Value of corape plant as famine food in Darfur State, Sudan

Abstract

Darfur state of Sudan faces famine at different times, thus necessitating a search for improved coping strategies. The objective of this study was to assess the value of Corape (Dactyloctenium aegyptiacum) plant as a food crop during famine periods in Darfur state in Sudan. Atotal of 132 respondents purposely selected from Alfashir, the capital of north Darfur were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Also, key informants and focus group discussions with local leaders of the area were engaged in data collection. A total of 82.6% attested the existence of the Corape plant in Darfur; while 49.2% confirmed its significance as a famine crop in Darfur. Corape seed is used to prepare different types of meals and its seed stores for 15 - 20 years. Corape vegetation is also used as animal fodder, which according to 28% of the respondents can be stored for 6 to 12 months without significant deterioration in quality. This study concluded that the Corape plant has a good potential as food and fodder plant and can contribute significantly to household food security and livelihoods of local communities, if the problems of storage and pests were tackled.