Real hope for Ethiopia's false banana

Banana from Ethiopia brings hope - 14th Feb 2022

A scientific study has shown that the Ethiopian fruit enset could solve many future food problems. Enset is similar to a banana and is grown all over Ethiopia.

It's sometimes called a 'false banana' because the fruit itself cannot be eaten. Instead, parts of the leaves and roots can be eaten. They are made into important foods like porridge and bread. Enset’s an everyday ingredient for around 20 million Ethiopians.

Scientists have studied the enset plant carefully. They've found that enset could feed more than 100 million people in other African countries. Suitable growing locations include Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

The scientists are excited because the crop grows easily in different places. It can be planted and picked at any time of year. And it doesn't need to be replanted every 12 months.

There are serious problems with food production because of climate change. In the future, this will make it difficult to grow essential crops. Rice, wheat and maize are all at risk.

Scientists are trying to find possible solutions. Enset could become very important.