Characterization Nutritional Value and Promoting Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf.) a Traditional Cereal as a Functional Cereal in Chad

Abstract

Background: With the imposition of rice cultivation (Oryza sativa) by the colonial administration in Chad, in 1940-1941, fonio (Digitaria exilis stapf.) cultivation declined in production areas. Rice cultivation has since grown steadily at the expense of land planted with fonio. Fonio began to disappear in the 1980s. Today, for almost five years, fonio, a tasty and highly digestible cereal, has been enjoying a resurgence of interest in urban areas, where it is traditionally recommended for people who are overweight and those with type 2 diabetes. In light of the above, we are undertaking a number of projects to promote fonio in Chad: contributing to a better understanding of the diversity of fonio varieties through their collection, the characterization of cultivation practices and the con