Blip

About this episode

On the Danyi plateau in Togo, villagers still bless newly wed couples by sprinkling rice grains over their heads. They use indigenous African rice, which was domesticated about 3,500 years ago in West Africa. The villagers also continue to appease the souls of their ancestors by offering them this rice. African rice is not only an integral part of their culture but also their preferred food. “Once you taste our rice, you will never like any other rice and it stays in your stomach unlike the modern varieties,” the women say. The elderly villagers mourn, however, that their children and grandchildren are no longer interested in growing this rice. African rice, whose scientific name is Oryza glaberrima, is unique to Africa. About 450 years ago, the Asian species, O. sativa, was introduced to Africa from Asia and quickly became popular because of its high yield potential. A few African farmers, such as the villagers in the Danyi plateau, have continued to grow African rice because of its adaptability and its ceremonial and cultural value. These farmers inspired AfricaRice scientists to investigate the species and tap into its rich reservoir of genes for resistance to several stresses, including weeds. (Video credit : R.Raman, AfricaRice)

• Release Date

  May 21, 2010

• Runtime

  02:35