Value-added processing of underutilised savanna tree seeds for improved food security and income generation in West Africa

project summary

The West African savanna region has a fragile ecological system that is vulnerable to prolonged droughts and food shortages. It is shared by countries with some of the lowest per capita incomes in the world. The region is however well endowed with underutilised wild plants that can be processed to improve food security and poverty alleviation. This project will study the value-added processing of seeds from three semi-domesticated native trees, namely,the African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), baobab (Andansonia digitata) and the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra). Improved fermentation methods will be developed to enhance their food quality and health aspects. In this regard, research will focus on the development and use of multifunctional starter cultures and improved processing equipment. Advanced molecular and biotechnological methods will be transferred to African partners through knowledge sharing and networking activities. Pilot plants will be established at the partner institutions to undertake application studies and provide training for small-scale food processors. Dissemination of project results will be undertaken through demonstrations, local and regional workshops and public media presentations. About 20 scientific papers will be published in reputed international journals. Capacity building will also include training of 3 Ph.D. and a number M.Sc. students. The project is undertaken by 2 institutions from Denmark and one each from Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali.