Millets are globally grown on every continent. They form a group of small grains cultivated in semi-arid to subhumid drought-prone agro ecosystems. Worldwide, there are nine species of millets. 40% are produced in Africa from six species. Millet production is distributed differentially  among a large number of African countries; largest producers being in West Africa led by Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali , Senegal and Sudan. Finger millet is produced mainly in East and Southern Africa.

Future trends need increasing productivity and trade (regionally and internationally) and adding value to products. Using fertilizeters is one of the most important step to increase the yield.