A soya-bean composite to fight child malnutrition

In Africa, two important agricultural research centres the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria, and the French Conseil National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) have developed food supplements using a soya-bean base to be given to small children in the process of being weaned. Experiments have shown that these soya compounds provide a substitute which could replace milk. The objective is to supply children aged between 6 months and 2 years with a foodstuff both suited to their increased energy and protein requirements and tolerated by their digestive systems, since children cannot in fact break down the same foodstuffs as adults. In addition, the basic foodstuffs of families in the low-income group (ie maize flour, sorghum and cassava) provide the right quantities of food needed to satisfy a child's hunger, but not his protein requirements. The soya meal developed by the CNRS and IITA combines both maize flour and meal from shelled, improved soyabean, grounded and baked The product is then diluted in sterilized water and has a similar consistency to that of milk. The CNRS has also developed both an inexpensive grill and a mill which can be made locally. IITA has been carrying out research on soya-bean and the use of its derivatives for several years. The success of 'soya-milk' as a weaning supplement has led to some particularly interesting results: the holding of classes to give instruction in the dosage and use of the mixture, which have spread to women's organisations throughout the region; and the creation, with the help of the IITA, of a co-operative for the growing and marketing of soya, using the improved seed prepared by the Institute. The lnstitute is supported by USAID. For further information, contact: IITA PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan. Nigeria. Tel: 41 -32-44/42 33 1 5/41 34 40. Telex :31417 TROPIC NG.In Africa, two important agricultural research centres, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria, and the French Conseil National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) have developed food supplements using a soya-bean base..