Food processing and value addition are key elements in the Malawi Government’s strategy to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. The newly established Department of Food Science and Technology at LUANAR has positioned itself to be a key partner in proving academic leadership in food science and technology as well as generating knowledge on the qualities of Malawian raw materials, and how they can be safely processed into high value and good quality food products to meet the demands of Malawian and international markets.

Current Researches

• Promotion of bambara groundnut production and consumption for better nutrition in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.
• Evaluation of soy bean processing and utilisation trainings and consumer acceptance of different dishes in Malawi.
• Consumer acceptance of quinoa dishes in Malawi.
• Trilateral collaboration for Dairy Value Chain development in Malawi.
• Aflatoxin management interventions, education, and analysis at various steps within the peanut value chain.

Services and Outreach Activities
The Department contributes to food safety and quality assurance in Malawi through provision of laboratory analysis of samples from the food and animal feed industry. The Department provides the following analyses: sensory, microbial, nutrient and quality components. Through its collaboration with government and non government actors, the Department provides training and support services to communities, cooperatives and companies involved in food processing, preparation and preservation

Dr. Wiliam Kasapila

Head of Department

Dr. Tinna Manani

Deputy Head

Mrs. Jacqueline Kachikuni-Banda

Secretary

Mr. Jericho Mbendera

Office Assistant