IYM 2023 Global Webinar Series - Fonio: enhancing collaboration for sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods

The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing the “IYM Global Webinar Series” to highlight the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and vast potential.

Fonio is one of the oldest crops in Africa, and among the world’s fastest maturing cereal (60-70 days). In many Western African countries, fonio plays an important role in household food security and income generation and holds a vital place in cultural identity. Fonio is valued for its high nutrition, and ability to grow in areas of drought and high temperatures.

IYM2023 provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote fonio as a globally important crop for the future, and bring together researchers and practitioners from different countries and disciplines to share their work and join forces to promote its use for sustainable agriculture and improving local livelihoods.

Join this webinar to learn more about the genetics, taxonomic diversity and distribution of fonio, seed science and conservation, sustainable cultivation practices, potential uses and nutritional values, and opportunities to generate incomes.