Institutional development · Research, innovation and assessment · Ghana
KNUST food scientists take indigenous-food nutrition research back to Saboba communities in Ghana
A Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology team ran a workshop in Ghana's Saboba District showing residents how local foods could improve household diets.
Why it matters: Saboba District households and local officials were shown nutrient-enriched versions of traditional dishes that the KNUST team developed together with residents.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) said scientists from its food science and technology department presented results on how nutritious indigenous foods can be to communities in Saboba District, in Ghana's Northern Region.
According to the university, the workshop formed part of the Foodscapes Research Project, headed by Dr Abena Boakye, and drew health workers, district officials, traditional leaders, farming stakeholders and residents' representatives.
KNUST said the team recorded local foods, tested what nutrients they contained and collaborated with residents to make customary recipes more nutrient-rich, with demonstrations including standardised soups and fortified porridges.
Dr Boakye, the project's principal investigator, said involving the community was vital if households were to take up the new preparation methods.
Editor’s view
Scott James, Research and Innovation Editor
Households in Saboba District are the people directly affected: the university says the results and demonstrated recipes are meant to help them eat better and strengthen food security using ingredients available locally.
