In some parts of West Africa, fonio holds sociocultural significance.
In Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo, fonio was traditionally reserved for chiefs and royalty and enjoyed during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan or at celebrations like weddings and baptisms (
In some parts of Togo, fonio is used to prevent blood clotting after childbirth and stimulate milk production in breastfeeding people (
As a staple food, it plays a vital role in ensuring food security, especially during the post-harvest period when food is scarce. It can be harvested within 6–8 weeks and stores well without the risk of pest infestation (1,
Fonio grows well in drought conditions and poor soils without the need for fertilizers or other implements (1, 3).