Top Fonio Producing Countries

Fonio, an ancient grain prized for its resilience and nutritional value, is primarily farmed in West African countries such as Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal. These nations, particularly Guinea, are the leading producers, where fonio remains a staple food and a culturally significant crop. The cultivation of fonio dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting its domestication in the savannas of West Africa. Over centuries, local communities developed specialized farming techniques to suit the grain’s rapid growth cycle and adaptability to poor soils and arid climates. Despite its long history, fonio remained relatively unknown outside Africa until recent decades, when global interest in ancient grains and gluten-free foods began to spotlight its potential. Today, efforts are underway to improve fonio processing and expand its cultivation, both to support food security in its native regions and to introduce its benefits to international markets.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat