Improving the Health and Livelihood of the People of East Africa by Addressing Aflatoxin and Gender-related Constraints in Peanut Production, Processing, and Marketing
Duration: 2007 - 2012
Country/Countries: Kenya and Uganda
Partner Organizations: Egerton University, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), University of Nairobi, Makerere University, National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda (NAWOU)
This project was supported by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (SANREM IL) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Project Summary:
This project linked science directly to pressing development challenges by increasing food security and nutritional value for families producing one of Africa's key crops, peanut. Building on previous research and relationships in East Africa, this project focused activities in Uganda and Kenya, as well as incorporated partners from Tanzania and Rwanda in capacity-development efforts. The research emphasized the health and nutrition aspects of aflatoxins, and on crop storage and food preparation in household space, while emphasizing value-added opportunities with small-scale peanut growers and processors. It linked agriculture and health scientists together and foster collaboration that was needed for effective resolution and impact. It empowered women to manage aflatoxins in peanuts in the household, increased their incomes through marketing of quality peanut products, and improved family nutrition and wellbeing.
Project Resources and Publications:
· Farmers, peanuts, and aflatoxins in Uganda: A gendered approach
· Farmers’ Stories from Kamuli
· Building a healthy nation through working with women groups in Uganda: A case study of Peanut CRSP