What's Happening?
The Crop Trust has spotlighted fonio, a drought-tolerant grain, as a promising solution to the global food crisis affecting over 330 million people in 70 countries. Fonio, cultivated in West Africa for centuries, matures quickly and thrives in poor soil with little water, making it ideal for drought-prone areas. Despite its benefits, fonio remains underutilized due to labor-intensive processing and lack of research focus. Efforts are underway to conserve its genetic diversity in genebanks and improve its market presence.
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Why It's Important?
Fonio's resilience and nutritional value make it a potential game-changer in addressing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change. Its ability to grow in harsh conditions offers a sustainable alternative to traditional crops, potentially reducing reliance on imports and enhancing local economies. Increased investment in fonio could lead to improved agricultural practices and food systems, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
What's Next?
To unlock fonio's full potential, stakeholders must invest in research, genebank support, and market development. This includes mechanizing processing, breeding improved varieties, and expanding market access. As climate change continues to impact agriculture, fonio and other opportunity crops could play a crucial role in building resilient food systems.
