Join us as we walk through the inspiring story of enset, also known as the “false banana.”  Enset is a remarkable plant that plays a vital role in food security for families in rural Ethiopia.

Food security is a big concern during the lean season. The lean season is the season between the spring harvest and the fall harvest. Theses two growing seasons are called belg  and meher. Belg is the shorter spring season from February to April. Meher is the main season from May to September. As you may have guessed, NOW is the lean season in Ethiopia. It’s the perfect time to talk about the amazing plant, enset.

The area where Roots Ethiopia works is completely dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Farming and harvesting occurs yearly during these 2 seasons of rain and then harvest. It is during the meher seasonal rains that food stocks decline. Food is often scarce in July/August. When there is scarcity, the price for food is high and families eat less. During times of drought or poor crop growth due to late rains, pests that ruin crops, or flooding, families experience hunger. There are times families are in great danger of severe malnutrition and even starvation.

Enset is one of the native plants that helps families fight hunger. You might know it by the name ‘false banana, even though it is not related to the banana family. This unique plant helps families survive lack of food in rural Ethiopia. It is a plant that grows in most of the rural villages where Roots Ethiopia works. Enset is a tool for survival, and it is truly a dynamic and wonderful plant.

Beautiful enset garden

Families often face the harsh realities of droughts and prolonged dry periods. There are also periods of too much rain, or flooding. Chaotic weather makes farming extremely difficult. Enset has evolved over time to adapt to the hardships of surviving in rain-fed agriculture. Enset has an extensive root system that reaches deep into the soil, easily reaching deep water sources during times of drought. Even the leaves are a defense against lack of rain –  the big leaves are coated with a waxy layer that protects them from drying out. The plant is built to survive a difficult environment.

Enset is a lifeline for families who are at risk of lack of food caused by irregular climate. The plant’s large underground corm (a corm is an underground stem that stores food)  is a rich source of nutrients. Families use the corm for food during the lean season.

Families who have enset as a staple crop get the benefit of a drought resistant crop to produce food when their families need it most. It’s truly an amazing plant!

Enset isn’t just for food. Local folks often refer to enset as a ‘tree of life.’  The fibrous part of the plant is used for making ropes, baskets, stuffing for mattresses, and more. Families use  all of the plant’s materials to take care of their household needs.

Fibers are used to make rope that is sold in the local market

Enset is a wonderful plant. It is a true gem. And it’s exactly what families need when food is scarce. When we look around at local family farms with an average size of less than one hectare, enset is a symbol of hope. It represents the power of resilience and community solidarity that is part of every day life in rural Ethiopia.

Almaz processes the enset, makes her family food from enset, and sells the stalk at the market when she has used all she can

At Roots Ethiopia, we stand in awe of enset’s ability to help with family food security. Our team spends every day working amidst the enset. Indeed, since our team is local to the area, many of them have enset surrounding their homes.

We honor the fortitude and determination of this plant to continue providing — it is the same honor we feel when we sit with families and children and hear about their hard work and determination in the face of hardship.

A beautiful blue sky with a crown of enset leaves

If you’d like to help a family who is hungry, please give a gift of food today.