Key Takeaways
- The Department of Crop Science at the University of Cape Coast organized a Taro Product Innovation Exhibition and training programme.
- The event showcased the versatility of taro in producing various nutritious and market-ready food products.
- The programme aimed to promote value addition, boost awareness of taro's economic potential, and strengthen food security in Ghana.
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has taken a significant step towards promoting agricultural innovation and food security in Ghana through the organization of a Taro Product Innovation Exhibition and training programme.
The event, held at the Sasakawa Centre, brought together participants from various backgrounds to showcase the potential of taro (Colocasia esculenta), locally known as brube or kooko, in producing a variety of nutritious and market-ready food products.
Background & Context
Taro is an underutilized crop in Ghana, despite its economic potential and nutritional benefits. The crop is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
The University of Cape Coast has been at the forefront of promoting agricultural innovation and research in Ghana. The institution has established a reputation for translating academic research into practical solutions that benefit communities and strengthen local food systems.
Initiatives such as the taro innovation programme are part of ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of indigenous crops as viable commercial and nutritional resources in Ghana.
Taro Product Innovation Exhibition
The exhibition showcased the versatility of taro in producing various nutritious and market-ready food products, including meat pie, rock buns, cakes, and other baked items.
Participants were introduced to innovative taro-based products that demonstrated the crop's potential beyond its traditional culinary uses.
The exhibition also focused on raising awareness about taro's role in strengthening food security, improving dietary diversity, and creating income-generating opportunities for farmers and processors across Ghana.
Practical Training Session
A practical training session on taro processing and food preparation was held for women agro-processors and smallholder farmers.
The programme equipped participants with hands-on skills in taro flour production and the development of value-added food products.
The aim of the programme was to support the establishment of small-scale agro-processing enterprises and promote the adoption of taro as a viable commercial and nutritional resource in Ghana.
Looking Ahead
The success of the taro innovation programme highlights the potential of agricultural innovation in promoting food security and economic development in Ghana.
The university's commitment to translating academic research into practical solutions that benefit communities and strengthen local food systems is a commendable effort towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ghana.
The programme serves as a model for promoting the adoption of indigenous crops as viable commercial and nutritional resources in Ghana, and its impact is expected to be felt in the years to come.
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