Africa
used to account for 10% of the world’s agricultural output -
it now represents a bare 4%. African scientists have rarely looked
to their native crops to provide solutions to their food needs or
offer export possibilities, but a humble groundnut may be about to
start an African agricultural revolution!
Scientists at the UK’s University of Nottingham believe
Bambara Groundnut, a legume related to the Cow Pea, may well be the
future of vegetable protein in countries with particularly dry
climates. Drought tolerant and high in protein, Bambara Groundnut
has been grown in vegetable patches by African women for as long as
they can remember – now this E.U. funded project may be about
to move it into the agricultural spotlight.
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Africa
used to account for 10% of the world’s agricultural output -
it now represents a bare 4%. African scientists have rarely looked
to their native crops to provide solutions to their food needs or
offer export possibilities, but a humble groundnut may be about to
start an African agricultural revolution!