ESTABLISHING MORINGA BASED ECONOMIC ......combating malnutrition, creating jobs and preserving the...

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ESTABLISHING MORINGA BASED ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOOD

OF RURAL WOMEN OF ETHIOPIA

140330

TERMINAL REPORT

September 2018

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Terminal Report covering the period: 1 October 2016 – 20 September 2018

Project number: 140330

Title of Project/Programme Component: Establishing Moringa based economic development

program to improve the livelihood of rural women of

Ethiopia.

Total Budget: EUR 984,320 (incl. 13% of Project Support Costs)

Completion date (month/year): 30 September 2018

Donor: Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)

Local Project Partner: Office of the First Lady of FDRE, Southern Nation

Nationalities and Peoples Regional State – Bureau of

Agriculture and Natural; Resources.

UNIDO project team:

Ms. Aurelia P.

Calabrò

Project Manager, Senior Industrial Development Officer, Division

Chief, Agro-Industries Technology

Agri-Business Development Branch

UNIDO, Vienna, Austria

Ms. Lemlem S.

Fetene

Chief Technical Advisor, Agro-Industries Technology Division

Department of Agro-Business Development Branch,

UNIDO, Vienna, Austria

Mr. Daniel D.

Kifle

National Expert

Agro-Industries Technology Division


UNIDO, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.

Ms. Abebe A.

Alemitu

Training Coordinator


Department of Agro-Business Development Branch

UNIDO, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.

Ms. Alice Perlini Agro Value Chain Expert



UNIDO, Vienna, Austria.

Mr. Gianfranco

Pulinas

Strategic Advisor



UNIDO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 4

Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... 5

1. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT ...................................................................................... 6

1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT: ...................................................................... 7

1.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT: ..................................................................... 7

1.3 EXPECTED OUTCOMES: .................................................................................................... 7

1.4 TARGET GROUPS ................................................................................................................ 7

2. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAIN MILESTONES ACHIEVED DURING THE PILOT PHASE

8

3. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT ON TRAINING AND COMMUNITY LEVEL

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................ 9

4. ACHIEVEMENTS AT INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL .............................................................. 16

5. INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ....................................................... 22

6. OUTPUT SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 24

7. MAJOR CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED ............................................................................ 31

8. PROCUREMENT OF THE EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING .... 32

ANNEX I: Minutes of the 2nd Project Steering Committee .......................................................... 33

ANNEX II: ISS Mission to Ethiopia .............................................................................................. 44

ANNEX III: Study Tour to Accra, Ghana for experience sharing on Moringa Value chain .......... 49

ANNEX IV: Policy development process report ........................................................................... 66

ANNEX V. SUMMARY OF TRAINING MODULES .................................................................. 67

ANNEX VI. WORK PLAN ............................................................................................................ 69

ANNEX VII. Institute Suprior di Sanità (ISS) Proposal ................................................................ 74

ANNEX: VIII. List of publications and documents produced ....................................................... 82

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Acknowledgements

UNIDO would like to express its appreciation and gratitude to the Office of the First Lady of the

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Southern Nationals and Nationalities Peoples

Regional State. Our special thanks go to the Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the

Southern Agriculture Research Institute Management, as well as to the women and farmers

involved in the targeted areas.

We would also like to recognize the support of the Gamo Gofa Zone Chief Administrator as well

as the Arba Minch Zuria woreda Administration staff and Wezeka Kebele leaders.

UNIDO project team wishes to thank the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for having

sponsored this programme and for having actively participated in the project implementation.

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Acronyms

AAU Addis Ababa University

AICS Italian Agency for Development Cooperation

AMU Arba Minch University

BoI Bureau of Industry

BoANR Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources

CTA Chief Technical Adviser

EPHI Ethiopian Public Health Institute

FMHACA Ethiopian Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority

GEF Global Environment Facility

MoST Ministry of Science and Technology

MTF Moringa Task Force

MTV Moringa Value Chain Project

MVC Moringa Value Chain

OFL Office of the First Lady

PSC Project Steering Committee

SARI Southern Agricultural Research Institute

SNNPRS Southern Nationals Nationalities and Peoples Regional State

TAG Technical Advisory Group

UNCCD United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification

UNIDO United National Industrial Development Organization

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1. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

Women in Ethiopia represent approximately 50 percent of the total population and account for 70

percent of the household food production. Rural women’s share in the total agricultural labour

force is considerable, as female family members drive about 48 percent of the agricultural labour

force. Since the subsistence economy cannot meet the households’ basic needs, the participation

of rural women in generating additional income is relevant. This is quite significant given the

tendency of underestimating the contribution of women in regard to food production and nutrition

security. In the Ethiopian context, the links between agriculture, agro-industry development and

gender have important implications on poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation and

environmental sustainability. Therefore rural women’s roles are critical and necessary in all

development agendas. In this context, the objective of the project was to reduce poverty by

combating malnutrition, creating jobs and preserving the environment and biodiversity through

the promotion and development of the value chain of Moringa. This included production,

transformation, value addition and market structures development.

The project “Project for the development of Moringa Value Chain (MVC) in rural

communities in Ethiopia” is part of the initiative “Establishing Moringa based economic

development program to improve the livelihood of rural women of Ethiopia” presented by

UNIDO upon the request of First Lady of the Federal Government of Ethiopia, endored by the

Southern Nationals Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPR). UNIDO’s support in

developing the project aimed at fostering rural women’s development through technical assistance

with skill development, particularly in the organization of women farmers clusters, introduction of

value-adding rural agro-processing units, packaging and quality assurances for domestic, regional

and international markets.

In light of this, the current initiative represented a pilot phase aimed at developing Ethiopian

Moringa Value Chain for the improvement of the livelihood of rural producers, with a particular

focus on the nutritional and gender aspects.

UNIDO and the Regional Government of the SNNP have prepared the project proposal through

an extensive assessment undertaken by UNIDO’s international and national experts, in

collaboration with both Regional and Federal Authorities, in particular with the Southern

Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), and the Ethiopian Public Heatlth Institute (EPHI).

The initiative is aligned with the principles and the strategy of The Growth and Transformation

Plan II (GTP II), the national vision of Ethiopians to end poverty. Furthermore the project is

complementary and coherent with the EU development and cooperation policies, focusing on

strenghtening nutrition and gender socio-economic empowerment.

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1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT:

To contribute to poverty reduction, food & nutrition security and sustainable use of natural

resources in SNNP regional state, towards the achievement of targets set by Ethiopia’s national

development plans.

1.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:

To improve the nutrition and income of the targeted rural women/communities in Southern

Nationals and Nationalities and People Regional State (SNNPRS) through the development of the

Moringa value chain (MVC).

1.3 EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

To achieve this objectives the project plans to achieve the expected following results:

i) The groups active in the Moringa value chain are organized, empowered and linked to the

local and regional market;

ii) A pilot processing line for Moringa and Moringa based products (i.e. oil, tea and

nutraceuticals) is put in place;

iii) The Ethiopian Public Health Institute and other relevant institutes (FMHACA) are

empowered to undertake quality certification activities on Moringa based products;

iv) Food security of the targeted households is improved.

1.4 TARGET GROUPS

The project target groups are represented by women and rural communities with special attention

to local institutions in SNNPR. UNIDO is training the beneficiary farmers, with special

consideration of women, to produce and process Moringa leaves and seeds, taking into account

health and sanitation parameters and having as priority to combat malnutrition in small children

and pregnant lactating women. Moreover, the technical and infrastructural capacity development

of the project assists the farmers groups to create diversification for income generation through

entrepreneurship capacity development.

The results of the Moringa Value Chain development project directly benefits the entire Wezeka

Kebele, composed of about 7,340 people, out of which about 50percent are women. The Moringa

value chain could indirectly influence the livelihood of the residents in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda,

particularly in the three neighbouring Kebeles, with a population of around 25,000 people.

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2. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAIN MILESTONES ACHIEVED DURING

THE PILOT PHASE

This pilot phase of the project has been instrumental to lay the ground and establish a base to

construct the long term vision of the Moringa’s role in combating malnutrition and contributing to

the economic development of the rural communities.

In order to have a positive impact on the livelihood of rural communities with particular reference

to the rural women, the program aimed at improving the performance of relevant stakeholders

active in the Moringa value chain. In this pilot phase the major areas of focus were infrastructural

capacity development to establish a pilot demonstration unit to demonstrate the improved

production system, training the selected beneficiaries on the production and processing of

Moringa stenopetala, strengthening local research institute and regulatory authority (EPHI and

FMHACA respectively) capacity to provide services that enable the communities, Moringa

producers and processers, to distribute certified and regulated Moringa based products and to

develop Moringa based food recipes to improve the nutrition level of the local communities

At community and value chain level:

a) Project inception team and implementation unit set up;

b) Inception phase analysis conducted;

c) For pilot demonstration unit, 30 ha of land secured. Out of which 5 ha of land is fully

developed and planted;

d) Beneficiaries selected based on the criteria’s developed with all relevant stakeholders;

e) Moringa growers and processors cooperative established;

f) On improved production system of M. stenopetala and processing, training modules and

manuals developed;

g) Training on improved Moringa production and processing implemented;

h) The establishment of the production system on the pilot project site, postharvest training

unit as continuation of the training process;

i) The design of the pilot processing unit, that is financed by the regional government,

completed and construction on progress;

At Institutional Level:

a) Official project launching and signature of project cooperative agreement 23 February

2017 between SNNPRG- BOANR and UNIDO;

b) The Project Steering Committee meetings held oversee the progress of the project and has

been instrumental to approve the second phase of the project; The Study tour to Ghana

from 22 to 28 October 2017 to empower the participates (rep. of FMHACA, EPHI, OFL,

SNNPRS-SARI) to be able to establish the research , development and regulation of

Moringa, through the experience exchange with Ghana FDA, growers, processors and

scientists in the area;

c) Supporting the “National Workshop on "Harnessing the Potentials of HALEKO (Moringa

Stenopetala) for Development, Organized by MoST and OF;

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d) Equipping EPHI with laboratory equipment, Fat analyzer and amino acid analyzer to

enable the institute to conduct the complete profile of Moringa stenopetala;

e) Supporting FMHACA to develop the policy document and the draft proclamation and

regulations for marketing and distribution of Traditional/Herbal Medicines and Herbal

Supplements (THMSs).

3. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT ON TRAINING AND

COMMUNITY LEVEL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

From the results obtained, the project has been 95 percent implemented with full attainment of the

objectives;

The following are the most important achievements of the project’s outcomes with regards

organizing and empowering the communities:

Suitable areas for the establishment of the Moringa pilot demonstration plot have been

identified and securing. The project area is located in the SNNPRS, Gamo Gofa Zone, i.e.

Arba Minch Zuria woreda.

The Regional Government allocated 30 ha irrigable land in Arba Minch Zuria woreda,

Wezeka kebele, to be used as demonstration plot. In addition, office facilities, temporary

training shade and nursery for the propagation were provided. Under the pilot initiative the

first pilot demonstration unit of 5 ha was been developed, to demonstrate the improved

production system.

Project site

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Project site

Regarding the organization of groups active in Moringa value chain, 110 trainees are currently

participating in project activities. In actual terms the project will directly benefit about 7,340

people from Wezeka and about 25,000 people from the surrounding Kebeles. The process of

beneficiary selection was based on the consultations and involvement of relevant authorities at

Federal and Regional levels. ‘Woreda Selection Committee’ was established at grassroots level,

in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda to facilitate and coordinate the selection of beneficiaries. Targeted

beneficiaries, the rural women (85 percent of the participants are women) of Arba Minch Zuria

Woreda, have been trained on improved production and processing techniques. Product

development training, knowledge transfer, (e.g. Moringa soap production) has been conducted to

introduce new aspects Moringa use.

Selection processes

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Training modules were developed taking into account education background of the selected

beneficiaries. The training modules covered the Moringa production technics from nursery

operation to the post-harvest handling. With the entire process, the trainees have been exposed to

land development, water and soil management, planting, crop management and protection aspects

of Moringa. They have been introduced to the intensive production, dens planting and seed

production system which is Moringa tree development with intercropping. The post-harvest

handling training took into consideration all quality and food safety parameters into account.

Personal hygiene was given serious emphasis in the training. Pictorial training manual is used to

demonstrate the activities.

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Land preparation

Pilot Demonstration Unit

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Field Operations

Harvesting

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Post-Harvest Handling

Product Development

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Moringa powder for food supplement Moringa seed for water purification

Moringa bread

Moringa soap

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Comprehensive study and training has been conducted to improve the utilization and nutrition

impact of the Moringa on the project area. Recipes developed considering the local resources,

cooking demonstration and testing conducted, for Wezeka communities involving the Kebele

health extension experts to ensure the sustainability of the effort and to disseminate the

information to wider public in the area.

Marketing partners were identified for both local and international markets (Greenpathfood, Abiy

Moringa). Furthermore, food processing industries showed interest to consider Moringa as an

input to fortify/ improve the nutrition value of baby food and other processed food.

With the involvement of all relevant stakeholders of the regional authorities; Bureau of

Agriculture and Natural Resources, (BoANR) Southern Agriculture Research Institute (SARI),

Cooperative Agency (CA), Bureau of Women and Children Affairs, Bureau of Trade and Industry

(BoTI) and Omo Micro Finance Institute (OMFI) the appropriate business modality was

considered to be the farmers’ cooperative. Following that, the beneficiaries participated in a

serious of training and decision making process to institutionalize their production and processing

operation. Hence, they organized themselves in a Cooperative named: “Zeise Talaye/Moringa

Processors Cooperative”, elected the management committee of the cooperative, opened a bank

account and started saving their individual contribution. The registration certificate of the

Cooperation has been issued by Gamo Gofa Zone, Arba Minch Zuria Woreda Cooperative Office.

4. ACHIEVEMENTS AT INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL

Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings were conducted to oversee the project performance

and provide guidance on the implementation of the project. Members of the PSC met for the

official launching of the project in the presence of high-level delegates from federal and local

authorities. Similarly, the second project steering committee meeting played an important

leadership role and passed a crucial resolution in regards to the extension of the project and the

implementation of the second phase of the project. The commitment of AICS to support the

second phase of the project has also been declared on this important meeting.

.

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Launching of the MVC Project

The MVC project has been instrumental for MoST and OFL’s initiative to organize a National

Workshop entitled: "Harnessing the Potentials of HALEKO (Moringa Stenopetala) for

Development” held on 14 November, 2017, in Arba Minch, within Science and Technology

Innovation Week “Science, Technology and Innovation for Rapid Structural Transformation and

Sustainable Development in Ethiopia”. The objective of the conference was to provide a platform

for policy makers, practitioners, researchers, business representatives and development partners,

from local and international institutes, to discuss the development opportunities of

Moringa/Haleko. Around fifty participants from Federal, regional and international institutes took

part in the event. The State Minister of MoST indicated that the MVC project is in line with the

National Science and Technology Strategy that encompasses different sectors. Briefly, the MVC

relevance to the national strategy has been illustrated in the table below:

Table 1 - Presentation of H.E the State Minister of MoST at the conference held on 14 November 2017.

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PSC member and H.E. State Minister of MoST visit to the project site

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) conducted Moringa nutrient profiling focusing on

major nutrition parameters. However, to complete the nutrition profiling of moringa and to

develop the fingerprint, EPHI capacity has been strengthened through a provision of laboratory

equipment.

Two important laboratory instruments, amino acid analyser and fat analyser, were procured and

installed so EPHI could conduct a complete nutrition profiling of M. stenopetala. Furthermore,

international networking has been established with the Italian Public health Institute, Istituto

Superiore di Sanita’ (ISS), to improve the technical capacity of EPHI, and other relevant

institutes, through training and knowledge transfer. This is especially useful for research and

laboratory testing in regards to food and food safety regulations.

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Istituto Superiore di Sanita’ (ISS) team visit different institutes

Institutional support has been provided to the Ethiopian Food, Medicine and Health Care

Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) for developing a regulatory framework to

ensure the marketing and distribution of Moringa products. Within this context, the policy

document for the development on Traditional/Herbal Medicines and Herbal Supplements

(THM&HS) was completed. Additionally, a draft proclamation and directives was developed and

presented to the relevant authorities for review and presented to the Council of Ministers for

endorsement, and subsequently to be submitted to the House of Representatives for approval.

The Study tour to Ghana, October 22- 28 October 2017, has been instrumental in strengthening

the technical capacity of the represented organizations (rep. of FMHACA, EPHI, OFL, SNNPRS-

SARI) in their role with Moringa research, development and regulation. The hosting organization

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in Accra was the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of Ghana. The team had extended meetings

with the regulatory authority executives, visited the regulatory authority food and herbal medical

laboratories. The visit to Mampoue Center for Medicinal Plants Research gave a very important

insight for the national institutes to consider the coordination among stakeholders, such as

growers, researchers, regulators etc. The experience of Ghana had a positive impact on the

development of a regulatory framework, led by FMHACA.

Arba Minch University and Hawassa University were selected to conduct baseline nutritional

assessments. The assessment included household survey of existing handling practices,

preparation and processing techniques of moringa in the lowlands of Arba Minch Zuria woreda.

Based on the study conducted on consumption pattern of Moringa and ways to improve the

nutritional values of foods consumed in Arba Minch area, Moringa based improved recipes were

developed. The assessments took into consideration nutritional value of the major food types

consumed by pregnant women, lactating women and young children in the Kebele. Cooking and

consumption patterns of Moringa have been observed and the nutritional gap against the RNI

assessed. Taking into account the above parameters, recipes were developed.

Staple foods and foods available in the local market were taken into consideration when

recommending the best cooking habits to gain the intended nutritional value.

A nutrition analysis was performed on different types of Moringa leaves (i.e. young, old, dry

fresh) and sensory evaluation was conducted on the improved recipe.

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A communication strategy, training manual and communication tools such as a recipe card, leaflet

and billboards were developed. Training sessions on balanced diet, malnutrition, and nutrition

during the first 1000 days as well as complementary food, and dietary diversity were conducted.

Nutritional values of Moringa, hygiene & sanitation were given emphasis in the training modules.

The nutrition analysis of different Moringa preparations indicated that an improved preparation

method enriched the nutrition values. Five different traditional recipes were tested, in all the

preparations, the improved method enriched the protein content, on average by 190%, fat by

120%, energy by 113%, iron by 160 %, calcium by 600% and the phosphorous content of some

traditional preparations had higher values, but the average was about 130%.

The study indicated that without any additional cost, by changing the preparation method the

communities would improve their nutrition status. The communication strategy and the tools will

be of help to popularise the improved preparation.

A feasibility study was conducted for organic production on the allocated land (30 ha). The study

provided a sound base for, the establishment of a Moringa seed system, processing of Moringa oil

and leaves and for scaling-up of the pilot initiative (diversification and marketing). The potential

of M. stenopetala as a commercial product that can penetrate the commercial market structure

both locally and internationally.

Gender assessment was conducted to underline the importance of rural vulnerable women

involvement in the project through social and economic opportunities, without additional burdens

in their day-to-day life. In order to achieve targeted results and insure sustainability of the various

activities, it has been recommended to give emphasis to the social and gender aspects of the

project in addition to strengthening the institutional coordination between the different entities

involved in the project, at Woreda and Kebele level. For the second phase of the project, a well-

thought-out strategy has been drafted to overcome barriers which hold back rural women farmers

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together with a guideline to contribute to reduce inequality at community level in a more

systematic and coherent approach. This not only involves stimulating innovation and private

investment, but also brings attitude/behavioural change in men, so household responsibilities are

shared reducing the workload that normally falls on women's shoulders.

5. INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

In terms of government contribution, the MVC is considered as a strategic project for the regional

government. The Regional Government financed the construction of a post-harvest unit and

borehole to supply water for irrigation. The transformation of the underutilized Moringa to a

marketable product and further demonstrating of rural-agro processing technology in Gamo Gofa

zone, which has potential in other horticulture product processing, is creating future opportunities.

The intention of the regional government is to create a centre of excellence for Moringa post-

harvest handling and agro-processing. The Government anticipates to replicate the lessons learned

in other SNNP regional state zones, as well as, to promote Moringa at a national level.

Temporary training unit provided by the Arba Minch research Centre

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Borehole drilled by the SNNPRS Water Works Authority

Post-harvest processing unit under construction

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6. OUTPUT SUMMARY

1 • Signature of Project Agreement and Project launching, 23 February 2017

2

• Establishment of the Pilot Demonstration plot, including the construction of post -harvest handling Unit

3 • Training the beneficiaries on the improved production system, processing and

product development;

4 • Strengthening EPHI to conduct complete nutrition profile of moringa and

enable it to establish food and food safety parameters relevant to moringa.

5 • Realization of the Legal Framework on Traditional Herbal Medicine and

Supplements,

5 • Developing moringa based recipes and communication tools to improve the

nutrition status of the communities

• Securing the second phase of the project

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The following table has been elaborated in order to provide a clear overview of the progress in

the implementation of project’s activities per each output of the project’s logical framework.

OBJECTIVE,

OUTCOMES,

OUTPUTS, ACTIVITIES

INDICATORS STATUS ACHIEVEMENTS

DEVELOPMENT GOAL

Contributing to the

national poverty

reduction and food

security strategy as stated

on Growth and

Transformation Plan II

(GTP II).

OBJECTIVE

To improve the nutrition

and income of the

targeted rural

women/communities in

Southern Nationals and

Nationalities and People

Regional State (SNNPRS)

through the development

of the Moringa value

chain (MVC).

- income level of the

target groups,

disaggregated by sex

(increased);

- % of women involved in

moringa value chains

activities

- Number of products

moringa based

introduced to the market

- Number of households

that have adopted

moringa and moringa

based products in their

nutritional habits.

ON-GOING

-Foundation placed to

market moringa based

products; knowledge and

capacity of the

beneficiaries has been

addressed in the

intervention, the increase of

income level of the target

groups could be measurable

on the II phase of the

program, when the

organised cooperative link

to the potential marketing

partners (GreenPath Food,

Abiy Moringa etc.).

-110 direct beneficiaries

involved in the training

process, out of which 97

are (89%) are women.

-improved moringa food

has been introduced in

wezeka kebele that covers

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over 7000 people.

Distributions of the

products developed by the

communities will be

materialized when of the

Traditional/Herbal

Medicines and Herbal

Supplements (THMSs).

Proclamation is approved.

OUTCOME

1. A Project

Coordination Unit is

put in place for a

better management of

the project initiative

in order to get

achieved the expected

results.

- Person employed by the

project

- Communication and

visibility activity

produced by the project

COMPLETED

Project Coordination Unit

established and personnel

recruitment.

The project has been

promoted through the

publications of different

media both local and

international level brochure

and the training manual

have been realized.

MVC project has been

instrumental to organize the

nation workshop entitled

“Harnessing the Potentials

of HALEKO (Moringa

stenopetala) for

Development”. Under the

event “Science, Technology

and Innovation for Rapid

Structural Transformation

and Sustainable

Development in Ethiopia”

backed by the Minister of

Science and Technology in

collaboration with OFL and

UNIDO. The event who

took place on 14 November

2017 in Arba Minch.

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2. The groups active

in the moringa

value chain are

organized,

empowered and

linked to the local

and regional

market

- Number of group

created by the project

and trained (both

technical and managerial

training) involved into

the Moringa value chain

- Number of women

working inside the

groups

ON-GOING

-

- 9 groups for a total of 110

people (98% women) were

trained over 10 training

modules on production

systems and post-harvest

handling of Moringa

stenopetala.

Moringa producers and

processers cooperative

established.

3. A pilot processing

line for moringa

and moringa based

products (i.e. oil,

tea and

nutraceuticals) is

put in place

- Number of moringa

based products

introduced into the

market

- Number of new jobs

created

- Number of people

employed by the

processing line

ON-GOING

Moringa leave powder, for

food supplement, moringa

soap productions

completed. Potential

marketing partners

identified. 6 improved

moringa recipes developed

and demonstrated for the

communities.

The number of jobs created

can be quantified once the

Cooperative operation is

started, and market their

products. This will be

materialized in the II phase

of the program, the

organised cooperative

groups will benefit of

moringa-based economic

activities. .

4. The Ethiopian

Public Health

Institute is

empowered for

undertaking

quality

certification

activities on

Moringa based

products

- Number of certification

process initiated

ON GOING

-Nutrient profiling on

major nutrition parameters

conducted. EPHI equipped

with laboratory - equipment

to be able to complete the

nutrition profiling and

develop the finger-print of

moringa.

-The Ethiopian Standard

Authority developed the

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- Number of employees

trained

- Number of test

undertaken

standard for moringa leaves

related to tea production.

-The national policy

document on

Traditional/Herbal

Medicines and Herbal

Supplements (THMSs)

developed. The draft

proclamation and

regulation developed. .

-International certification

and regulation will be

materialized in

collaboration with Institute

Suprior di Saniat (ISS)

based on the preliminary

assessment done in May

2018.

5. Food security of

the targeted

households is

improved

- Number of families that

have adopted moringa

and moringa based

products in their

nutritional habits.

ON GOING

9 improved moringa based

recipes developed. Cooking

demonstration session has

been conducted for Wezeka

community involving the

women representative,

health extension workers

and community leaders.

The improved recipes

demonstrated. This will

have an impact on over

7000 people.

The nutrient analysis

demonstrated that the

improved preparation

method enriched the

protein contain, on average

by 190%, fat by 120%,

energy 113%, iron160 %,

calcium 600%, the

phosphorous contain of

some traditional

preparations had higher

values, but the average is

about 130%.

ACTIVITIES

Output 1: A Project Coordination Unit is put in place for a better management of the project initiative

in order to get achieve the expected results

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1.1

Set up of the Project Coordination

Unit and recruitment of the

personnel

COMPLETED

The intervention successfully finalized the

set-up of the Project Coordination Unit and

recruitment of the personnel.

1.2

Mapping study and baseline study

COMPLETED

The value chain assessment, training gaps

assessment and first gender analysis allowed

the planning and preparation of the first

stages of the action plan.

1.3

Gender Analysis of the women

involved in the project

COMPLETED

Specific gender analysis conducted. ,

1.4

Identification of the project

beneficiaries

COMPLETED

The identification of project beneficiaries has

been done with the involvement of all

relevant stakeholders.

1.5

Development of the Monitoring and

Evaluation System with gender

disaggregated data;

ON-GOING

Monitoring and evaluation at community

level has been realised.

1.6

Identification of the most suitable

areas for the moringa pilot

processing line establishment

COMPLETED

The project area was located in the SNNPRS,

Gamo Gofa Zone, i.e. Arba Minch Zuria

woreda. The Regional Government allocated

30 ha irrigable land in Arba Minch Zuria

woreda, Wezeka Kebele, to be used as

demonstration plot. The processing plant is

under construction.

1.7

Preparation of the communication

strategy aimed at giving the proper

visibility to the project.

ON-GOING

The project has been promoted among

different stakeholders in particular a training

manual and a brochure has been realized.

Different activities of the project has been

published both locally and internationally

Output 2: : The groups active in the moringa value chain are organized, empowered and linked to the

local and regional market

2.1 Organization of the groups

active in the moringa value chain

with particular attention to women

component

COMPLETED 110 trainees selected, out of which 89% are

women. Beneficiaries of the project

established Cooperative to develop market

for the products and benefit economically.

2.2 Implementation of training

modules related to moringa value

chain

ON-GOING More than 10 training modules have been

implemented on agricultural production and

processing activities relevant MVC.

Production activities conducted on the

nursery site at Wezeka Kebele and on the

pilot demonstration plot.

The training infrastructure in SARI institute

30 | P a g e

of Arba Minch has been unitized to conduct

the post- harvest handling.

2.3

Selection of the most suitable

technologies for harvest, post-

harvest and processing of Moringa

and Moringa –based products;

ON-GOING The field activities are gradually

demonstrating the advantages of effective

production system. All the beneficiaries,

organised in 9 groups for a total of 110

people (97 women) were trained through

more than 10 courses on agricultural

activities and moringa processing.

2.4

Preparation of a market study to let

moringa and moringa based

products penetrate the local and

domestic markets;

ON-GOING

Continues market assessment conducted and

potential partners identified. However,

publication of regulatory framework,

(Traditional/Herbal Medicines and Herbal

Supplements (THMSs), for distribution is a

precondition for both local and international

market establishment.

2.5

Creation of direct Market linkages

for Moringa and Moringa-based

products;

ON-GOING

Potential partners identified both local and

international market.

2.6

Preparation of promotion material

and communication toolkit about

moringa value and utilization.

COMPLETED

Communication strategy and toolkits on

nutrition values and unitization moringa

developed.

Output 3: A pilot project unit for moringa and moringa based products is put in place

3.1

Planning, purchasing, installation

and test of the machineries of the

pilot processing plant for the

processing and packaging of

moringa and moringa based

products;

ON-GOING Post-harvest handling unit planning is

complete and the construction is on-going.

Head of Bureau of Trade and Industry and

Industrial Parks Development Corporation

are coordinating the on-going work for the

building of processing house at MVC project

site.

3.2 Training of the technical staff

appointed for the management and

maintenance of the processing line.

