Enset (False banana) is a key component of Ethiopia’s food security strategy, especially in areas prone to drought and food insecurity. The plant’s ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions makes it a reliable source of food during times of scarcity. What is more, Enset-based dishes provide essential nutrients and energy, ensuring that communities have access to nutritious food year-round. Seeing this economic benefit, these days, individual researchers and the government are investing their time, money and knowledge to further tap its potential.
Enset cultivation is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of many Ethiopian communities, particularly people in the south and southwestern part of Ethiopia, who have mastered the art of growing and processing this unique plant. Known as the “Tree against Hunger,” Enset symbolizes sustenance, resilience, and self-reliance, embodying the spirit of unity and strength within communities.
Addisu Fikadu (PhD) is a Lecturer at Arba Minch University and Enset Researcher. When asked the economic and health values of Enset (false banana) to Ethiopians, Addisu said that Enset holds a special place in the lives of most Ethiopians, serving as more than just a staple food crop.
This versatile plant plays a pivotal role in the social and economic fabric of Ethiopian society, embodying centuries-old traditions, cultural significance, and economic resilience. This is especially to those people living in the southern parts of the country. According to him, besides its nutritional value, Enset is key in alleviating food insecurity by supporting subsistence for most households because of its resilience in the face of climate related challenges. In times where Ethiopia was severely affected by drought in the 1980s, it was Enset that served as a lifesaving food to most Ethiopians.
According to him, for several years, Enset had been prepared in traditional ways. For that reason, it could not move beyond Ethiopia`s border and failed to meet the needs of the local market. However, now, activities are underway to make Enset a global food. Most of the nutrients that are found within this crop are now attracting the attention of several nutritionists and food processing companies to conduct more research on Enset and they are recommending health conscious individuals.
Absence of proper technology that can process and pack this staple starch food was one serious challenge to export the product. “However, now, we are witnessing hope. By applying modern technologies that can process false bananas, Arba Minch University is witnessing promising progress.” Addisu also said that the more Ethiopia invests on research works on Enset and its production, the more it will benefit from its future economic advantages.
He also said that False Banana is a valuable economic resources Ethiopia can provide to the world. Since it is a gluten free and fiber rich plant, it has several health benefits. That is why these days’ nutritionists are recommending people to include fiber rich food on their daily food intakes.
Regarding food security, Addisu said that converting Enset into various food items has both social and economic values. Besides providing sufficient nutrients to our body False Banana has also a significant role in food security.
Bethlehem Zemedkun, Lecturer at Arba Minch University and founder of Angonius Vegetable and Fruit Processing Agro Industry Enterprise, is among those Ethiopians who are aggressively working to promote False Banana processing and its importance for the use of Ethiopians daily intake and the economic value by supplying to the international market.
According to her, beyond its cultural significance, Enset also plays a crucial role in the economic livelihoods of many Ethiopians. As a drought-resistant and hardy crop, Enset provides a stable source of income for farmers, particularly in rural areas where other crops may struggle to thrive. The sale of Enset products, such as Kocho (fermented flatbread) and Bulla (porridge), contributes to household incomes and local economies, offering a sustainable livelihood for many families.
The cultivation and processing of Enset involve intricate knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations. By preserving traditional practices related to Enset farming, Ethiopians keep their cultural heritage and maintain a connection to the land and their ancestors. This transmission of knowledge ensures the continued sustainability of Enset cultivation for future generations. In this regard, while applying modern technology in processing the cultural values of Enset, production and processing should not be neglected.
Not only Enset, but preparing flour from banana fruit has immense benefit for farmers, consumers and even for the nation if they are cultivated and processed accordingly.
Arba Minch is one of the areas in Ethiopia where bananas grow in large quantities. Most of the products sometimes perished before arriving at their destinations. In this regard, the agro-processing industry provides multi-dimensional rewarding benefits to farmers for their efforts and consumers to get the proper nutrients from the plant, she added. However, there are some limitations in terms of processing flour from banana plant and delivering to the market.
As the saying goes “Necessity is the mother of invention” Bethlehem and her husband are also able to produce banana flour that can be packed easily and used to bake bread, biscuits and others.
As to her, due to the absence of processing machines, banana growers are seen losing lots of income they are supposed to get from banana plantations. Like other fruits, bananas tend to perish when transported to market places that are far from their destination. This wastage is not only a loss to an individual farmer but also to the national economy. However, according to Bethlehem, if banana is dried and converted into flour it has multidimensional purposes. “It is well known that bananas contain various nutrients that are needed by our body. By preserving those nutrients before it gets perished will have market options. When banana is dried at an early (green) stage and converted into flour it can be used to prepare various nutrition rich foods. It is also a highly nutritious food for children.”
Bethlehem said that there are eight stages of development before banana fruit gets ripe. The more it matures the more its glucose and starch contents will increase. That is why it is recommended to dry and convert bananas into flour at an early stage where we can find starch resistant nutrients that are vital to good bacteria found within our body.
Indeed, as it was indicated by scholars, both banana and Enset have economic and social grounds for millions of Ethiopians. This is especially true for Enset cultivation that fosters social cohesion and cooperation among community members. The labor-intensive process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing Enset often involves collective efforts, strengthening social bonds and promoting a sense of shared responsibility. From planting rituals to harvest celebrations, Enset rituals bring people together, reinforcing the importance of community support and solidarity.
Enset’s resilience to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions makes it a valuable asset in the face of climate change and environmental challenges. Its ability to thrive in diverse agro-ecological zones contributes to agricultural diversity and sustainability, offering a buffer against crop failures and ensuring food security for communities across Ethiopia.
Enset stands as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness of the Ethiopian people. Beyond its economic contributions and nutritional benefits, Enset embodies the spirit of community, tradition, and sustainability that are at the core of Ethiopian society. As Ethiopia is moving towards ensuring sustainable growth and development, Enset remains a steadfast pillar of strength, nourishing both body and soul and uniting communities in a shared heritage of resilience and abundance.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 18 JULY 2024
