Fonio

The world’s smallest grain and one of Africa’s oldest cereals – Guinea is its largest producer.

Fonio is an annual grass of the crabgrass genus, growing to 30–80 cm, with slender spikes bearing tiny grains. It is one of the fastest-maturing cereals – some varieties are ready to harvest after just 6–8 weeks – and it thrives on poor, stony soils where other cereals fail. The grain is gluten-free, easily digestible and rich in sulphur-containing amino acids. It is cooked into porridge, couscous, flatbreads and beer.

Significance in the country

Guinea produces the largest share of the world’s fonio harvest, and its main heartland is Fouta Djallon, where for centuries this cereal saved people from hunger in the lean season before the harvest. In Fula cuisine fonio is served on holidays and to guests, and today it is gaining fame as a “superfood”.

Where it grows

Above all the Fouta Djallon plateau (the Labé and Mamou regions, Gaoual, Koundara, Télimélé) and the savannas of Upper Guinea in the Kankan and Faranah regions.

More: Wikipedia (en)