ON-GOING A plan for the training of technical staff will

be in the next phase, while the processing

unit building has already started.

Output 4: The Ethiopian Public Health Institute and other partner (FMHACA, ESA) are

strengthened for undertaking quality certification activities on Moringa based products

4.1 Preparation of moringa quality

control manuals based on

international recognized standards;

ON-GOING The Ethiopian Standard Authority developed

the standard for moringa leaves.

Policy and strategy document for

Traditional/Herbal Medicines and Herbal

Supplements (THMSs) developed. The Road

map elaborated by EFMHCA and UNIDO

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will assure the realization of the National

proclamation and Regulation.

4.2 Support to the Ethiopian Public

Health Institute (and other

stakeholders) staff dedicated to the

moringa value chain for the quality

certification;

ON-GOING The Nutrient profiling of EPHI and the

laboratory major nutrition parameters of M.

stenopertala has been conducted by EPHI.

Training and capacity improvement

assessment done in collaboration with ISS.

4.3 Set up of a laboratory dedicated

to the quality analysis and

certification based on international

recognized standard.

ON-GOING The project provided laboratory equipment’s,

amino acid and fat analyser, to support EPHI.

Both the lab equipment installed.

Output 5: Food security of the targeted households is improved

5.1 Promotion of Moringa

Utilization in household nutrition

habits in local communities

ON-GOING Training conducted in the Kebele, that

covering nutrition awareness, hygiene and

cooking demonstration on improved

preparation. Promotion materials; flyers,

posters prepared, communication tools

prepared.

5.2 Introduction of Moringa as

animal fodder for the agro

pastoralist of the targeted area.

ON-GOING The activities will be considered in the

second phase of the project.

7. MAJOR CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

Improved production system on moringa is a new venture for Ethiopia, especially for the rural

communities; there is no experience regional or national level. The project had to demonstrate all

aspects of the moringa development from the start. Furthermore, the project implementation

period (12 months) was too tight to implement a challenging project like this with very limited

experience and understanding in all level.

Even though the pilot project site allocated is considered irrigable and water sources were in a

close vicinity to rivers and Chamo Lake, both solutions had challenges. The rivers were too far

from the plot to source from a reasonable distance and there was a high competition with other

farmers, which use the river to irrigate their banana plantations, for water source. In addition,

Chamo Lake water quality is not suitable because of its high pH value. The ground water

exploration feasibility study was conducted and submitted to the regional government for

consideration. The borehole for irrigation and postharvest unit was financed by the regional

government and the availability of deep water was reached at project site at depth of 150 meters.

The draft design of the post-harvest handling unit has been provided to the BoANR, and

procedural steps were followed in order to ensure the finalization of the process. The Bureau of

32 | P a g e

Trade and Industry and SNNPRS Industrial Parks Development Corporation has started the

construction of infrastructure for a processing house. Finalizing the processing unit is critical to

ensure quality products demanded by the potential partners identified so far are delivered

Timely communication and response from counterparts has been a challenge while developing

the concept for the baseline nutrition assessment.

Motivating and encouraging the beneficiaries to consider the moringa production, processing and

marketing as a tool to improve their livelihood has been a challenge, the communities considered

moringa as a poor people’s food and that the product might not have market value, with the

development of new products such as moringa soap, new food recipes, processing quality

moringa powder, inspired the participants to be organized within their communities in

cooperatives and benefit from the pilot project and the processing unit.

8. PROCUREMENT OF THE EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION AND

COMMISSIONING

The following are the main procurements achieved or planned during the reporting period;

Project vehicle: The procurement of the project vehicle, Toyota Hilux Pick up finalized,

documentation processed and the car has been registered. (Registration no. UN-1266);

Office equipment, computers, printer’s scanner and photocopy machine;

Fat analyzer, Model: SOX 406, and SYKAM automatic S 433 Amino Acid Analyzer

Amino Acid Analyzer procurement process and installation has been finalized;

Farm tools required for the operation of field activities.

33 | P a g e

ANNEX I: Minutes of the 2nd Project Steering Committee

Minute of the Steering Committee meeting of the project entitled:

“Project for the development of Moringa Value Chain (MVC) in rural communities in

Ethiopia”

Venue: Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch

Date: 13 November 2017

Time: 9:00 AM

1. Members of the Project Steering Committee present:

H.E. Mr. Anesa Melko Special Advisor to the President of SNNPR

Mr. Meskele Lera Senior Health Advisor of the First Lady, representing H.E The

First Lady Wro. Roman Tesfaye

Ms. Ginevra Letizia Director, Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development

Ms. Aurelia Calabrò Division Chief, PTC/AGR/AIT- UNIDO

H.E Mr. Yehulu Denekew DG, Food Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control

Authority (FMHACA)

Mr. Eyob Watte Head, Cooperatives Agency-SNNPRS

Dr. Getnet Begashaw Head, Bureau of Trade and Industry-SNNPRS

Mr. Merkineh Bogale Delegated by Head of Rural Job Opportunity Creation and

Development Agency (RJOCDA), SNNPRS

2. Invited Guests

H.E. Prof. Afework Kassu Gizaw State Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology

3. Project Support Team:

Mr. Noah Degu Chief of Staff/OFL

Dr. Lemlem Sissay Fetene Chief Technical Advisor/UNIDO

Dr. Alice Perlini Agro VC Consultant/UNIDO

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Mr. Gianfranco Pulinas Strategic Advisor/UNIDO

Mr. Daniel Dessalegn Kifle National Expert/UNIDO

4. TAG members

Mr. Dawit Dikasso, NPPP-Policy Advisor, EFMHACA

Mr. Getahun Yakob Focal person, SARI, Southern Agriculture Research

Institute

Mr. Yilma Mekonnen, Director Ethiopian Standard Authority, ESA

Mr. Meskele Lera, Senior Health Advisor, Office of the First Lady, OFL

Mr. Solomon Eshetu A/Director , Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate,

Ethiopian Public Health Institute

Dr. Lemlem Sissay Fetene, CTA/ UNIDO

Mr. Abel Barsa, Representative of Arba Minch Zuria Woreda Administration

5. Absentees

Dr. Nigussie Dana Director General, SARI

Dr. Abraham Alano Head of Bureau Health, SNNPR

Ms. Hikma Hiyredin Head of Bureau Women Affairs, SNNPR

Mr. Samuel Kekebo Head of Environment and Forestry Authority, SNNPR

Mr. Mathios Mentamo Head of Omo Microfinance Institution

Mr. Esayas Endrias Chief Administrator of Gamo Gofa Zone

Mr. Ashebir Demisse Head of the Department of Agriculture and Natural

Resource of Gamo Gofa Zone

6. Agenda

Welcoming the PSC members 9:00 Mr. Tilahun Kebede, Head, BoANR/SNNPRS

UNIDO intervention

( Project activity progress report)

9:15-

10:30

Aurelia Calabrò, Chief, PTC/AGR/AIT

UNIDO

Lemlem Sissay, CTA, UNIDO

Alice Perlini Agro-Value Chain Expert

PSC members interventions including

the donor Ms. Letizia Head of AICS

10:30 Chair-person

Closing remarks 12:30 H.E. Wro. Roman Tesfaye, First Lady of

FDRE

Lunch 13:00 All PSC participants

Open day, field visit:

Nursery, Pilot project site; SARI,

Arbaminch Research Center training

facility.

14:30/

17:30

Main stakeholders

35 | P a g e

I. Opening Speech to the PSC members

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Anesa Melko (Special Advisor of the President of

SNNPRG) representing Mr. Tilahun Kebede, chair of the PSC and co-chaired by Mr.

Meskele Lera (Senior Health Advisor, OFL) representing H.E the First Lady.

Mr. Meskele Lera, after extending the greetings of H.E. the First Lady, informed the session

of her absence to the committee, due to unforeseen circumstances. Mr. Meskele reminded the

participants the important role that the Office of the First Lady had in promoting the MVC

programme from its initial stages, and assured that full support of H.E. had been granted to

the works of the TAG and PSC.

Mr. Meskele Lera highlighted the results achieved by the project from the last Project

Steering Committee held in Hawassa and reminded the objectives of the running session; to

revise project activities, discuss challenges and give directions for a way forward after the

pilot phase of the programme.

Gratitude was expressed for the role of the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development

(AICS) as donor and partner, actively engaged in realizing the project objectives.

Appreciation was also expressed towards UNIDO and the project team as well as zonal and

local administrations, regional bureaus, the universities and all the present stakeholders.

Mr. Anesa Melko, as Special Advisor to the President of SNNPR, reminded the willingness

of the regional government to support the realization of the project objectives, underlining the

importance of the beneficiaries’ role in the framework of the intervention.

II. AICS Intervention, welcoming note.

Ms. Ginevra Letizia, Director of Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS),

expressed her appreciation in meeting once again the PSC members, she defined as genuine

partners, truly committed in achieving the project results and cope with the well-known

challenges of the intervention.

The Director expressed her gratitude towards H.E. Roman Tesfaye, FL of FDRE, for the

consistent support of the project and the dedicated efforts in achieving its objectives.

Moreover, Ms. Letizia expressed her appreciation for the UNIDO team and all the present

institutions, reminding how the MVC project could be a model for different forms of

cooperation, thanks to the dialogue among partners and a full respect of ownership in the

intervention.

Reminding that it would be impossible to solve all the problems in this stage of the

intervention, Ms. Letizia highlighted that the intervention could be a very good model,

showing how meaningful institutions are effectively collaborating to solve the important

challenge of malnutrition.

In conclusion Ms. Letizia reminded how the important milestone of achieving the

certification of Moringa products would be to be celebrated by all the stakeholders,

considering the benefits that can derive to the Ethiopian people and for the effective way in

which the Italian public money would have been utilized.

