The Launch of Nutrient Dense Processed Food Products in Northern Uganda

The project is implemented by Bioversity International, in collaboration with a consortium led by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and coimplementers including Volunteer Effort Development Concerns (VEDCO), Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Kilimo Trust, and Rikolto International. BRENU is an Action under the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), a Government of Uganda programme funded by the European Union and supervised by the Office of the Prime Minister. 

Background

The BRENU project aims to improve livelihoods and increase food and nutrition security in Northern Uganda. As part of the Result Area 3, nutrition and public health interventions, Bioversity International was meant to develop at least one nutrient-rich product under sub-activity: 1.3.1.3.

To achieve this, Divine Organic Foods, an SMFE based in Lira, was contracted to develop at least one nutritious product that is feasible for use by rural smallholder households and urban households within the project regions and beyond. After market feasibility and prototype testing, two processed food products based on high iron beans (HIB) and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) were selected for further development and modification. These were the instant porridge and whole meal, which were subjected to sensory evaluation, market testing, consumer acceptability, consumer perception studies, nutrition composition profiling, and certification by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. The products are now ready for launch and made publicly available. The primary target groups for the products are children under five years, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and women of reproductive age, who are at risk of malnutrition.

The products will also be available to the general public, particularly in rural areas where access to nutritious food is limited. In addition, the communities are expected to earn income from supply of raw materials [high iron beans (HIB) and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP)] and sales agents for scaling of the products beyond the project timeline and areas. 

The launch of the nutrient-rich processed food products will take place on Saturday 20th May 2023 and at Aduku Town Market in Kwania District. The launch will be conducted by the BRENU project team and will include a brief presentation on the product development process, nutritional value and potential impact on health and livelihoods of communities in Lango and Teso sub-regions. The launch event will be attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, media representatives, and community members, who will play a vital role in promoting the products and increasing awareness about their benefits.

Time                           Item                                  Responsibility

8am to 9:00am           Arrival                               Divine Organic Foods

 9am to 12:00pm       Welcome remarks              Facilitator

                                   LC chair                             Aduku

                                   CDP                                   Kwania

                                   Divine Organic Foods        Noela

                                   Bioversity International      Moses

                                   Consortium Rep                 IITA

                                   District rep                          Kwania district

                                   Launch                               Divine Organic Foods

12pm to 2:00pm        Sales                                   Divine Organic Foods

                                  Departure                            Divine Organic Foods

We look forward to welcoming you to the launch of the Nutrient Dense Processed Food Products. Your participation and support in this event will be highly appreciated. If you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through Moses Owori on +256 776 611 875.