Esayas Bekele

Project Summary: The value of pulses in crop diversification, food and nutrition security and sustainable crop production systems is well-recognized. East Africa, as in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, remains one of the most food and nutrition-insecure regions in the world. Post-harvest losses are especially serious in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 50% of crop production may be lost before produce reaches the consumer. Reducing post-harvest losses helps to improve availability of food without extra production and negative effects on the environment. This research will investigate how post-harvest variables including storage, marketing and processing affect food loss, nutrient digestibility and bio-accessibility, with specific emphasis on plant-based foods. The project seeks to gain a deeper understanding of challenges, gaps, opportunities and successes of pulse production, storage, processing, marketing and consumption in East Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda) so that to determine the possible intervention. The impact of this research will be increasing food availability.

Internal Mentors: Dr. Carol Henry, Dr Matthew Noseworthy and Dr. Robert Tyler

External Mentors: Dr. Sheleme Beyene, Hawassa University; Kebede Abegaz, School of Human Nutrition and Food Sciences; Dr. Jean Claude Rubyogo, Pan African Bean Alliance, Alliance Diversity-CIAT; and Dr. Eliud Abucheli Birachi, Alliance Diversity-CIAT