Quinoa is blooming plant belonging to the amaranth family. It is an annual herbaceous plant that is principally farmed for its edible seeds; these seeds are more abundant in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary minerals than many cereals.

Because it is a climate-smart plant that can withstand extreme weather and provide farmers with sizable returns, quinoa was named the crop of the year in 2013 by governments all over the world.

A decade later, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) introduced this miraculous plant in Kenya, mostly for research purposes to determine its suitability.

After local varieties were tested and found to be successful, Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro) has now begun commercializing quinoa, opening the door for the introduction of this high-value crop with unmatched returns.

According to Lusike Wasilwa, director of research at Kalro, FAO introduced five kinds in Embu where they documented remarkable results that have now guided the choice for commercial development.

Since a few years ago, quinoa has been increasingly popular as a condiment, especially among wealthy, health-conscious Kenyans. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain.

According to Dr. Wasilwa, Kalro will start growing quinoa on broad tracts of land this year in an effort to increase food security.

“Some plants can yield a kilogramme up to two kilogrammes and the fact that it is drought tolerant, makes it the best bet for farmers as they will get yields throughout the year without necessarily relying on rains,” she said.

She claimed that quinoa plants can produce up to a kilogram, providing farmers with increased yields.

How much does it cost?

A kilogram of quinoa costs as much as Sh1,500 in stores in Kenya, with the majority of the supplies arriving from South American nations.

Quinoa is currently offered for purchase in Carrefour and Food Plus stores.

A cursory check in Carrefour reveals that this retailer charges Sh499 for a 250-gramme package. Few farmers in the nation have embraced it, mostly in central Kenya where it was initially evaluated for compatibility. However, the amount of produce gathered is a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed to meet demand.

The government is promoting the adoption of numerous crops, including quinoa, to combat the effects of climate change, which are partially responsible for food poverty.

On the path to food security, efforts are also being made to enhance the production of orphaned crops like millet, sorghum, and cassava, which can tolerate tough weather conditions.