Urban Memoirs - The African Bushmeat Trade

Learn more:  http://www.4apes.com/bushmeat/report/bushmeat.pdf

THE MARKET AND ITS EUROPEAN SPONSORS

    The food source consumed by nations in the Central/West African regions prior to Colonialism almost becomes insignificant when you consider the diseases that encompasses African nations and the endangerment of primates in Africa today. There is clear cut evidence of records that conclude to these issues of diseases and endangered species being a result of Colonialism. Diseases such as: HIV/AIDS, cholera, malaria, Ebola, Tuberculosis, chronic diarrhea, and Hepatitis A/B etc, did not pose a threat to Africans prior to Colonialism. In fact, they were unknown to the Nations residing on the continent before the Colonial period.

    Naturally, those individuals that have the privilege and luxury of residing in Western societies today may wonder why these Africans are eating Primates and various other species causing a swift affect of endangering these species’ survival. Ignorance is bliss. Needless to say, it’s evident that the Africans are not concerned with the lack of knowledge of the Western civilizations because they too are fighting for survival due to lack of land for cultivation, access to seeds, and clean water. Some African tribes, unlike the early Colonialists, refused to leave their rich native land; instead they found alternatives for survival. Of coarse it seems inhumane and very cruel to animals, but in their minds it’s ‘Eat or Die‘. Besides, in various articles you will find that the Bushmeat Trading is strongly linked to various European Logging Companies. What does this mean? Well you just can’t let a region of homeless Primates go to waste, right?  

   

    Contrary to popular belief West Africa was a civilized and wealthy region of Africa, before Colonialism and the scramble for Africa. There is no question that Western African cultures were very civilized and wealthy prior to Colonialism, to those who research their history. The geographical position of The Kingdom of Congo is simple evidence that it was once the center of a network of trading in Africa. They have lineages of noble King/Queenships that predates the Colonials, the very same people that sent missionaries and business men (traders/brokers) to civilize their already civilized nation.

    During the period of Colonialism there were mandates to be met, and land to be taken. This period lasted from the 15^th century to 20^th century. It was spearheaded by early Portuguese and European traders/brokers on a conquest for various commodities such as land, gold, spices, and humans. In the process, Nations died to never be seen and new governments were formed to never be removed.

    Post Colonialism resulted in millions of Africans displaced and natural resources confiscated. The devastations divided the natives and left the remaining survivors poor. The 19^th and 20^th century sprouted the fruits of Colonialism inflicted on the Native Africans. This will include: Civil Wars in diverse regions, major Oil tycoons polluting the water resource, lack of food and nutrition resulting in diseases and seeking other alternatives for food (ie consumption of Primates), European Logging Companies destroying the rain forest (resulting in homeless Primates), and human experimentations. (Note: I just named a few)
   
    In 1959 the first human to be diagnosed with HIV was from Congo. I remember when I was growing up in the early 90’s the media revealed that an African male contracted this virus by having sexual intercourse with a monkey. That’s interesting because now researchers say that HIV may have been transferred via consumption of the “Bushmeat” (Primates) because they carry a similar virus known as SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus). So, if this is the case then allow me to give you something to ponder on. Why are professionals telling the world HIV in Africa is such a problem today because of sexual intercourse; oppose to saying it comes from Africans eating bushmeat (Primates)? I mean it’s not like they stopped eating bushmeat (Primates). Africans still eat bushmeat and probably consume more than in 1959, because the demand for it is more than ever. (I will be posting another article regarding HIV/AIDS on a different date. It still needs more research.) 
   
    The Bushmeat Trading regions are in highly populated and heavily impoverished regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. Yet still I am baffled with this market being worth billions of dollars. Hopefully, when the media makes mention to the Bushmeat Market's cash flow, they are factoring in the European Logging Company’s income as well. If not, then it’s safe for individuals like me to wonder if there are developed countries that are paying big bucks for the “bush“? (Play on wordZ) BON APPETITE!

MORE VIDEOS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsg8SRAGJc&feature=relmfu   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDMFuOGyLsw&feature=fvwrel