Abstract
Fonio millets (Digitaria exilis Stapf, D. iburua Stapf) are important cereal crops of West Africa with cultural, nutritional, and economic significance. Fonio is an early maturing cereal, highly adapted to poor soils, and remarkably drought tolerant. It plays an important role in household food security and income generation, having a relatively high yield (up to 1tha−1) and nutritional value (exceeding 1400kJ per 100g), with superior protein, carbohydrate, and fiber contents compared to other cereals, thus a promising staple crop for household food security among rural dwellers in West Africa. However, fonio remains grossly underutilized, often neglected as a “minor” millet. Lack of improved seeds, infestation by insect pests, and toilsome postharvest processes are the major constraints to its production. This article discusses Fonio millet, its biology, distribution, importance, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and its potential as future smart food.
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