Objective
This project aims at increasing the value of fonio. We will provide stakeholders and local decision makers with information on the potentialities of this tiny grain. We will also work out, with them, suitable and sustainable solutions to increase the sup ply of high quality processed products for local and niche export markets.As scientific and technical data concerning this under-utilized tropical cereal are scarce and very often incomplete, we will first acquire an in-depth knowledge about fonio. Namel y, we will focus on its biochemical composition and its technological, cooking and nutritional qualities. We will identify the ecotypes with the best agronomic, technological and commercial potential. By developing adapted processes, we will work to impr ove quality of the local product and to make new products. This should be done so as to enhance regional trade and to stimulate exports of both good quality white fonio and high added value new products . Concurrently, we will study the conditions for im proving the competitiveness of the local commodity chain so that fonio can become a source of production diversification and higher incomes for local farmers and processors. We will also evaluate the effects of developing an export market chain on the ev olution of the local commodity chainWe will promote a multidisciplinary approach involving scientists from various backgrounds: food technology, nutrition, process engineering, mechanization, social sciences, agronomy, ... and we will support research/d evelopment actions with a participatory approach involving producers, processors, women's groups and small enterprises that will benefit directly and quickly from the research results. The project will issue practical recommendations (technical, strategi c and organisational) to produce good quality fonio products for local markets and high value exportable products, thus creating opportunities to improve the livelihoods of stakeholders.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesfood technology
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureagronomy
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutrition
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturegrains and oilseedscereals
- social sciences
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP6-2003-INCO-DEV-2
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
PARIS
France