Why Termites is Important in Africa

Termites are an important part of the ecosystem. They are necessary for the health of tropical rain forests and warm temperate woodlands. They provide food, shelter, and a sense of community. They also help replenish nutrients in the soil.

Termites are also important for a number of cultural practices. They are often associated with spirits, ancestors, and ghosts. For example, in Mali (Songhai), termite mounds are used to drive away evil spirits. In Zambia, abandoned termite mounds are used as burying sites. In other parts of Africa, they are used to honor ancestors.

In Africa, termites are eaten with salt and onions. They are also made into a cake in Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. The king and queen are not often eaten, but can be useful for special purposes. In Benin, the Yoruba believe that eating the queen will increase their respect.

They can also be crushed into flour in Sudan, or put into tomato stew in Uganda. They are also used as wood preservative in Mozambique. In some parts of the world, they are even burned with grass torches.

Despite their destructive nature, termites are an important part of the landscape. They feed on plant material, including decaying wood. They are also responsible for the health of warm temperate woodlands and subtropical rain forests. They help maintain good hygiene and keep parasites under control.

Termite mounds are common in many parts of Africa, but are not seen as a serious threat to the environment. They are a source of water filtering in Niger, and serve as potential bulwarks against climate change in Mali.

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