Link to Article:https://international.la-croix.com/laudato-si/ethiopia-bets-on-the-false-banana-that-could-help-combat-hunger
In Ethiopia, a new plant has begun to take over the scene in the battle against hunger. The ensete plant, or “False Banana,” is a drought-resistant nutritional resource many in Ethiopia have begun to look to as a reliable food source for the population. The current popular plant of choice, teff, takes up 30% of Ethiopian’s field but holds low crop yields. Despite having less land to cultivate, Ensete has produced much for the state. It can keep up with the seasonal climates of Ethiopia; the leaves can be fed to cows for better milk, and the remains can be weaved into baskets to sell to tourists. This is a much more productive and beneficial plant that can be sustained in Ethiopia and could answer global hunger.
By vigorously investigating the Ensete plant, Ethiopia could help other Sub-Saharan countries that struggle with food Production. They have already begun working with Kenya to develop more areas for the ensete plant to be grown and harvested. Belgian authorities have reached out for the gluten-free Ben if Ensete offers it. This could spark more trade with Ethiopian and other non-African Countries that may desire the use of the ensete plant. This could help to bolster Ethiopia’s Economy and help to lessen Sub-Saharan Africa’s dependence on foreign nations as a grain and food source, giving them all more independence.
First and foremost, Ethiopia wants to share this plant with other Sub-Saharan countries. They will also likely welcome the opportunity to work with those caries on the ensete projects, creating more jobs. European nations might also want to take advantage of the new food source, although it is less likely to gain traction due to the extra cost of the product being overseas. Europe may try to invest in the ensete projects to cut a better deal for themselves. This could turn into a collective goods problem, depending on the success of growing the economy; Ethiopia and other countries will either be able to have enough resources to go around, or they will fall into the same problems that they have had with teff.