Amaranth in South Sudan

Amaranth in South Sudan is a valuable, fast-growing, and nutritious leafy vegetable (often called “dodo” or amaranth leaves) crucial for local food security, with production trends documented in recent market reports. It acts as a resilient, drought-resistant crop suitable for local agricultural conditions, providing high levels of protein, iron, and vitamin A.

Locally, the leaves and young stems are cooked and consumed, commonly in soups and stews; it is cultivated in home gardens and small-scale farms, often growing quickly enough to be harvested within four weeks of sowing.

While over 60 varieties of amaranth are found in the region (including related types in East Africa), the species, including Amaranthus cruentus, are adapted to the area’s climate.