Could Sesame become a cash crop in West Africa’s Sahel?
In both countries, seed marketing was the main impediment the producers faced on account of a lack of reliable markets and of a considerable fluctuation in prices. Conclusions: Overall, the sesame sector is still traditional but is progressively developing and sesame could become an important cash crop for smallholders in West Africa¡¯s Sahel.
Is Sesame a resilient crop in West Africa?
Background: West Africa¡¯s Sahel is characterized by a dry and hot climate with limited rainfall that impairs the production of several crops. Sesame is a resilient crop that is well suited to this environment. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data relative to the status of its production in West Africa.
What is sesame oil?
Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. The oil is one of the earliest-known crop-based oils. Worldwide mass modern production is limited due to the inefficient manual harvesting process required to extract the oil. Oil made from raw seeds, which may or may not be cold-pressed, is used as a cooking oil.
Which countries use sesame oil?
The Chinese use sesame oil in the preparation of meals. In Japan, r¨¡yu is made of chili and sesame oil and used as a spicy topping on various foods, or mixed with vinegar and soy sauce and used as a dip. In South India, before the advent of modern refined oils produced on a large scale, sesame oil was traditionally used for curries and gravies.