Harnessing technology to foster advanced small-scale food processing in Africa
Participants undergoing hands-on training on production of millet flakes at the AIP-ICRISAT Pilot Processing Facility. Photo: K Srivalli, ICRISAT
Connecting technology with open innovation will revolutionize agriculture in the Semi-Arid Tropics, participants of a training course on small-scale food processing recognized.
The training helped 36 participants from over 13 countries including Côte d’Ivoire, South Sudan, Zambia, Tunisia and Uganda, understand key technical, regulatory and business aspects of operationalizing a small-scale food business enterprise, capable of producing products as per international standards. The participants identified opportunities and solutions to challenges of sustainably operating enterprises in the food industry.
Industry experts and subject matter specialists detailed current trends and opportunities for SMEs in food processing, food safety, quality, business plan development and equipment in a small-scale food processing enterprise.
Ms Kisakye Sarah from the National Agricultural Research Organisation in Uganda said, “I appreciate the simplicity with which the subject matter for each of the sessions was delivered. I loved all exposure visits and meeting individuals from diverse industries.”
Dr Carberry (center) with Dr Saikat Datta Mazumdar (left), COO, NutriPlus Knowledge Program, AIP, and Mr Jonathan Philroy, Manager, AIP at the inaugural session of the training program. Photo: S Punna, ICRISAT
Dr Peter Carberry, Director General of ICRISAT, reiterated ICRISAT’s commitment to work closely with partners in Africa. “Boost to agriculture and food processing sectors across the continent with interventions can strengthen value chains, develop innovative products and technologies to facilitate entrepreneurship to ultimately help smallholder farmers. This training program is part of ICRISAT’s mandate of connecting technology and innovations across the semi-arid tropics,” he said.
Participants also visited the pilot processing facility at the Agribusiness and Innovation Platform (AIP), besides other private units. Ms Vanessa Moono Zangy Diangamo, Director, Daisy Meats Ltd., Zambia, spoke of how the program provided practical learning. “I am looking forward to implementing the skills and knowledge I have gained from this program in my business,” she said.
The two-week-long training on ‘Starting a Small-Scale Food Processing Enterprise for Women and Youth’ was organized by ICRISAT’s AIP in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, under the India African Forum Summit III (IAFS III).
Participants along with ICRISAT team after having successfully completed their training. Photo: S Punna, ICRISAT
