AFRICA – The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) has awarded a substantial grant of US$809,879 to the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) to bolster agricultural resilience in Africa’s arid regions.
This grant aims to develop improved sorghum varieties that are better suited to withstand harsh growing conditions.
With matching funds from NARO and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), the total investment in this groundbreaking initiative reaches US$1.6 million.
Sorghum is a vital crop in Africa, serving as a primary source of food for humans and feed for livestock. It is native to Africa and is well adapted to the climate of the continent.
However, traditional sorghum varieties are often plagued by high levels of antinutrients, which inhibit the absorption of crucial nutrients such as iron and zinc.
This project seeks to address these nutritional deficiencies by enhancing the bioavailability of essential nutrients in sorghum.
Dr. Scovia Adikini, who is leading the research at NARO, is focused on increasing the levels of vital micronutrients in sorghum while simultaneously reducing harmful antinutrients like hydrogen cyanide found in the plant’s stalks and leaves.
The dual approach adopted in this project is designed to comprehensively improve the overall health of humans and livestock.
The project aims to tackle chronic malnutrition prevalent in East Africa’s dry regions by increasing the levels of vital micronutrients in sorghum and simultaneously reducing harmful antinutrients like hydrogen cyanide found in the plant’s stalks and leaves.
“Sorghum is a staple for many of our communities, but its potential has been limited by its nutritional composition,” said Dr. Adikini. “By developing new varieties that offer higher levels of essential micronutrients and safer forage options, we can significantly enhance food security and livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa.”
Dr. Constance Gewa, FFAR’s Scientific Program Director, highlighted the broader implications of this research.
“Improving the nutritional quality of crops like sorghum that thrive in arid areas not only secures food for those most vulnerable but diversifies agriculture globally, promoting sustainability and resilience against climate change.”
The enhanced sorghum varieties can lead to the widespread adoption of nutritionally enriched crops, supporting healthier communities and ecosystems.
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