Increasing food security and decreasing malnutrition via innovation agro-platforms, crop breeding and novel food processing of common beans in Uganda

Climate change and Covid-19 pandemics are two global challenges that Uganda is currently facing, therefore to meet sufficient needs of micronutrients in food and to improve food security is more urgent then ever.

The present project aims to develop: 1) locally adapted good quality and high yielding beans, and 2) novel processing technologies of beans, to sustain food security and enhance nutrients and micronutrients in food in Uganda. The project is focusing on the use of the most recent marker-assisted selection methods (e.g.

GBS and GWAS) in combination with modern innovative processing methods (e.g. ultrasonication) to: i) improve drought tolerance in beans, ii) improve nutritional composition of proteins and microelements, and organoleptic properties (taste) of bean food, iii) develop the innovation agro-platforms for delivering nutritious high quality food in a varying climate.

This project will contribute with the most novel and high impact methods so far available to improve food security and nutrition, and will help secure food products, highly appreciated by the African consumer.

The innovative agro-platforms will sustain development of promising drought tolerant protein-rich bean types suited for local farms in Uganda.

In the long-term, this project will contribute food security and health benefits to the African population across the continent.