36 | P a g e

III. UNIDO intervention on the main milestone of the project

Ms. Aurelia Calabrò, Chief, PTC/AGR/AIT UNIDO, highlighted the value of the pilot

project also for the potentialities of replicating it in other areas of the country. Moreover, the

project manager described the main lines of work that the MVC project had realized.

According to Ms. Calabrò, in the production process sector, thanks to the concession of 30ha

of land from the regional government, it was possible to begin an important process, starting

from the identification of beneficiaries and consecutively the development of the land for

production, achieving, together with the Gamo Gofa authorities, the remarkable result of

planting the 5ha of land. Ms. Calabrò also reminded the important of the nursery operation to

train the beneficiaries’ capacity of growing the seedlings already transplanted to the project

site. The project manager also specified the relevance of working only with Moringa

stenopetala, adding value to the endogenous resources of the country.

Moreover, Ms. Calabrò recalled the significance of working for the capacity building of local

women; indeed the prominent number of 98 women selected and 110 households involved,

guarantee the participation of an important number of people, thanks to the commitment and

cooperation of institutions, local teams and SARI focal person. Ms. Calabrò also appreciated

the finalization of the feasibility study for the production of organic moringa, realization that

has important effects for the benefit of a larger community of farmers. These opportunities

would offer improvement to the moringa value-chain as well as job opportunities and

enhancement in the area of fight against malnutrition.

On the second line of intervention, specifically on nutrition and certification, the project

manager emphasized the importance of a moringa safe product, and the role, among all the

institution involved, of FMCHA, the governmental body actively involved since the very

beginning of the intervention. Moreover, the project manager underlined the important result

regarding the development and publication of moringa leaves standard by ESA,

acknowledging the institution for the result. In the same context, the UNIDO project manager

also reminded the work of the project to reach important milestones as profiling vitamins and

amino-acids components, thanks to the procurement and next delivery of relevant equipment

to EPHI. Moreover Ms. Calabrò highlighted the important step achieved with FMHCA, with

a road-map to finalize the legal framework process in 6 months, accepting and financing the

formal request of the important governmental body.

Contacts with the ISS (Istituto Superiore di Sanità’) have been already established for the

signature of a MoU that will foster joint activities, as herbal medicine protocols linked with

nutrition as well developing specific moringa products with appropriate testing and clinical

trials. Successively the project manager also indicated other successful line of interventions

related to the processing, the training centre establishment at SARI in Arbaminch Center and

the design and realization of steps for the construction of the processing unit, defining them

as remarkable achievements.

In conclusion Ms. Calabrò appreciated the extensive capacity building, the training activities

of the project, as well as the work done in fostering the production, the post-harvest handling,

the processing and the nutrition and awareness activities in the community. Other activities,

such as the creation of appropriate training manual for the trainees, the recent study-tour to

Ghana, the work with the institutions, and the efforts towards creation of standards to create

37 | P a g e

system and market for moringa products, were defined as essential activities to empower

local people and create a remarkable level of economic development.

IV. MVC Project activity progress report

Progress report was presented by Dr. Lemlem Sissay, UNIDO CTA. The presentation

emphasized on important milestone reached in achieving the overall objective of the Project

and considered the important recommendation of the second Technical Advisory Group

meeting held on 11th November 2017.

The primary activities achieved are:

• The demarcation of the pilot project site and land development finalization field

activities on progress;

• Processing unit design process completed;

• the Beneficiary’s selection finalized and fully engaged in the training process;

• The training process on agricultural-processing (production, post-harvest handling,

processing ) activities on-going ;

• Strengthening the institutional capacity of relevant stakeholders (EPHI and

FMHACA) to realize the moringa regulatory framework.

• Steps forward on institutional process to realize the moringa regulatory framework

through the experience-exchange with other countries; study tour in Ghana.

• Finalizing the process of furnishing of the EPHI laboratory.

1) The groups active in the moringa value chain are organized, empowered and

linked to the local and regional market;

• Training modules developed considering the capacity of beneficiaries.

• The beneficiaries’ participation on different training activities (nursery operation,

field crop management activities and post-harvest handling).

• The nursery operation resulting in production of seedlings, transplanted to the field;

• The preparation of the feasibility study on organic production system of Moringa for

the pilot initiative in order to create marketing opportunity and international

certification.

• The development of GAP, GMP, HACCP, and food safety system protocol from

Moringa processing taking into consideration local conditions and international

requirements.

• The development of community based economic structure and sustainable

institutional framework; e.g. Out-growers scheme, cooperatives, Private Public

Partnership (PPP) etc.

2) A pilot processing line for moringa and moringa based products (i.e. oil, tea and

nutraceuticals) is put in place.

• The processing unit design completed and the bid process completed.

• Irrigation water source has been a challenge encountered on the process of the project

implementation; however currently the borehole drilling rig is operational on the

project site.

• Selection of appropriate irrigation technics completed.

• Selecting the irrigation scheme supplier on-progress.

38 | P a g e

3) Relevant partner (EPHI, FMHACA, and ESA) is empowered for undertaking quality

certification, registration, regulation and control activities on Moringa based products EPHI

• The Nutrient profiling of moringa leaves, for certain parameters has been done by

EPHI.

• The project is supporting the institute to have the capacity to do the complete analysis

including vitamins and amino acids.

• The suppliers of the lab equipment are awarded, the lab equipment to be delivered

early 2018.

FMHACA

• A conclusive detailed plan presented by FMHCA to implement the main institutional

steps to reach the regulatory framework of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Herbal

supplements has been presented in October and endorsed (Roadmap for the

development of policy document and legal framework).

ESA

• Moringa Leaves, tea, National Standard has been published on September 2017.

ISS

• The Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS, a Public Research Institution representing the

leading technical and scientific body of the Italian National Institute of Health, has

been approached to establish linkage between the ISS and competent stakeholders

institutes (OFL, EPHI, FMHACA) of Ethiopia. This initiative in considered to have a

role on capacity building and technology transfer on Moringa stenopetala regulatory

framework and international certifications.

5) Food security of the targeted households is improved

• The nutrition assessment at the community level has been envisaged to be conducted

in the project document. The project involved Hawassa and Arba Minch University to

develop the Concept Note. The CN has been reviewed involving all concerned,

including the two senior advisors of the FLO and UNIDO staffs the final CN is

expected to be finalized and start the assessment before the end of the year.

• The collaboration modality between the Moringa Task Force and MVC project, shall

be strengthened, the upcoming workshop might create the right opportunities for this

result.

• Moringa food recipe development proposal is under review.

Activities regarding infrastructures development:

• The detail ground water study conducted by the Southern Region Water works

Authority; ground water drilling machinery has been mobilized and working on the

field;

• The processing unit design finalized;

• The bid process is under evaluation;

39 | P a g e

Mr. Dawit Dikasso, FMHACA, presented the main lesson learned related to the

experience exchange study tour that took place on October 23-27 2017, in Ghana.

The main points related to the study tour were the followings:

• The importance of the study tour as a decisive input for the implementation of the

current regulatory framework development process.

• The Participants from OFL, EPHI, FMHACA and SARI.

• The Food and Drug Authority of Ghana was the major host institute; other relevant

research and development institutes were also visited, including growers and

processors of moringa and other herbal products.

- Alice Perlini Agro-Value Chain Expert, UNIDO presented the main results

related to the feasibility study, the Organic Production System of Moringa

stenopetala in Wezeka Kebele Demonstration Plot.

A presentation was given to introduce the participants to the main achievements of the

study:

• Investigation about the feasibility of establishing a Moringa stenopetala organic

production system over 30 ha of land at Wezeka Kebele, Gamo Gofa.

• To ascertain the level to which, both the farming community and consumers, may

benefit (economically, environmentally, physically, and from a nutritional point of

view).

• To demonstrate viability of organic moringa production by a Public Private

Partnership between a farmers cooperative and Woreda Administration.

V. Intervention of PSC members:

Most of PSC members expressed their appreciation appreciated the progress made so far.

Some questions were also raised and clarifications were given thorough discussion.

Dr. Getnet Begashaw Head, Bureau of Trade and Industry;

Expressed reassurances on the effective progress of procedural steps to complete the

processing unit informing that the bid has already been awarded to the selected

construction company.

While not concerned by the widening of the market opportunities, he recognized the

challenges related to expand the production, objective that could be reached through

the improvement of technologies.

Moreover, Dr. Getnet Begashaw stated the need to give due attention to the area of

the branding of moringa products.

Concerning financing of the second phase of the project, the Head of Bureau of Trade

and Industry expressed the opinion that the continuation of the cooperation with the

Italian donor would be the best option for the prolongation of the programme.

Mr. Anesa Melko, Special Advisor to the President of SNNPR;

Regarding the issue of water, Mr. Anesa offered reassurances on the progress done

and the efforts by water works authorities i.e. drilling of deep water well, confirming

40 | P a g e

that the regional government will undertake the task and the responsibility for the

finalization of the process.

Regarding the seed source previously rose in the meeting; Mr. Anesa Melko stated

that it would be better to collaborate with the Regional Environment and the Forestry

Authority.

Mr. H.E Yehulu Denekew, DG, Food Medicine and Health Care Administration and

Control Authority (FMHACA)

Mr. Yehlu raised the issue that Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) should start

from design of processing shade and asked if steps were started in order to attain the

GMP requirements important pre-condition to realize a product certification.

Ms. Ginevra Letizia, Director, Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development

(AICS).

Ms. Letizia stated the importance of having clean water as pre-condition to start any

kind of process related to the moringa value chain project and continue the

intervention.

Respect to previous intervention, the Director reminded the need to distinguish

between the concept of sustainability and that of financing of the project, highlighting

the very different nature of the two principles.

While appreciating the work plan previously circulated, as summary of actions and

related recommendations by the TAG members, the director underscored that the

timelines were too optimistic and invited to a more realistic plan. Indeed, according to

Ms. Letizia a pilot phase, for its nature, would need perseverance and time, to be

capable of demonstrating the real results and the opportunities offered by the

consumption of moringa.

