Native Food Innovations from the Andes

Research summary

The project between University of La Molina and University of Turku, Finland aims to improve the higher education on Food Sciences and to strengthen the research, development and innovation environment concerning sustainable utilization of indigenous food crops in Peru.

Description

University of La Molina is already acknowledged for high quality research and promotion of native food crops of the Andean region. Indigenous crops, such as quinoa, kañiwa and kiwicha are traditional food plants of the Andean countries, but they also have significant potential as more widely cultivated crops. They are less studied but interesting raw materials for various of uses offering natural sources of health-promoting components. These crops have a wide potential contributing to food security and nutrition, and also possess potential for large potential for economic development and livelihoods in Peru.

The project has two main objectives;
1) establish a PhD education programme in Food Science and Nutrition, and
2) create the “Center of Expertise in Andean Native Food Crops” in the University of La Molina.

The feasibility study in November 2013 relates to second objective to establish “Center of Expertise in Andean Native Crops”. The proposed center would be a special unit in conjunction of UNALM with mission to promote the sustainable production and utilization of native food crops of the Andean region. The center pools the expertise of UNALM faculties and departments and works closely with local food industries thus enhancing the competitiveness of the Peruvian agro-food sector.

Research info

Research title
Native Food Innovations from the Andes

Research timeline
1.11.2013 - 1.12.2015

Keywords
Andean Crops Center of Expertise

Region
Latin America

Countries
Finland, Peru

Institution
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina
Industrias Alimentarias
Lima, Peru

Funding instrument
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (ICI, HEI-ICI, N-S-S)

Project budget
0 - 200,000 euros

Head of research
Ritva Repo-Carrasco-Valencia

Research team
Jaakko Korpela, Jukka-Pekka Suomela

Partners
University of Turku

Contact information
Ritva Repo-Carrasco-Valencia
ritva@lamolina.edu.pe
Open link

Record last updated
25.8.2015