By Samuel SAM
Fonio, one of Africa’s oldest grains, is gaining momentum as a powerhouse crop with far-reaching economic potential.
Known for its resilience, short growth cycle and nutritional value, this ancient supergrain is not only revitalising traditional agricultural practices but also unlocking new economic opportunities in rural communities and regions where it is cultivated. From boosting rural incomes to enhancing food security, it is proving that even the smallest grain can play a vital role in driving sustainable growth.
It is also known to be rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins, supporting energy production and immune function. As a gluten-free option it aids those with dietary restrictions and has a low glycemic index, promoting stable blood sugar levels.
With its adaptability to harsh climates and minimal water requirements, it is emerging as a sustainable solution in regions that are facing food security challenges due to drought and harsh climatic conditions. Beyond its environmental benefits its cultivation is fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities and supporting small-scale farmers – especially young people. This grain is not only feeding communities but also fuelling a new wave of economic empowerment across Africa.
Smallholder farmers at Takpili, a farming community in the East-Gonja district of Savannah Region-Ghana, have greatly benefitted from the product’s economic value owing to the requisite training and support of Amaati Company Limited with support from the Kosmos Innovation Centre and Mastercard Foundation under the Young Farmer Business Academy, a programme run by KIC with the University of Development Studies as a partner.
The YFBA training programme focuses on good agricultural practices – including site selection, land preparation and pest management – aimed at enhancing yields and reducing labour intensity. It is a 4- to 7-month programme aimed at empowering young individuals interested in agribusiness with the skills and resources needed to thrive in modern agricultural production. It equips young farmers with the tools to launch and sustain successful agribusinesses.
The training helped in site selection, land preparation and pest management, aimed at enhancing yields and reducing labour intensity. With a focus on entrepreneurship, sustainability and economic impact, the academy holds immense potential to create meaningful jobs, bolster local economies and inspire the next generation to lead in agriculture.
The programme encourages innovative approaches to agriculture that aim to foster the next generation of commercial farmers in Ghana for a number of crops, including fonio.
As part of the training, participants received seed and ploughing services, threshing services and market access. Amaati has made provision to purchase the products and ease the stress of accessing market to sell the produce.
Fonio contains antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation – potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases, while its fibre is said to aid digestion and promote good health.
Additionally, it is drought-resistant and environmentally sustainable; making it crucial for agricultural resilience in challenging climates. The rising global recognition highlights its potential to combat hunger and nutritional deficiencies worldwide.
The recent visit by KIC, UDS Business Incubation Centre and Amaati to the Takpili community to assess the programme’s impact in the community highlighted the positive impact of YFBA, particularly its investment in fonio farming a few months after the training.
According to the community, Amaati and KIC’s intervention has encouraged many young farmers within the community and its environs to venture into fonio production due to ready market for their produce.
Farmers like 25 year old mother of two Nimatu Sumaila, who has been farming to feed her family, noted that fonio production has helped provide alternative sources of nutrients for the family.
“Before venturing into fonio farming I used to provide them with soy bean or cowpea, which most often is difficult to get; but now I am able to provide my family with nutritious meals to keep everyone healthy and also able to get income by selling my produce to Amaati for processing.”
She noted that the YFBA programme has helped to empower local women and promote food security in the community.
According to Fuseini Sadick, a 24-year old Building Technology graduate of Sunyani Technical University, venturing into the production of the fonio has helped him to generate some revenue. He also financed his education through farming and after his studies decided to engage in farming – using the proceeds to set up other alternative livelihoods outside the farming season.
Mohammed Sulemana, a 21-year old Senior High School leaver and farmer who has been cultivating maize, millet and soy bean, noted that training the youth in fonio production has curbed migration of the area’s youth to the southern sector searching for menial jobs.
“With the support and ready market, most of us have decided to stay over and engage in the production of fonio for our families’ upkeep and funding our education as well,” he said.
Madam Laabi, a mother of seven who has been farming for the past ten years, said fonio farming is more lucrative than others due to market accessibility. For sustainability and growth of fonio production in the area, she appealed for more lands to expand its cultivation.
During the field trip, Chief Operating Officer-Amaati Company Limited Mr. Dasana Abdulai reiterated his outfit’s commitment to mitigating difficulties with accessing seeds and ploughing services.
“Amaati Company Limited focuses heavily on supporting women farmers gain access to lands for ploughing, services for seeds cultivation and other farming activities. Aside from this, we support women with training in cultivating fonio – whereby we purchase their produce at farm price at the season’s end,” he said.
Opportunities within fonio farming
“Fonio can be harvested twice in a season – and with good market-access programmes in place, it is a lucrative business for young people. In view of this, Amaati is developing farmer Apps so many young people can work on them to get income,” Mr. Abdulai said.
Dr. Yakubu Balma, Head-Business Innovation Centre, University of Development Studies and Faculty Advisor-Kosmos Innovation Centre, emphasised the school’s interest in supporting its students to champion agricultural innovation.
“UDS is very much invested in supporting our students to bring their agricultural innovations into use. As we battle with climate change and graduate unemployment, interventions like these are a sure way to go,” he said.
Commenting further, he highlighted fonio as a potentially life-changing crop for rural communities and the country in terms of food security.
Speaking on behalf of KIC, Mr. Stanley Amamu – Community Lead at KIC and Coordinator for the YFBA programme – said KIC is committed to empowering young people to go into agriculture while leveraging technology and innovation.
KIC focused on young people venturing into production and therefore piloted some programmes with UDS and Amaati. As they farm, Amaati buys directly from them for export and the local market, he said.
The youth and women groups, he noted, have not only explored the opportunity but also consumed some of the produce, he added.
“We are happy to see women and young people participating in the production of fonio and exploring other opportunities in the value chain. With the youth’s enthusiasm, KIC is committed to helping expand production in the next season,” he said.
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