Safe food, fair food project: research centers and universities working for food safety in informally marketed livestock products in sub Saharan Africa

In sub Saharan Africa (SSA), informal markets provide affordable animal-source foods to large populations. However such foods carry hazards. The Safe Food, Fair Food Project was implemented between 2008 and 2011 to develop capacity in participatory risk assessment for improved food safety and enhanced market access by smallholder farmers in SSA. The project was a collaboration between the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), eight African universities, one African and three European advanced research institutes. The Project was implemented in eight countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mozambique and South Africa. Iterative training in participatory risk analysis was provided to stakeholders and students. Food safety situational analysis and risk assessment studies were conducted. Graduate fellows worked with communities to assess food safety and provide advice on its management. These results were shared in national workshops, followed by a global synthesis workshop. Findings of the study were received by all stakeholders who concluded that i) informal food chains are important to African economies and ii) food safety risks were less serious than previously perceived. Key messages for universities and training of students to facilitate change at community level included (i) working in multi-disciplinary teams and (ii) skills in participatory methods. Key messages for improving institutional arrangements for effectively reaching farmers include (i) importance of research consortia and (ii) need for long term involvement.