Dietary diversity associated with different enset [Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman]-based production systems in Ethiopia

Introduction - A large diversity of enset-based production systems exists in Ethiopia. Enset is cultivated in combination with multipurpose trees, coffee, vegetables (kale), root and tuber crops, and various cereals. In combination with roots and tubers, the cultivation of enset supports some of the most densely populated rural areas of Ethiopia. Problem statement - Enset is a starchy staple crop, high in carbohydrates, but low in vitamins and protein content. When enough enset plants are available on a farm, poor households do not go hungry, but their diets lack some essential nutrients. In general, most enset-based households can have a balanced diet, if they are able to supplement enset with protein from legumes and/or animal products. However, the very poor households tend to fall back on kocho, bean sauce, cabbage and taro, with little daily variation and low dietary diversity throughout the year. Recommendations - Sustainable intensification and diversification efforts are urgently needed to improve whole farm productivity and nutritional/dietary diversity in enset-based regions. In addition, research on food fortification and food supplementation of enset-based meals with nutrient-rich foods derived from, e.g., legumes and green leafy vegetables is urgently needed. The bioavailability and bio-efficacy of the enriched meals also need to be studied.