Customs and Cuisine of Chad - Together Women Rise (2024)

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What are the customs of Chad? ›

Social Conventions in Chad

Dress is informal, but conservative in respect of Muslim laws. There is strict segregation of women in the Muslim areas. It is customary to shake hands. The left hand should never be used for offering or accepting food, nor should the sole of the foot be exposed in the presence of a Muslim.

Chadian cuisine is the cooking traditions, practices, foods and dishes associated with the Republic of Chad. Chadians use a medium variety of grains, vegetables, fruits and meats. Commonly consumed grains include millet, sorghum, and rice as staple foods. Commonly eaten vegetables include okra and cassava.

Meals begin once the host has prayed or indicates that it is time to start the meal. It is considered very rude for guests to refuse food. Women cook over open fires and the meal is served on mats on the ground from a large communal bowl. As is common in many countries, food is consumed using only the right hand.

Chad is also known as "The Babel Tower of the World" because of its cultural diversity. It has over 200 ethnic groups and 100 languages spoken in the country.

Islam and Christianity are the most widely professed religions in Chad. Smaller populations of non-religious people as well as adherents of other faiths are also present.

A total 3.4 million people are projected to be acutely food insecure for the coming June-August lean season – the highest level of severe food insecurity ever recorded for the country and a staggering 240 percent increase since 2020.

Karkandji. In the country of Chad, this particular culinary creation is often regarded as the most esteemed and highly regarded meal. The dish is prepared with either meat or fish, along with sorrel leaf, a culinary herb often used in cooking and salads.

Chad is one of the World's largest suppliers of sesame seed. White and black sesame seeds are grown in southern and central Chad. Other foods, e.g. mangos, cashews, peanuts, and dates, are widely grown in Chad but are not packaged, processed, or exported.

Chadian Arab's typically wear turban-like headgear known as a, Tagiya when going out in public. Chadian Arab men also usually wear long robes called Jalabiya's which cover most of their bodies as well. The men also wear a pant called Boubou together with the long robes.

Chad is consistently ranked as one of the five poorest countries in the world by the Annual United Nations Human Development Report. The measure of the country's underdevelopment is staggering. Only about 6 percent of the population has access to electricity, and only 8 percent has access to basic sanitation.

How do people in Chad greet? ›

Chadian Culture

A handshake is the most common form of greeting for males and they always use their right hand. Women greet each other verbally, the same goes for men and women who greet each other. Chadians stand quite close to each other while speaking.

Poverty and vulnerability are pervasive in Chad, with 42.3% of the population living below the national poverty line. Extreme poverty ($2.15/day per capita [PPP 2017]) also remains high in the country and has risen significantly, from 31.2% in 2018 to 34.9% in 2021 and 35.4% in 2023.

Southern Chadians tend to eat more agricultural products, with rice, potatoes, millet, red beans, spices, and fruits found alongside domesticated meats. In the north, where the majority of people live a nomadic lifestyle, the diet consists primarily of milk, meat and fish, with grain dishes only occasionally used.

Chad, officially the Republic of Chad, is an independent state at the crossroads of North and Central Africa.

Traditional Chadian Arab attire such as long robes called jalabiyas are worn by men in public, along with white turban-like headgear known as a tagiya. Muslim men wear outfits consisting of long robes with matching pants known as boubous, and in the southern tribes, they wear tunic outfits called complets.

Chad is consistently ranked as one of the five poorest countries in the world by the Annual United Nations Human Development Report. The measure of the country's underdevelopment is staggering. Only about 6 percent of the population has access to electricity, and only 8 percent has access to basic sanitation.

Chad's ethnic groups include Sara (Ngambaye/Sara/Madjingaye/Mbaye) 30.5 per cent, Kanembu/Bornu/Buduma 9.8 per cent, Arab 9.7 per cent, Wadai/Maba/Masalit/Mimi 7 per cent, Gorane 5.8 per cent, Masa/Musseye/Musgum 4.9 per cent, Bulala/Medogo/Kuka 3.7 per cent, Marba/Lele/Mesme 3.5 per cent, Mundang 2.7 per cent, Bidiyo/ ...