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Imprint
Implementing innovative processing technologies for nutrient-dense plant foods (African indigenous vegetables and legumes) to safeguard perennial nutrition security – an East African and Southeast African country comparison (Vegi-Leg)
Project
Project code: 2816PROC09
Contract period: 01.08.2018
- 31.12.2022
Budget: 1,224,965 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: processing, food processing, vegetable production, human nutrition, data collection, regional value addition, food security, nutrients, marketing, pea
The aim of Vegi-Leg is to improve food security year-round for the rural population affected by anaemia and malnutrition in Tanzania (TC) and Mozambique (MC). With the participation of smallholders, subsistence farmers, entrepreneurs and scientists, the development of nutrient-friendly processing technologies and the conservation of nutritious, micronutrient-rich plant foods (iron, vitamin A) and thus the food value chain and the long-term food situation in the respective regions are to be sustainably improved. A basic survey will analyse nutritional habits and status as well as gaps in the selection, cultivation, preparation, processing and storage of micronutrient-rich foods. The study follows a participatory research approach and focuses on (1) the identification of micronutrient-rich peas and leafy vegetables, the development of (2) low-cost innovative or traditional processing methods, (3) food products, and (4) training on nutrient-preserving preparation and processing techniques at the household level to overcome seasonal food shortages and micronutrient deficiencies. The success of Vegi-Leg will be monitored through a final survey in the various villages. A participatory approach is pursued in the Vegi Leg project for the analysis of the food security situation. This applies to also to inventorizing and developing local processing technologies along the food value chain for pigeon peas and African indigenous vegetables. Local and regional stakeholders are included in the project from the very start via joint development of project foci in the research areas of resources, production, processing and consumption and decision making. The identified nutrient-sensitive processed products (outcomes of the value chain analysis) will be integrated into tailored education and training programs and disseminated on local, regional and national level.
Section overview
Subjects
- Vegetable Gardening
- Agricultural Policy
- Food Processing
