Enset: A Vital Crop for Ethiopia’s Food Security and Climate Resilience, Say Kew Researchers

Addis Ababa – Researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew have emphasized the critical role of Enset, also known as the Ethiopian banana or false banana, in securing food for Ethiopia and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Known for its drought resistance and disease tolerance, Enset serves as a crucial nutritional source for over 20 million people in the country.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, James Borrell, Research Leader in Trait Diversity and Function at Kew, highlighted Ethiopia’s rich agricultural biodiversity and the unique value of Enset. The crop, domesticated within Ethiopia, is celebrated for its unparalleled resilience and versatility. Borrell pointed out that Enset can be harvested year-round, offering a consistent buffer against seasonal food insecurity, especially vital in the face of climate change. Despite its significance, Enset has historically received limited research attention.

For over four decades, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew has focused on studying Enset, particularly its drought and climate resilience. Recent efforts have included mapping the distribution of Enset varieties and their drought resilience, in collaboration with local institutions like the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa University, and the Gulele Botanical Garden. This collaborative research aims to catalog the diversity within the crop, which includes over 1,500 different types of Enset, identifying those varieties most capable of withstanding future climate conditions.

Sophie Richards, a Kew researcher specializing in conservation, biodiversity analysis, GIS, and extinction risk, emphasized Ethiopia’s rich crop diversity and the invaluable contributions of Ethiopian farmers to agrobiodiversity conservation. Through visiting 300 farms and interacting with local farmers, Richards and her colleagues have noted the farmers’ crucial role in maintaining diverse Enset varieties without direct rewards, a practice essential for the country’s future climate resilience and food security.

The researchers are optimistic about Enset’s potential as a climate-smart crop, thanks to its high yield and ability to endure long drought periods. One ongoing project aims to assist smallholder farmers in conserving diverse Enset landraces, improving their rarity status, and ensuring this vital crop’s long-term viability for future generations.