Superfoods are Tearing Down Sustainability Barriers in Africa

Published Apr 26, 2021

Although natural resources in Africa are sought after globally, most of the continent’s population still lives in poverty. According to the World Bank, 433 million Africans lived in extreme poverty in 2018. However, the tide is slowly shifting as startups and NGOs have begun to assist Africa by harnessing the power of Africa’s superfoods. These superfoods are developing local community involvement in sustainable agriculture in Africa.

Moringa

The moringa tree is indigenous to Kenya, Namibia, Angola, Ethiopia, and Madagascar and has 13 variant species. It is drought-resistant, highly nutritious, with nearly all edible parts, including the leaves, leaf powder, pods, seeds, flowers, roots, and bark. Moringa leaves contain a high amount of protein, vitamins A and C, making them suitable for treating malnutrition and obesity. Moringa trees can act as wind barriers, prevent erosion, improve hydrological cycles and give shade, preferable for intercropping where intense and direct sunlight can damage crops.

The moringa market continues to expand, which presents an opportunity for African farmers. The global Moringa market was valued at USD 5 billion in 2019 and is expected to rise to USD 8.4 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 8% from 2020 to 2027. The Asia Pacific region has the greatest market share (35%), and the North American region is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR in the forecast years. Local and foreign-based startups have collaborated with family-run farms in over 13 developing African countries to generate economic growth, enhancing women’s empowerment and encouraging sustainable agriculture.

Fonio

Fonio is highly nutritious, often given to babies as their first solid food as it is highly nutritious, containing amino acids, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Fonio also possesses slow-digesting, complex carbohydrates that inject energy into the body. The plant proliferates, draws its water, and does not require rich soil, allowing it to grow well in the dry climates found in many African regions.

Senegal was the third leading exporter of fonio globally in 2020, exporting a value of USD 60.13, behind Guinea (USD 80.99K) and Togo (USD 332.19K). Recently, foreign NGOs have been working with Senegalese farmers to train smallholder growers to increase productivity through sustainable farming. This will aid the poverty-stricken in the nation to support themselves through fonio production.

Spirulina

Spirulina lives and grows in mineral-rich soda lakes and contains concentrated quantities of vitamins A and B12, lipids, iron, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. It is of high nutritional value, including high levels of protein and amino acids. Spirulina has been cited as a more long-term, sustainable alternative for therapeutic milk to address malnutrition, and the WHO is currently aiding the production of spirulina in the DRC. Spirulina has helped treat malnourishment in children, supplemented diets, and provided a reliable source of income for communities in DRC. The global spirulina market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.97% from 2019 to 2024.

Gum Arabic

Gum arabic is a naturally occurring tree sap taken from the acacia tree and grows wild in Africa. It is utilized in the manufacturing of inks, paints, and ceramics, and it is also used to supplement foods and beverages. The sap contains natural prebiotics and soluble dietary fiber and has several health benefits.

Kenya produces about 400 metric tonnes of gum arabic yearly; however, gum arabic production in Kenya has the potential to reach 12,000 tonnes annually. NGOs work with local Kenyan companies, providing monetary and technical support, providing income to around 6,700 low-income households, and encouraging local community involvement in sustainable agriculture in Africa.