TARO AND FOOD SECURITY IN SENEGAL

Taro, Colocasia esculenta (L.) is a tropical root crop that functions as an important subsistence staple for various communities around the world. Many factors have contributed to taro becoming an orphan crop, including agricultural modernization, export-centric crash crop systems, and colonial agricultural administrative policies. The emergence of maize and rice, coupled with the emphasis on groundnut production as a cash crop has replaced the traditional importance of taro in Senegal. Taro is a unique buffer against starvation for rural farmers especially during times of drought. Its corms can be stored in the ground for months – acting as nature’s refrigerator since they can be uprooted when needed. All parts of plant are edible and do not only have to be grown for their bulbous roots but can be grown for their young leaves which act as a tropical spinach providing much-needed vitamins and minerals. Micronutrient deficiency is pervasive in Senegal and is largely due to cropping systems that are based on just a few cereals. The potential of taro in Senegal could increase the nutrition and food security for many rural communities. Currently, very little is known about taro in Senegal. It is postulated to be one of the major subsistence staples in West Africa before the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This research paper focuses on an extension project that re- introduced taro to 15 farmers in 2015. A Follow-Up research trip in 2017 was conducted with the same farmers to understand the benefits associated with cultivating taro and the barriers preventing farmers from adopting it. Based on the findings, recommendations are developed to offer solutions on how taro can be utilized to achieve crop diversification and food security in Senegal