The Director informed the availability of the Italian agency to finance the project in

the future, as included in the Ethiopia Country Program. In this framework it will be

important after the end of the pilot phase to address other areas of intervention. Ms.

Letizia also stated that the financial commitment of AICS would be linked to the

governmental commitment on the project.

AICS has been delighted to start the important initiative, in collaboration with the

office of the First lady and will be pleased to continue the discussion with the same

office for the future of the programme. Ms. Letizia also expressed her appreciation on

the FLO staff, composed, among the others, by very motivated young persons.

Ms. Letizia concluded her intervention by reminding the need of proceeding by

elaborating a more realistic time plan for the next months, and emphasized the

importance of securing clean water as it is a precondition to achieve the set objectives.

Mr. H.E Meskele Lera, Senior Health Advisor, Office of the First lady of the Federal

Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The co-chairperson highlighted that the moringa production system should be

mainstreamed and that BOA and NR at different institutional levels should take this

responsibility, starting by preparing a detailed action plan.

Moreover, the chair-person stated that the Regional Government should take

responsibilities to intervene at grass-root level, promoting important actions, such as

fostering the linkage with the out-growers.

41 | P a g e

Mr. Meskele Lera confirmed the importance of the commitment for the positive

conclusion of the water issue and the other challenges of the project and confirmed

the importance of coping with the issue related to seed source, previously raised by

Mr. Anesa Melko.

The chair-person also reminded the importance of promoting moringa organic

production.

Mr. Meskele suggested considering the opportunity of a pre-registration of moringa

growers until the complete policy and regulatory framework will be published.

Mr. Solomon Eshetu, Research Director, EPHI.

Mr. Solomon Eshetu stated that EPHI will be committed for the achievement of the

project, while considering the time table envisaged in the meeting somehow

ambitious.

The EPHI representative confirmed the willingness of EPHI to be present with a

higher laboratory capacity on the analysis of the 12 essential amino acids, as a result

of the capacity building work conducted by the MVC project.

In this framework, Mr. Solomon Eshetu stated that the nutritional profile can be done

with the specified time table and that EPHI will be ready to work on assuring the

control mechanism for moringa products, in collaboration with FMHACA.

Mr. Yehulu Denekew, DG, Food Medicine and Health Care Administration and

Control Authority (FMHACA)

Mr. Yehulu Denekew, DG, expressed his appreciation for the effort done by H.E.

Wro. Roman Tesfaye. The DG reminded the traditional use of Moringa, lasting

centuries, and how a clear commercialization policy is required in order to get

benefits from moringa production.

The Director also recalled how a collaborative work is needed to create a commodity-

export policy.

Moreover the FMHCA representative informed that the office had revised the existing

proclamation in terms of food and medicine and that the new proclamation is ready

for the endorsement process. Mr. Yehulu specified that once the proclamation will be

approved, it would be possible to develop a new and special directive, specifically for

Moringa products, including food supplements and traditional medicine lines.

The director, as a reaction for the pre-registration process, stated that until the

complete regulatory framework is in place, FMHACA might be able to register

growers in collaboration with the Woreda and Kebele administration. The Director

emphasized how the efficacy of the collaboration should reduce the time for the

certification process.

In conclusion, the Director stated that in order to be able to start a product registration

process the pre-condition is the establishment of a preliminary scientific profiling of

Moringa stenopetala.

Mr. Eyob Wate, Head, Cooperatives Agency, SNNPR

Mr. Eyob Wate, Head, talking of the specific component of the project, recalled the

need to create common awareness as preliminary to a structural organization of

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women groups. According to the head of the Cooperative Agency it would be possible

to structure the organization of project beneficiaries in line with the specified

timeframe foreseen in the original project, up to the end of December 2017.

Prof. Afework Kassu Gizaw, State Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology.

H. E. Prof. Afework honored the PSC as invited observer. The presence of H.E the

State Minister was part of the national STI week initiative, under the main theme

“Science, Technology and Innovation for Rapid Structural Transformation and

Sustainable Development in Ethiopia”. Within this context, MoST in collaboration

with the OFL and UNIDO facilitated a workshop entitled: "Harnessing the Potentials

of HALEKO (Moringa stenopetala) for Development” which took place on 14

November 2017 in Arba Minch. As a pre-workshop intervention Prof Afework stated

that the project can be seen as a success, considering the progresses made so far. Prof.

Afework stated the need of elaborating a “model thinking” and in this context the

MVC project had similitude with another successful project, the Kosoye development

Project (Amhara region), an intervention specifically aimed at addressing the

malnutrition issue, with which possible ideas of collaboration could be envisaged.

Moreover, Prof. Afework expressed specific recommendations regarding the

development of the program:

o It would be appropriate to integrate the project with universities and research

centers for actions concerning traditional medicinal plants, in order to make the

intervention replicable and recognized.

o Due attention should be given to other parts of the plant such as pod, seed and

roots, considering the different values that the plant can offer , e.g. culture

media.

o Regarding standards elaborated in national quality certification issues, it would

be important to translate the documents to local language such as Gmaogya,

Gofigya and other languages belonging to the involved communities.

o Capacity building should be one of the major intervention areas, due to the fact

that a certification procedure related to processing requires resources and

capacities such as equipment, analytical services and other capabilities; AMU

could have an important role in this framework.

o It would be essential that the capacity building process related to the analysis

and certification, beside Addis Ababa, could be guaranteed also to other sites

and universities, as, for example Arba Minch University or Woleyta University.

o Intellectual property right should be attentively considered, to avoid negative

situations as the property right related to Ethiopian coffee and teff.

o The issue of moringa could be connected to the national agenda of youth job

creation.

In conclusion the state minister thanked all stakeholders present at the Steering

Committee, congratulating for the work done and praising the continuation of such

level of coordination.

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Mr. Yilma Mekonnen, Director, Ethiopian Standard Agency

Mr. Yilma Mekonnen suggested involving the Ministry of Agriculture and

Natural Resources, for issues related to seed standards and regulations, as

effectively it was previously done.

Ms. Aurelia Calabrò , Division Chief, PTC/AGR/AIT- UNIDO

Ms. Aurelia Calabrò expressed gratitude to the Italian Agency for Cooperation

and Development for the willingness to work together on the second phase of the

project.

To fulfill the pre-requisites defined by AICS Director, the project manager

reassured that the team will accurately plan the activities to be done in the

following six months.

Ms. Calabrò stated that also FAO should come on board to give support on the

issue of seed (seed bank) and other technical expertise.

VI. Closing remarks

Mr. Meskele Lera, co-chairperson, informed that Her Excellency W/ro Roman Tesfaye

would have been informed on the outputs of the meeting. He then thanked AICS, UNIDO,

Regional Government and the MVC project management team, for the support to the

intervention.

Mr Anesa Melko, co-chair-person thanked UNIDO, AICS and all attendants to the meeting

for their time and sharing of knowledge. Moreover the co-chairperson reminded the need to

cope with important issues such as misuse of moringa in the market, calling or a collective

action of the involved stakeholders.

Mr. Anesa Melko expressed his felicitations for the sharing of responsibilities concerning the

intervention at Kebele, Woreda and Zonal office, recalling the role of Bureau of Agriculture

and Natural Resource, particularly regarding the mainstreaming the moringa development

activities in extension services .

In conclusion, Mr Anesa Melko expressed the auspices that every relevant stakeholder be

committed and work for the achievements of the project, underlining the presence of an

enabling environment to achieve the main goal of the programme.

The meeting Adjourned at 13:00, with a follow up activity to visit the training unit and the

pilot project site.

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ANNEX II: ISS Mission to Ethiopia

1. NAME: Alice PERLINI, International Consultant, UNIDO; Brunella CARRATU,

Senior scientist, Unit of Human Nutrition and Health, Food Safety, Nutrition and

Veterinary Public Health Department, ISS; Concetta BONIGLIA, Senior Scientist, Unit

of Human Nutrition and Health, Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health

Department, ISS; Lemlem Sissay FETENE, Country Technical Advisor, UNIDO; Luca

ROSI, Head of the International Affairs, ISS; Marco SILANO, Senior Scientist Head of

the Unit of Human Nutrition and Health, Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public

Health Department, ISS; Umberto AGRIMI, Head of Food Safety, Nutrition and

Veterinary Public Health Department, ISS

2. DIVISION: PTC/AGR/AIT

3. PLACES VISITED &DATES OF MISSION (incl. travel days): Addis Ababa,

Ethiopia from May 28 2018 – 9 June 2018

4. PURPOSE OF MISSION:

The main purpose of this mission was to: a) Facilitate the capacity development initiative

through creating international networking between the Italian Public Health Institute, Istituto

Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and national public health research and regulatory institutes; b)

Monitor project activities; c) meetings with project counterparts including the, Office of the

First Lady) and donor.

5. FINDINGS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) is a Public Research Institution and represents the leading

technical and scientific body of the Italian National Institute of Health. The mission was to

bring together ISS and the national institutes relevant to research, standardize and regulate the

utilization and distribution of Moringa stenoptala, both locally and international.

Major areas of intervention that will be assessed are:

Capacity building activities addressing the technical skills related Moringa

stenopetala with regard to nutrition and food safety, compositions and standard

definition.

Improving the technical and scientific capacity and knowledge transfer to determine

and regulate health concerns derived from Moringa Stenopetala in food and food

supplement preparation.

