Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Promoting Dekoko (Pisum sativum ssp. abyssinicum) to enhance its contribution to food security in Ethiopia

Pays/Région : Ethiopie

Date : 1 January 2019–31 December 2020

Identifiant : 2018-04988_VR

Présentation
During the last five decades, Ethiopia’s population grew at annual rate of 2.6% but crop production grew by only 2% annually. This has resulted in reduced farming based family income.

As a consequence, food security remains a main challenge although the country is rich in crop genetic resources. Hence, sustainable intensification of crop productivity for food security and climate resilience is required. Ethiopia is an important genetic diversity center for crops such as field pea. Two types of field peas are grown in Ethiopia : Pisum sativum spp. sativum and P. sativum spp. abyssinicum (Dekoko), both having significant contribution to food and nutritional security. Dekoko, which is targeted in this project has been independently domesticated, cultivated and consumed as protein supplement to the cereal-based diets in Ethiopia. It plays an important role in supplying affordable protein to rural population and in improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. However, it is grown in few localities in Ethiopia and not much has been done to promote it as a contributor to food security. Hence, this project aimed at analyses of Dekko’s genetic diversity, association with nitrogen fixing symbionts and nutritional quality, and documenting its indigenous knowledge and socio-economic significance. The data to be generated will be used to develop a joint project for the improvement and sustainable use of Dekoko for its contribution to sustainable food security in Ethiopia and beyond.

Coordination : Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Financement : Swedish Research Council
Budget : 750,000 kr

Swecris project database