Imagine trying to buy groceries in a market where you aren't sure if the corn has mold or if the vegetables have too many chemicals. This project creates a 'middle ground' for small sellers to prove their food is safe using digital tools. It's like giving street vendors a digital seal of approval so buyers and exporters can trust the quality.
African food value chains suffer from contamination and lack of traceability, particularly in the informal sector. This prevents safe trade and increases health risks from mycotoxins and pesticides.
The project is building 'mezzanine' food safety structures and demonstration hubs. It also develops digital tools for food authentication and traceability.
If you are a software provider dealing with fragmented supply chains in Africa — this project developed digital tools to move informal sellers to a mezzanine status that improves food authentication. This allows for better tracking of pesticide residues and mycotoxins.
If you are an exporter dealing with rejected shipments due to contamination — this project developed food safety structures and demonstration hubs that reduce mycotoxin and E. coli risks. This ensures products meet regional trade standards.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with the misuse of chemicals leading to residues in crops — this project developed policy implementation and monitoring tools for grains and vegetables. This helps align product use with safety regulations.
Based on available project data, specific pricing for the tools is not mentioned, though the project received an EU contribution of EUR 4,984,995 for development.
The project is currently establishing demonstration hubs to trial 'mezzanine' food safety structures, suggesting it is in the piloting phase rather than full industrial scale.
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms or patent filings in the provided text.
It focuses on policy development and implementation regarding mycotoxin contamination, pesticide residues, and E. coli contamination to enhance regional trade.
The project period runs from 2024-01-01 to 2027-12-31.
The consortium is diverse, featuring 16 partners across 10 countries, which provides a strong bridge between European research and African market realities. With a 19% industry ratio (3 partners) and a mix of 5 universities and 4 research centers, the group is weighted toward knowledge generation but includes the necessary practical links to the informal sector via the coordinator, IITA.
Contact the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria.
Contact us to identify the specific digital tools being trialled in the demonstration hubs.