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6. BRIEF MEETING WITH THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

H.E the Minister of Ministry of Health, Dr. Amir Aman has been briefed about the purpose of

the mission and the visit of the ISS team, which is to contribute to the national effort to ensure

the quality and standardization, regulation of utilization and distribution of Moringa

stenopetala H.E The minister acknowledged that he is aware of the project, appreciated the

positive impact it is going to have to the communities. He thanked the Italian team for their

support and interest to collaborate with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The minister

was briefed by Lemlem about the progress of the project where it has been emphasized that

nutritional values and its utilization of moringa need to be explored. It has been mentioned

that the MVC project is supporting EPHI through providing laboratory equipment (Fat and

amino acid analyser), FMHACA to develop national policy and regulatory framework to

insure the safe utilization and distribution of Moringa products. Lemlem mentioned that the

aim of this collaboration effort is beyond the Moringa project, Dr. Agrimi (ISS) briefed the

Minister about the possible role of ISS in capacity development and knowledge transfer, He

added that this project would provide a good opportunity for long terms research

collaboration. The Minister assured the team that the government is committed to the project.

6.1. MEETING WITH THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE

ETHIOPIAN PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE (EPHI)

The Deputy Director General of EPHI welcomed and briefed delegation about the mission,

duties and responsibilities of the institute. Considering that The Food and Nutrition Research

Directorate is the relevant wing of the institute the DDG invited the Director, Ms. Solomon

Eshetu to brief the team.

Mr. Eshetu gave further information about the role of his Directorate and the relevant

divisions;

1) Nutrition and Research Case team

2) Food Science and Technology Case team

3) Food and Microbiology Case team

4) Food Science and Nutrition Laboratory Case team

5) Environment and Research Case team.

He briefed the mission that EPHI is close to 100 years old institute, but the focus has been on

the health. The food and nutrition research strengthened in the recent and organized at a

Directorate level. Few highlights achieved the past couple of years include i) developed food

composition pyramid and ii) conducted a food survey (2011). The National Information

Platform for Nutrition is the recent achievement to be launched this week. The major gap

mentioned in the directorate is the research capacity on food safety.

Dr. Agrimi introduced ISS and its mandate as an institution which includes food safety, and

nutrition. Dr. Silano mentioned that in the European Union, there is a stringent, accredited

system of food safety and that ISS is open to the MVC project and other future collaborations.

Lemlem briefed the team regarding the mission of ISS, indicating that UNIDO/MVC

facilitated the networking of ISS/ EPHI and other national institutes to assist the development

of the collaboration processes. It is expected that the institutes (ISS, EPHI…etc.) shall

develop a joint collaboration modalities and( MoU) to define the future collaboration. Luca

Rosi mentioned about the need to have study visits and trainings especially during the

implementation of the technical annex. He mentioned also the possibility of having exchange

students as one of the ways to transfer skills from ISS to Ethiopia.

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Tsigereda (EPHI) gave a breakdown of the staff in EPHI where she mentioned that there are

900 permanent staff where less than 15% of them are PHD holders and about 30 to 35% of

them are master’s degree holders. Tsigereda informed that there is an opportunity to mobilize

grants. Mr. Eshetu (EPHI) mentioned about some of the institutions that EPHI is

collaborating with and including FAO and John Hopkins University. He mentioned that one

of the major challenges is that most partners are looking to collaborate on issues dealing with

nutrition and therefore there is a big gap when it comes to food safety. Lemlem mentioned

that that defining the activities and the operation modalities is critical to ensure the

sustainability of the interventions. Mr. Eshetu was tasked with identifying the main gaps.

Visits to EPHI Laboratories: The ISS delegation later visited the EPHI laboratory

constituted by different rooms including sample preparation room, and balance room. The

laboratory was equipped with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) , Kjeldhal

System, and instrumentations for fats and ash analysis The laboratory has got different

instruments such as HPLC and GC-MS that are not in use due to lack of trained and supplies.

The EPHI also has a microbiology laboratory where E. coli, Salmonella and total coliform

analysis are carried out.

6.2. VISIT AT THE ETHIOPIAN CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT ENTERPRISE

The team has been welcomed and briefed about the operation of the Enterprise by the DG of

ECAE, Mr. Teshale Belihu. The Enterprise has been established on the on February 2011 as l

Public Enterprise, administered under the Ministry of Science and Technology. ECAE

provides Testing, Inspection, and Certification services to the industry and to the public. On

food safety certification, ECAE follows the FSM2000 certification, on personnel and

occupational safety, ECAE follows the ISO17020 certification. The enterprise plays a vital

role in the export of the nationally important export commodities such as COFFEE and oil

seeds and pulses. .

ECAE provided inspection services through its Djibouti branch. The 6 laboratories,

Chemical, Microbiology, Mechanical, Electrical, Leather and Textile, and Radiation) are all

in the premises visited. Regarding the mission the important laboratories chemical &

microbiology lab has been visited. Considering the role of MVC, project, Dr. Agrimi gave a

brief about the role of ISS which includes food control and he emphasized about the

importance of certification. He mentioned that ISS intends to promote Moringa product as

food in the EU system. Dr. Silano introduced himself and gave a brief about the role of the

department he heads which is the department of Human Nutrition and Health at ISS. Luca

Rosi mentioned that ISS could be willing to support the project in capacity building and

training. He highlighted that the EU standard is very strict and therefore there is need to

develop certifications to allow Moringa to access the market.

The DG appreciated the indication of Dr. Rosi and mentioned that the technical capacity

building and collaboration is very critical for the enterprise.

6.3. VISIT AT BLESS AGRO-FOOD LABORATORY PVT. LTD. CO.

Bless Agro-food laboratory Pvt. Ltd. Co. is private international joint venture company. It

provides services for private industries and supports the national system for conformity of

agricultural products. Currently Bless is the only laboratory testing aflatoxin, which is a very

important test to export important commodities such as COFFEE.

47 | P a g e

Maintenance and services of laboratory equipment is the area where all the institutes visited

emphasized as a serious challenge.

Dr Silano gave a brief on the EU system of standardization and explained that ISS is part of

the system that regulates the mechanism of rapid alert system for food and feed. Yonatan

Mengesha (Technical Director at Bless) explained that Bless Laboratory has been

collaborating with all relevant stakeholders in country. He mentioned that technical capacity

development through training would be a great opportunity at national level.

6.4. MEETING WITH THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF FMHACA

The Director General of FMHACA extended its warm welcome for the delegation, and

invited Mr. Dawit Dikasso to present the mission FMHACA. Dawit indicated that is

nationally Authority delegated to promote & protect the public health by ensuring safety &

quality of products & health services. The regulatory body operates in four areas of

intervention;

Professionals: regulation & control of health professionals, federal level & regional

level

Premises: regulation & control of health care facilities, food establishments,

Products: medicines, equipment & devices, food & supplements, herbal products,

cosmetics.

Practices: the regulation & control of health care practices, including traditional

medicine;

Furthermore, the presenter listed about 17 main regulatory functions of the Authority.

Mr. Dawit referred to the legal system relevant to traditional/herbal medicines and

supplements and the national strategic plan with regards to traditional/herbal medicine and

supplements.

National Proclamation 100 of 1948, Penal Code 512/1957, and Civil Code 8/1987 all

stating use of traditional practices and herbal products the in health system.

Health Policy and the Drug Policy of 1993 both emphasize the need to develop the

beneficial aspects of traditional medicine and herbal supplements.

Industrial Development Strategy (2013-2025) in Ethiopia calls for the upgrading and

promotion of these products with objectives of having 80 natural products with active

ingredients in 2020.

Even though traditional herbal medicines and supplements play vital role in the national

health and nutrition system lack of comprehensive regulatory framework has been always a

challenge. Both the DG and his advisor appreciated the support of the MVC project for

creating the opportunity to develop the policy document, proclamation, regulation and guide

line for Traditional Herbal Medicine and Supplements (THMSs).

The DG expressed his interest to collaborate with ISS to strengthen the capacity of FMHACA

with regard to the regulation of the herbal supplements, such as moringa.

Mr. Yehulu Denekew reminded that while the process is going in a very effective way, the

draft documents have to be approved by political leaders and, in particular, subject to the

examination of the Council of Ministers and House of Parliament. According to the DG, the

political will of realizing a more structured legislation related to traditional medicine is

sound, but FMHACA need a clear scientific evidence to proceed towards the normative

registration and use of traditional medicines. In this framework it will be important the

collaboration of important institutions as ISS and EPHI.

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Umberto Agrimi highlighted that ISS can provide advisory support, drafting of

documentations, strengthening of laboratory systems, in order to develop and complete the

dossier needed to be presented to EU authorities to approve the introduction of M.

Stenopetala in the European context.

Marco Silano (ISS) stated how the MVC project can offer an opportunity of creating a new

model, applicable to a wider system and perhaps other products.

Even though Moringa is traditionally used for both food/food supplement and medicine in the

context of the MVC project it producing essential scientific evidence to support the

registration of Moringa products is critical.

Visits to FHMACA Laboratories

Furthermore the DG invited to visit the laboratory of the regulatory institute. Even though

the laboratory is mainly analysing and producing evidences on conventional drugs, the team

found the lab well equipped and might be able to do analysis related to herbal products,

mainly chemical and microbiological analyses on food and food ingredients, if adequate

training is provided.

6.5. FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES

No. Activities Responsible

Institute

Deadline

1. Identifying the gaps and the area

of collaboration between EPHI/ISS

EPHI 15 June , 2018

2. Developing technical and financial

annex of the project relevant to the

collaboration of ISS with national

institutes

ISS/UNIDO 30 June , 2018

Prepared by:

Umberto Agrimi, (ISS)

Concetta Boniglia, (ISS)

Brunella Carratu, (ISS)

Luca Rosi, (ISS)

Marco Silano Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) ,

Alice Perlini, (UNIDO)

Lemlem Sissay FETENE (UNIDO

25 June, 2018

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ANNEX III: Study Tour to Accra, Ghana for experience sharing on

Moringa Value chain

BACK-TO - OFFICE MISSION REPORT

___________________________________________________________________________

NAME: Noah Degu KEBEDE (Director OFL), Dr. Frew Lemma FEYISSA( Senior

Advisor OFL & MoH), Getahun Yakob EDO (Director SARI), Adamu Belay TESSEMA

Head of the lab EPHI), Dawit Dikaso DILBELO (policy advisory FMHACA), Hiwot Tadesse

ABIYU (Deputy Director, FMHACA) Lemlem Sissay FETENE UNIDO Chief

Technical Advisory (CTA) joined the mission for the period (23rd

-27th

October 2017),

DIVISION: PTC/AGR/AIT

PLACES VISITED &DATES OF MISSION (incl. travel days): Ghana, (Accra, Suhum,

Mamapou) 22nd

-28th

of October 2017.

