TED: A forgotten ancient grain that could help Africa prosper | Pierre Thiam

The speaker shares his journey from becoming a chef in New York to rediscovering fonio, an ancient grain from Senegal. He highlights fonio's nutritional and environmental benefits, its historical significance, and the challenges in its production. The speaker envisions a global market for fonio, aiming to transform it from a 'country-people food' to a world-class crop. He discusses efforts to improve fonio's supply chain and its potential to address food security and economic challenges in the Sahel region.

What inspired the speaker's career path as a chef?

• A renowned French restaurant

• A global food critic

• Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor

• A famous American chef

What is fonio known for in terms of its nutritional content?

• High in carbohydrates

• Rich in methionine and cysteine

• Low in protein

• High in sugar

What nickname is given to fonio in Kédougou?

• King's delight

• Food for royalty

• Grain of the gods

• Seed of prosperity

What is one of the main challenges in processing fonio?

• Inability to grow in poor soil

• Lack of flavor

• High water requirement

• Laborious traditional processing

What mindset affects the perception of fonio in Senegal?

• Colonial mentality favoring Western products

• Preference for local grains

• Focus on organic farming

• Emphasis on traditional cooking methods

What is the vision for fonio's future in the global market?

• To be used only in traditional dishes

• To become a world-class crop

• To remain a local delicacy

• To be a staple in African cuisine only

What is the proposed solution to improve fonio's market presence?

• Building a commercial-scale fonio mill

• Limiting its export

• Increasing local consumption

• Reducing its price

What organization is the speaker collaborating with to boost fonio production?

• United Nations

• SOS SAHEL

• World Health Organization

• African Union

What is the potential benefit of using Sahel land for fonio agriculture?

• Decreased biodiversity

• Higher employment and food security

• Increased desertification

• Reduced water resources

What is the expected population growth in the Sahel region?

• From 150 million to 300 million

• From 200 million to 400 million

• From 135 million to 340 million

• From 100 million to 200 million