FONIO's objective is to upgrade quality and competitiveness of fonio in West Africa by improving production (adapted varieties, appropriated production and farming systems,...), technology (innovation in post-harvest mechanisation and processing,...) and marketing systems for local and export markets. In Africa, the increasing interest for fonio, as well from consumers than from small enterprises, demonstrates the possibility for the development of good quality products based on fonio. For European consumers, the desirable criteria are nutritional quality, originality, healthier properties and environmental friendliness. The production of exportable value added fonio products is conceivable and must be promoted. To achieve the overall objective, FONIO project promote an interdisciplinary and innovative approach involving scientists from various backgrounds: food technology, nutrition, process engineering, mechanization, social sciences, and agronomy. It support research/development actions with a participatory approach involving producers, processors, women's groups and, small enterprises that will benefit directly and quickly from the research results.