Insights in “Khemiss-Tweira” as a famine pearl millet coping strategy in Darfur State, Sudan

Abstract

In an effort to intervene in the relentless food shortages during famine periods in Darfur and elsewhere in the country, the Sudanese Government has vested interest in exploiting indigenous food resources that are often given less development attention. The objective of this study was to gain insights in the value and other perceptions associated with, Khemiss-tweira, together with pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as a famine coping food security crop in Darfur, Sudan. The study was conducted in the displacement camps in El-Fasher in North Darfur, with a particular focus on Naivasha markets. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, on a sample size of 140 respondents. The study found that food was mostly scarce during summer times. The majority of respondents (27.9%) used Khemiss-tweira during the famine time. A large proporstion of respondents in El-Fasher (92.1%) were familiar with Khemiss-tweira. The predominate method of preparation Khemiss-tweira was in the sequence of germination-fermentation- baking-drying-adding sugar and salt. The only difference was in the last additions where only peanuts, dates or sesame were the ingredients. The crop could be stored for more than a year without reported deterioration in food value and quality. Khemiss-tweira was commended for high acceptability by majority of the s respondents (91.4%).