New blog features research on food safety in informal markets in Africa

Testing milk in Kenya's informal market (photo credit: ILRI/Dave Elsworth).

Interested in food safety in informal markets in sub-Saharan Africa? Then check out the new blog of the Safe Food, Fair Food project, a research initiative that is using risk-based approaches to improve food safety and market access in informal markets for animal-source foods in sub-Saharan Africa. 

This BMZ/GIZ-funded project is led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and is collaboratively undertaken with several local, regional and international partners. 

The first phase of the project (2008-11) built core capacity in risk-based methods through training and practical application in 24 proof-of-concept studies in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The recently launched second phase of the project (2012-15) will consolidate and expand on the achievements of the first phase by addressing selected high-potential value chains, and targeting regional policy and education.

The three main components of the second phase of the project are:

• Rapid assessment of food safety risks in four selected value chains using the tools validated in the first phase.
• Action research on priority food safety issues in these value chains to pilot and test best-bet interventions.
• Engagement with regional economic communities, the private sector and veterinary universities for a more enabling environment.

For more information, please contact the project coordinator Kristina Roesel (k.roesel @ cgiar.org).