reasonable temperature all day, you don;t need to run AC at night when you won’t even be awake to notice the benefit.
Since ‘AC units are among the most energy-consuming appliances in households, sometimes, reducing their usage during times when they are not essential can lead to noticeable savings over time.’ says Pullins.
Chris Harvey, a heating specialist at Stelrad,further explains that ‘leaving the AC running throughout the night can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and increased utility bills. Turning off your AC at night can prevent unnecessary strain on the system too, and optimize the performance of your heating.
‘By implementing this practice, you not only save on utility bills but also promote the longevity and efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment, for when you need it most’.
Other ways to keep cool at night
Turning the AC off isn’t going to do you any favors if you sleep hot. The good news is there are other ways to keep cool at night that don’t rely on your air conditioning or electric fan. As a hot sleeper myself, I’ve tried and tested some of the best cooling bed products including the best cooling mattress, toppers, and pads that feel cool to the touch and breathable bed sheets perfect for summer months. These are the top products I’d recommend for regulating your temperature at night.
Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI) is steadfast in its commitment to implementing projects that align with global standards and best practices, while simultaneously addressing the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (SDGs). As part of their resolution to continually improve and deliver sustainable solutions, HAI recognizes the importance of equipping their team members with the necessary skills and expertise. It is with this foresight that Queen Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, in her capacity as Deputy Convener of HAI, undertook the rigorous Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Programs Workshop at the renowned Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI)
Queen Ogunwusi, the Deputy Convener of Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI), has successfully concluded a transformative short course on Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Programs at the prestigious Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI). The course, which took place at HHI’s renowned campus, Cambridge, Massachusetts provided Queen Ogunwusi with invaluable knowledge and skills to enhance the impact of HAI’s projects across Africa, in line with global standards, best practices, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Queen Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi successfully completed a transformative short course on Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Programs at the prestigious Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
The Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Programs Workshop offered by HHI is widely recognized as a leading platform for professionals in the humanitarian sector seeking to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of their initiatives. The workshop provided Queen Ogunwusi with an immersive learning experience focused on monitoring and evaluating humanitarian programs. By participating in this comprehensive course, Queen Ogunwusi has expanded her knowledge base and gained practical insights into how to align HAI’s projects with global standards and best practices. The training also emphasized the importance of meeting the United Nations’ MDGs, which serve as a blueprint for achieving sustainable development worldwide.
Throughout the course, Queen Ogunwusi had the opportunity to work with esteemed individuals as a team from prominent organizations such as the Penny Appeal USA, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Together, they embarked on a case study project focusing on how Penny Appeal USA implements Solar Power Water Centers across three countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). This real-world project presented an ideal opportunity for Queen Ogunwusi to acquire practical insights and strategies to improve the implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of similar endeavors carried out by HAI in Africa.
Her Majesty, Queen Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi takes photograph with her course mates at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
With a newfound understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, Queen Ogunwusi aims to revolutionize the way HAI engages with underserved communities. By involving these communities directly in the planning, execution, and maintenance of projects, Queen Ogunwusi envisions a future where each initiative becomes an enduring asset owned by the communities it serves. This approach fosters a sense of empowerment, ensuring that HAI’s impact will continue to benefit generations to come.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Programs Workshop at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative,” said Queen Ogunwusi. “This experience has equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of HAI’s initiatives. By actively involving the underserved communities, we can create lasting change and improve their quality of life.”
Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI) is a trailblazing nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope and sustainable development to communities across Africa. Through initiatives such as healthcare programs, education initiatives, and water projects, HAI has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals, fostering social and economic empowerment.
The completion of the Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Programs Workshop at HHI positions Queen Ogunwusi and HAI as catalysts for change and innovation within the humanitarian sector. With her enhanced skills and knowledge, Queen Ogunwusi is ready to spearhead transformative projects that will uplift underserved communities and drive sustainable development across Africa.
Corporate organizations interested in partnering with Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI) are encouraged to reach out to learn more about the organization’s impactful initiatives and how they can contribute to creating lasting change in Africa.
Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI) is a non-profit organization that is committed to making a positive impact on Nigerian and African communities. Their aim is to address the issues of poverty, socioeconomic inequality, and environmental challenges through our three pillars of society: the Environmental, Social, and Economic Pillars.
HAI believes that community building is crucial for her mission and has designed her programs to support the needs of the community members in her focus areas. Community Building, Family, and Career Programmes are geared towards creating lasting memories, improving the local environment, and promoting peaceful coexistence among community members.
She understands the importance of education, healthcare, and basic amenities in breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities. As such, HAI’s primary focus is to provide vulnerable people and underserved communities in Africa with access to these fundamental needs.
