Côte d’Ivoire’s attiéké gains UNESCO heritage status

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – UNESCO has officially recognized the traditional Ivorian dish attiéké, made from steamed cassava tubers, as a cultural treasure.

The know-how and practices involved in the preparation of attiéké were recently added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, marking a significant achievement for the lagoon peoples of Côte d’Ivoire who have long preserved this culinary tradition.

The announcement came during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held from December 2 to 7 in Asunción, Paraguay.

This international recognition underscores the cultural and economic importance of attiéké, which is a staple food in Côte d’Ivoire.

The dish, often paired with fish, meat, or vegetables, is not only a favorite at family meals but also features prominently in restaurants and ceremonies. Beyond its culinary appeal, attiéké embodies artisanal know-how passed down through generations, particularly by women, who play a central role in its production.

The process of making attiéké involves several meticulous steps: cultivating and harvesting cassava, grinding it, mixing it with fermented cassava (magnan), and transforming it into semolina before steaming.

This labor-intensive method requires expertise and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the lagoon peoples. The inclusion of attiéké on the World Heritage List not only highlights its cultural significance but also affirms the value of the craftsmanship and dedication of those who produce it.

In June 2024, Attiéké was successfully labelled by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) under Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

The PGI registration certificates accompanied by the OAPI logo on the PGIs, were handed over, on July 26, 2023, to Souleymane Diarrassouba, the Minister in charge of Trade, Industry and the Promotion of SMEs by Director General of OAPI Denis Bohoussou during a ceremony.

The celebrated Geographical Indications system is a tool that establishes intellectual property rights for specific products, whose qualities are specifically linked to the area of production.

Attiéké’s UNESCO designation is expected to bring a range of benefits. It could bolster support for local producers and processors, promote gastronomic tourism, and inspire cultural initiatives centered around this iconic dish.

Additionally, this recognition may encourage further investment in the cassava value chain, which holds significant economic potential for Côte d’Ivoire.

According to a 2018 study by CIRAD, attiéké accounted for 56% of the added value generated by the cassava sector in Côte d’Ivoire, contributing approximately US$825 million (514 billion CFA francs) to the economy.

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