Fonio grain The grains of this cereal are small, about 1 to 1.5 mm (0.039 to 0.059 inch) each. (more) fonio plant Written by Karen Sottosanti Karen Sottosanti is a writer and editor who works in educational publishing. Karen Sottosanti Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 27, 2026 •History fonio, either of two species of cereal grass of the genus Digitaria (family Poaceae) and their edible, nutritious grains. These plants are known for their ability to thrive in poor soil and challenging climatic conditions. Fonio has been cultivated for thousands of years in arid and semiarid areas of western Africa, and it may be the oldest cultivated cereal on the continent. Increasing awareness about nutritional issues and problems caused by climate change have spurred...

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