A Review of Amaranth Crop as a Potential Solution to Ethiopia’s Nutritional Crisis

Abstract

Amaranths have an immense nutrition potential to alleviate malnutrition problems. However, since amaranth cultivation and production in Ethiopia is highly scarce, its impact to lessen the malnutrition problem has not been explored to its maximum potential. This review assesses the potential role of amaranth crops for nutrition security in Ethiopia. Worldwide yield of amaranth is about 35-40 tons/ha while in Ethiopia it is still 2.25 tons/ha which is 17 times lower than the world average. Amaranth is described by its nutritious and gluten-free grain that contains a significant amount of protein, which ranges between 14% and 17%, fat (5-9%) and starch (62%). However, the highest biological value of amaranth protein was reported to be 75-79%. It can also be used in savory dishes as well as sweet breakfast, porridge, salads, and baked breads in different countries. However, amaranth is not extensively cultivated in Africa and merely South Africa is conducting large researches and grand projects in a wider scope. It is a neglected crop especially in Ethiopia. Amaranth production is still at the beginning or low stage. The government also losses its focus of attention on amaranth to solve nutrition insecurity in Ethiopia. Thus, to produce amaranth crop in a broader range and use it as a key solution for malnutrition problems in Ethiopia, comprehensive varietal adaptation, continuous training, and strong market linkage should be given attention by the concerned bodies such as research institutes, industries, non-governmental organizations and ministerial bureaus.