In the heart of West Africa, two ancient grains have been quietly sustaining communities for centuries. Black and white fonio, often overshadowed by more commercially prominent crops, are now stepping into the spotlight thanks to groundbreaking research. A study published in Nature Communications sheds new light on the domestication and cultivation histories of these indigenous millet crops, offering insights that could revolutionize agriculture and energy sectors.
Thomas Kaczmarek, a researcher at CIRAD, UMR AGAP Institut, led a team that sequenced the genomes of 265 accessions of black and white fonio, along with their wild relatives. The findings reveal that these two crops were domesticated independently, without any genetic exchange between them. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the genetic relationship between black and white fonio, which are known as iburua and exilis in English.
The research traces the cultivation of these grains back to the beginning of the Common Era, aligning with the earliest archaeological evidence of fonio in Nigeria. This timeline suggests that fonio has been a staple in West African diets for nearly two millennia, adapting to the region’s diverse climates and soil conditions.
However, the study also highlights a significant decline in fonio populations over the past few centuries. Kaczmarek attributes this to a combination of factors, including social and agricultural changes, the intensification of the slave trade, and the introduction of new crops that required less labor. “The decline of fonio is a result of complex historical and socio-economic factors,” Kaczmarek explains. “Understanding this history is crucial for conserving these crops and promoting their resilience in the face of modern challenges.”
The implications of this research extend beyond agriculture. As the world seeks sustainable and climate-resilient energy sources, crops like fonio could play a pivotal role. Fonio’s ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it an ideal candidate for biofuel production, providing a renewable energy source that doesn’t compete with food crops. Moreover, the genetic diversity uncovered in this study could be harnessed to develop new varieties of fonio that are even more resilient and productive.
The study published in Nature Communications, provides a roadmap for conserving and promoting these neglected crops. By understanding their evolutionary history and genetic diversity, researchers can develop strategies to enhance fonio’s resilience and productivity. This, in turn, could lead to the development of new biofuels and other bio-based products, creating a more sustainable and resilient energy sector.
As the world grapples with climate change and energy security, the lessons from fonio’s past could shape the future of agriculture and energy. By embracing these ancient grains, we can build a more sustainable and resilient food and energy system, tailored to the challenges of the 21st century. The research by Kaczmarek and his team is a significant step in this direction, offering a glimpse into the potential of these often-overlooked crops.