Ideas worth spreading

A forgotten ancient grain that could help Africa prosper

1,258,114 views | Pierre Thiam • TEDGlobal 2017

Forget quinoa. Meet fonio, an ancient "miracle grain" native to Senegal that's versatile, nutritious and gluten-free. In this passionate talk, chef Pierre Thiam shares his obsession with the hardy crop and explains why he believes that its industrial-scale cultivation could transform societies in Africa.

Forget quinoa. Meet fonio, an ancient "miracle grain" native to Senegal that's versatile, nutritious and gluten-free. In this passionate talk, chef Pierre Thiam shares his obsession with the hardy crop and explains why he believes that its industrial-scale cultivation could transform societies in Africa.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Buy fonio and taste it for yourself.

Learn more about SOS SAHEL, a development charity that works with herders and farmers in Africa's drylands.

About the speaker

Pierre Thiam

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Pierre Thiam shares the cuisine of his home in Senegal through global restaurants and highly praised cookbooks.

Board on Science and Technology for International Development, National Research Council | 1996 | Article

"Fonio (Acha)" in Lost Crops of Africa, Volume I: Grains

CIRAD | Article

"Fonio"

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Buy fonio and taste it for yourself.

Learn more about SOS SAHEL, a development charity that works with herders and farmers in Africa's drylands.