Some African nations that previously relied on grain imports, such as Senegal, are now looking to indigenous grains such as fonio, which grow in dry soils, as a result of the threat posed by climate change to food security.
An annual "day of fonio" is observed in Senegal to encourage the production of nutritious grain.
Fonio is gluten-free and rich in iron. It grows easily without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It consists of nutrients like proteins and amino acids.
The Senegal fonio Hub is the area that borders Guinea and Mali.
In 2019, Senegal produced roughly 5000 tonnes of fonio, compared to Guinea's neighbor producing more than half a million. Fonio fans and Senegal hope leaders prioritize the production of the green for food security so it can reach its full potential.
Keba Barry, Fonio Processing Manager, GIE Koba Club
