ABSTRACT
With issues of food and nutrient insecurity across the globe, studies are being conducted on numerous crops to help solve this challenge. One of the underutilized crops is millet with nutritional and economic importance and benefits. It can be grown in harsh conditions in the era of global warming. Those of commercial importance have been pearl, barnyard, proso, finger, and foxtail millet, though there are still quite many varieties in existence with important benefits. Millets contain quite a substantial amount of protein to the extent that it is the source of protein for approximately 130 million individuals in Africa’s sub-Saharan regions. Millets contain folic acid, vitamins A and B. This has attracted research into this crop. They have been used in the development of quite a number of food products including complementary or baby foods. Though the use of millets offers some challenges that have affected their promotion and consumption for many years, yet, there are possible solutions. Putting it at the focus or forefront of research will help solve these challenges and promote its consumption. This chapter aims to promote millet in food diversification; covering issues such as products millets could be used for including complementary foods, the effect of processing, challenges in the use of millet, and possible solutions. Hopefully, this will bring more attention to millet as a key crop in the fight against climate change and food and nutrient insecurity.
