Nigatu Regassa

Project Summary: Pulse crops have become significant sources of fiber, dietary protein and micronutrients. Four East African countries (Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda) have huge potentials, but are constrained by several challenges in the pulse value chains affecting production, consumption and marketing. Evidences from these countries show that the historic huge gender gap and low participation of youth in the sector had detrimental effect on production of pulses. There are also social and cultural barriers that severely constrain pulse consumption among youth, women and children including poor knowledge and befits of pulses, less developed value addition culture, stigma and negative beliefs on pulse consumption. From nutritional health perspective, the degree of youth and women’s access to and control over pulse crops and associated resources may determine how well they nourish themselves and the family as a whole. This calls for context specific gender and youth inclusive pulse-based nutrition approach to promote pulse production, and consumption. Realization of this requires extensive review of the dynamics of change in pulse production and consumption, best practices, challenges and gaps in improving nutrition and food security in these countries.

Internal Mentor: 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