Climate change is reshaping what ends up on our plates. As droughts, floods, and heatwaves hit global farms, some of our favorite foods could become harder to grow. But it’s not all bad news. Here are nine crops that might just save the future of food.
9. Moringa
You might not have heard of Moringa, but this “miracle tree” is a climate champion. Besides being highly nutritious, it’s also a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that can help regenerate soil nutrients. What’s even more amazing is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Moringa trees can remove up to 10-15 tons of CO₂ per hectare annually, making them a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
8. Fonio
Imagine a grain so ancient it was harvested before the invention of the wheel. That’s fonio! It’s a type of millet that has been cultivated in West Africa for over 5,000 years. This nutritional grain is drought-resistant, and it thrives in poor soils with minimal water, and sprouts quickly, making it a sustainable food source for arid regions.
7. Bambara groundnut
Bambara groundnut is a legume from sub-Saharan Africa that’s so tough it’s been called the “drought champion.” It has a unique triple-threat approach to surviving dry spells, using avoidance, escape, and tolerance mechanisms. It’s a protein- and fiber-rich crop that can grow in challenging conditions where other legumes can’t.
6. Amaranth
Amaranth is also called the “forgotten grain,” and it’s making a major comeback. This vibrant plant is drought-tolerant, capable of thriving with as little as 500mm of annual rainfall, and it can grow in soils where other crops can’t. But the benefits doesn’t stop there. Amaranth also attracts pollinators, which are important for a healthy ecosystem.
5. Cassava
Cassava is a food staple for millions of people around the world, and its future is even brighter. This root crop is considered as the world’s most climate-smart crop, with new varieties being developed with improved disease resistance and higher yields. Cassava is so resilient it can withstand drought and high temperatures.
4. Sorghum
Sorghum is one of the world’s oldest grains known for its resilience to heat and drought. Now, it’s at the center of cutting-edge research. Scientists are using CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop new varieties that are resistant to witchweed, a parasitic plant that can destroy crops. This breakthrough could have a huge impact on food security in Africa, where sorghum is a staple food.
3. Kernza
What if we could have a wheat-like crop that only needs to be planted once? That’s the promise of Kernza. Unlike annual crops that need to be replanted every year, Kernza keeps growing, producing multiple harvests from a single plant. And there are more benefits: its deep roots improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce the need for tilling, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.
2. Quinoa
The world has finally caught up with the incredible benefits of quinoa. It’s not only packed with protein and nutrients, but it’s also a true climate warrior. It’s tolerant to both drought and salinity, and it can thrive in cool climates where other crops struggle. Recent research also discovered that the young green leaves of quinoa plant have anti-inflammatory properties, adding another layer to its health food status.
1. Oats
For the first time ever, scientists have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing technology on oats, and it’s not just about making oats easier to grow. It’s also about about creating varieties that are more resilient to climate change, with higher yields and more fiber. This high-tech makeover is an example of how innovation can help us create a more sustainable and reliable food supply.