Read full article @ BioInnovate Africa Programme
Ms. Gloria Kuhumba is a researcher in food biotechnology from Tanzania and one of the 12 pioneer group of BioInnovate Africa women scientists’ fellows. Her four-month fellowship was on our project that aims to unlock the commercial potential of new sorghum and millet products for improved nutrition and socio-economic gains in Eastern Africa.
In the past three years, the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) has consistently shown that more than 100 million people faced acute hunger with countries in Africa also affected by food insecurity. According to the 2019 report, more than 113 million people across 53 countries experienced acute hunger requiring urgent food and nutrition, with 33 million of these people coming from countries in Africa. This calls for action to raise agricultural productivity, mitigate risks and promote diversification and processing to provide food and nutrition security.
Ms. Kuhumba worked on important food security crops of sub Saharan Africa; sorghum and millet. These crops are highly valued as nutritious food due to their high levels of vitamins, protein and micronutrients that provide multiple health benefits. Ms. Kuhumba believes that research in food and nutrition, particularly sorghum and millet, not only contributes to the health of individuals but also their efficiency and productivity.
Ms. Kahumba’s research is in line with the theme for this’s year International Day for Biological Diversity, which is ‘Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health’. Held annually on May 22, the United Nations’ International Day for Biological Diversity was designated to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. This year’s theme raises the awareness of the dependency of our food system, nutrition and health on biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. The theme also celebrates the diversity provided by natural systems for human existence and well-being on earth, while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
