African rice

African rice, scientifically known as Oryza glaberrima, is a species of rice native to West Africa. It was domesticated independently over 3,000 years ago and is valued for its resilience to local pests, droughts, and poor soils. Unlike the more widely cultivated Asian rice (Oryza sativa), African rice often has a distinctive shorter, rounder grain and a stronger, earthy flavor. It plays a crucial role in local diets and agricultural practices, especially in regions where environmental conditions can be challenging for other crops. Despite its hardiness, it is less widely grown globally due to lower yield potential compared to Asian rice.