Digitaria species (Acha): panacea for malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria

Abstract

Acha (Digitaria sp) is a powerhouse of nutrient, filling, versatile, light, and delicious, yet the most underutilized food security crop in Nigeria. The value of the nutritional content (amino acids, protein, starch, crude fibre and ash) present in acha grain is higher than that reported for other cereals such as rice, maize and sorghum and as such, a panacea for malnutrition’. The grain is tolerated by even those with frail digestive systems, including small children, the elderly, and those who are health-conscious. More so, it is a very fast-growing cereal grain and it is considerably cheaper than most staple food crops. Acha is said to be a good food security crop as it blends well with other recipes. It has a texture similar to grits or couscous with a sand colour and due to the primitive conventional processing methods, it contains a load of gritty sand particles. These gritty sand particles can be prevented by threshing over a clean, hard, non-sandy surface. The consumption of acha daily brings you back to the prehistoric era of longevity and wellness.