June News

Notes from the Field: Malawi Business Trainings

We are dedicated to providing solutions that not only improve the efficiency of postharvest processing but also support the growth of small-scale agribusinesses and economic opportunities. In conjunction with our in-country program initiatives, we recently conducted various trainings with farmer network groups in Malawi.

In March, food scientist Dr. Buddhi Lamsal of Iowa State University, traveled to Mchinji in central Malawi to conduct trainings on aflatoxin, salmonella and best practices for decreasing the spread of food-borne illnesses and contaminants. Trainings like these are one way in which we help farmers improve the quality of the food they produce and recommend processing methods for increased value of the products they sell and consume.

In June, we hosted additional business trainings with the same farmer groups, including hands-on demonstrations of tools that increase the efficiency of postharvest processing, such as our peanut sheller. Interactive discussions were also held on possible ways in which the tools could be used to support additional income-generating activities. Farmers had the opportunity to test the technology and learn about the benefits that could be derived from utilizing the tools for their own crops and increase the market-value of their food products.

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Double Your Impact with Matching Gifts

Did you know that many employers will match donations made to qualified nonprofits like Bountifield? Corporate matches are a simple and easy way to double the value of your donation. To find out if your company offers this program or to request a matching gift, contact your company’s Human Resources department and reach out to giving@bountifield.org if you need assistance in providing any necessary information to your company.

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Bountifield International at IFT19

In June, we participated in a panel discussion at The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) 2019 Expo which brought together food professionals from around the world to discuss food science, technology innovation, market distribution, and food safety.

Technology Coordinator Bridget Gerenz participated on a panel alongside Iana Aranda, President of Engineering for Change, moderated by Bernhard Van Lengerich, Bountifield Board Member and IFT Feeding Tomorrow Foundation Chair. The panel focused on our recent collaboration with Feeding Tomorrow and IFT that resulted in two great research projects providing insight into solutions to mitigate Aflatoxin​ in sub-Saharan Africa and to enable communication between subsistence farmers and market actors at the postharvest stage.

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Bountifield CEO at the African Women Agribusiness Network (AWAN) and the 12^th U.S.-Africa Business Summit

Bountifield’s CEO Alexandra Spieldoch attended the first continental conference from African Women Agribusiness Network (AWAN) in Nairobi, Kenya and the 12^th U.S.-Africa Business Summit held in Maputo, Mozambique.

AWAN is a nonprofit organization focused on facilitating and providing services to women-led agribusinesses throughout Africa. The inaugural AWAN conference provided a platform for networking with entrepreneurs and organizations supporting the growth and development of female-led agribusinesses. It was an honor to be in attendance at this gathering of amazing women.

The U.S. – Africa Business Summit promotes partnerships and collaborations between various U.S. and African private sector investors, governmental officials and nongovernmental organizational leaders to discuss policies and business trends in a variety of fields.

At the Summit, USAID administrator Mark Green provided more details on “Prosper Africa,” a renewed approach by the USA to focus on investing in Africa’s private sector to catalyze sustainable growth and create employment opportunities for youth.

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