Development of Micronutrient Fortified Soybean Cassava Products (MFSC) to Improve Nutrition, Well-being and Livelihood of Cassava Consumers

Authors: Amoakoah Twum Leticia, Ocloo Fidelis Carl, Odai Benard Tawiah & Asare Kwabena Isaac

Abstract:

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 seeks to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by the year 2030. Malnutrition, according to SDG 2, is in three forms: overnutrition, undernutrition and hidden hunger. The most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in children under 5 years, adolescent girls and pregnant women are undernutrition and hidden hunger. This form of malnutrition has an irreversible and detrimental effect on the vulnerable. An effective and sustainable method to reduce this menace is food fortification as a food-based nutritional approach in endemic communities. Cassava is a tropical crop widely consumed as an energy source in most households in various forms. Gari, a shelf-stable derivative of cassava, is a widely consumed West African staple food. Though widely consumed, it is less dense in essential nutrients to promote human growth. Due to its wide consumption, gari, if fortified with micronutrients and blended with soybean (protein), can be an excellent medium for food-based nutritional intervention in meeting SDG 2. Through scientific research, proGARI was developed. proGARI is a developed micronutrient-fortified soybean gari blend formulated to have the same cooking, sensory and eating qualities as conventional gari. Subsequent extensive research has found proGARI to have commercialisation potential and can be used as an excellent food-based nutritional policy in gari-consuming communities.

Gap addressed:

ProGARI addresses Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2- Zero Hunger). Hunger is the leading cause of death in the world. proGARI has the potential to end two forms of hunger in gari-consuming communities by ensuring access to affordable but nutritious food to people in vulnerable situations, including children under 5, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women.

Sector/Industry focus:

This research is relevant to the private cassava processing industries, governments, and international organisations focused on meeting SDG 2. These included but not limited to Kivo company, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health/ Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, UNICEF (child welfare program), World Food Programme (food relief programs) and the World Health Organisation.

Potential uptake or practical application:

ProGARI has undergone extensive research on product development, consumer acceptance and willingness to pay. Also, all standard operating procedures, HACCP plan and general operating procedures for proGARI processing have been developed. The production procedure is not significantly different from conventional gari processing, which makes it easy for technology transfer. The equipment and raw materials needed for commercial production are readily available.

Key recommendations:

• proGARI as a food-based nutritional intervention policy in gari-consuming communities
• Adding proGARI to Ghana’s school feeding program/secondary schools’ menu
• Adopted and used as a ready-to-eat meal in food relief programs
• Expanding the proGARI research: stakeholder collaboration and grants/funding