Ghana

PURPOSE OF MISSION

The purpose of the experience sharing study tour is to learn from the Ghanaian

Traditional/Herbal Medicines & Herbal Supplements development experience, with

special emphasis on moringa products on issues related to:

herbal food and food supplements policy framework ;

have an insight into the community based development system, production,

postharvest handling and processing sector.

understand the methods of determining the nutrient content(s) and nutritive(s) value

of Moringa, to develop new recipes,

the dynamics of innovation in a sector and to understand the challenges it poses in

terms of sustainability and ensuring policy, manufacturing, regulatory and practice

alignments.

the understanding of the country’s achievements in strengthening traditional/herbal

supplements and practice, development of new and improved products and processes

and the mechanisms by which production, manufacturing, marketing and protecting

their know-how through implementing a pro-innovation policy framework

underpinned by legislation and regulations.

FINDINGS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

The mission was successful, the team had a great experience to learn from the different

meetings conducted by the experts form the Food and Drug Authority of Ghana, Mampoue

Center for Medicinal Plants Research, private herbal product manufacturers, scientist and

growers working on moringa production and processing.

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Day One:

The delegation has been welcomed by Ms. Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of Food and Drug

Authority of Ghana. The team briefed the purpose of the mission, the composition of the

team. The CEO appreciated UNIDO for facilitating to choosing Ghana in general and FDA in

particular to be part of the efforts of the project with the expectation of de-briefing from the

team before departure.

The first two presentations that took place at FDA Corquaye Conference Room, were about

introducing the delegation to the Ghana traditional/ herbal medicine/ food supplement/food

registration, regulation and control procedures.

The first presenter was Mr. Godwin Boachie covered the “Guidelines and Procedures for

Issuing Marketing Authorization as Herbal Medicine or Nutritional Supplement in Ghana”

Mr. Boachie discusses started with an introduction touching on the role of moringa in the

traditional herbal food/food supplement and herbal medicine structure. He elaborated on the

development structure, indicated that moringa development has been the promotion of

different NGO’s and national food supplement and herbal medicine development system,

with strong national advocacy for the use to supplement nutritional needs of the population

encouraged moringa formulations and packaging.

While promoting the use of moringa for the communities as herbal Medicine/ food and food

supplement the concern of safety had to be addressed. Moringa leaf powder was being

marketed without ensuring quality standards, the products were assumed to be safe because

the raw materials are of natural sources. However post-harvest handling had an impact on

quality since most essential vitamins could be lost rapidly and food safety considerations,

dosage, formulation and adulterations had to be regulated and controlled. Products coming to

the market for has to be registered, certified in terms of quality and controlled.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

An application form for registration shall be completed and submitted in duplicate. All

supporting documents shall be in English language. An Application letter addressed to the

CEO of Food and Drugs Authority. Samples of the product in final packages submitted as per

FDA's sample schedule. Evidence of the contract agreement is required for products

manufactured on contract. A non-refundable fee as per the Authority’s approved fees

schedule. For locally manufactured products there are designated research institutes that FDA

accepted toxicology results. Namely, Centre for Plant Medicine Research (Akwapim

Mampong), Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Kwame

Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST), University of Ghana Medical

School. The Mampou, Centre for Plant Medicine Research and other designated research

institutes to produce lab analysis. A certificate of analysis for the medicinal ingredient from

the aforementioned institutes should be provided with detailed information on the tests

performed to confirm the identity and purity of the medicinal ingredient.

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QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:

Physical/chemical tests should be done on the final dosage form and documented in the

finished product specifications. The test should include;

organoleptic (form, colour, odour)

phytochemical (Reducing sugars, saponins)

chromatographic profile

pH, Solubility

Heavy Metals Testing, (i.e. Arsenic (inorganic), cadmium, lead and mercury), should be

conducted individually or as total heavy metals expressed as lead at the finished product

stage or at the raw material stage. The testing should be done according to Pharmacopoeia or

any other internationally accepted methods.

Pesticide residues test should be conducted using internationally acceptable methods to

determine those pesticides which were used in treatment of the plant suspected to be carried

along in the final dosage form. Foreign matter: Testing should be done according to

internationally recognized methods.

Microbial Test: According to Pharmacopoeia (USP, PIn. Eur. etc.), WHO methods or any

other internationally recognized methods to determine the:

total viable aerobic plate count

contaminating fungus (yeast and mould)

salmonella spp.

escherichia coli

staphylococcus aureus

Stability studies: shall be conducted for 3 (three) trial batches of production and the

proposed shelf-life and storage conditions must be determined, based on these results, and it

shall be conducted in a container closure system in which it will be marketed in Ghana.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

Toxicological Testing for acute, chronic and sub-chronic toxicity test reports of the finished

product shall be submitted, however, these are not demanded for Moringa formulations since

they are already known. Toxicological testing for locally manufactured products reports are

accepted from selected Research institutions and universities;

Centre for Plant Medicine Research(Akwapim Mampong)

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST)

University of Ghana Medical School.

LABORATORY ANALYSES:

The Quality Control Laboratory of FDA conducts selected tests to confirm analyses report

submitted by Applicants e.g. Microbial analyses. Where particular adulterants are suspected,

laboratory analyses are conducted on samples of the product.

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CONTROL:

The Drug Enforcement Department is in charge to conducts routine inspections on

manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance to Minimum requirements of current Good

Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Monitors the registered products in the market to ensure that

product is being marketed as approved by the FDA. Investigates complaints of counterfeiting

and evaluates advert applications for approval.

The second presenter was Mr. Ebenezer Kofi Essel, (Msc. Bio-Organic Chemistry), Head of

Food Industry Support Services Dep. Chief regulatory Officer of Ghana, Food and Drugs

Authority.

Mr. Essel covered the “Food Safety Regulatory Requirements for the Safe Processing of

Food (Moringa)”. His presentation has been structured under the following three topics:

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Requirements for the food industry

Application of the Principles of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) as

assurance of safe and quality food

FDB Registration requirements

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Requirements for the food industry

Clearly designed system of operational activities and structural/logistical inputs are required

to ensure the production of safe and quality foods.

Ensuring that the plant is located in an area where the environment does not present a

risk of contamination. The plant should not be close to, a refuse dump or where

solid/liquid waste cannot be removed; area prone to flooding; area prone to pest

infestation; should not be located in an area where other activities in its vicinity

present risks of contamination; sand winning, cement works, smoke etc. The

immediate surroundings of plant maintained clean; not weedy and given a good

aesthetic appearance

Assuring a good/safe supply base for raw materials and other production logistics

Provision and the maintenance and good state of repair of processing facility, storage

facilities for raw materials and finished products to ensure hygienic status.

Provision and the maintenance of good transportation system for the movement of

raw materials and finished products

Ensure no cracks, pits or poorly slopped leading to formation of pools of water

Conduct regular survey to assess state of building and repair where necessary, e.g.

walls and ceiling.

Provide smooth surface and finishing that do not present any risk; no toxic paint, use

non-washable paint, no flaking of paint, no cobwebs, grease/dirt.

The drain should be large enough to contain waste water generated, Kept clean

always, covered with removable covers.

Adequate light is important ensured with shatter proof covers

Ventilation to keep the required internal temperature and to ensure the freshness of

the working facility

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Nature of Windows/doors that do not open into production and filling rooms; easy to

clean and disinfect, tightly seal and screened to ward off pests & contaminants; doors

leading to the exterior of the facility should be fitted with self-closing devices

Assuring a good supply base for raw materials and other production logistics;

– Develop a system (criteria) for the selection of suppliers. The suppliers of moringa

leaves should understand and apply the basic principles of food hygiene in harvesting,

drying, etc. important to develop specifications for raw materials and discuss with

suppliers the relevant documentation that should accompany raw materials. The

transport means of row material has to comply with hygienic requirements,

assessment of suppliers regularly for assurance of food safety and quality.

Provision and the maintenance of storage facilities for raw materials and finished

products;

– Provide facilities for the storage of raw materials; moringa leaves and packaging

materials

– Ensure Good Storage Practices

o Prepare and enforce raw material receipt protocols

o Observe stacking discipline

o Ensure FIFO

o Keep facility clean and pest free

o Ensure maintenance of facility

– materials and finished products

o Provide cleaning and maintenance programme for transport

o Train operatives on the need to adhere to rules on transport use

o Inspection of state of transport on receipt of raw materials and dispatch of

finished goods

Personnel Issues

Hiring/ engaging of the right people for the job

Provision of adequate logistics to personnel; clothing, changing room, adequate toilet

facilities and accessories,

Ensuring their sound health

Continuous Training provided

Documentation and record keeping needs

Development of Policies

Provision of Standard Operating Procedures/Work Instructions

Keeping of Operational Records

Documentation and record keeping:

The primary documentation includes the company policy document, standard operation

procedures, work instructions, schedule of activities etc. should be kept intact and available

at all-time. Documentation is an act of due diligence and helps with monitoring and

evaluation for system improvement

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Application of the Principles of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS):

Understand the production process (stages) form raw materials supply to packaging of

finished goods. Beyond the production process identifying potential food safety hazards that

may affect the product at each stage is critical being it physical, chemical or biological and its

source. Establishing measures appropriate for the control of hazards eliminate when occurred

reduce the effect or prevent them from occurring.

Day Two:

The second day started with the presentation of Dr. Newton Amaglo, how has a long year

experience in the research and development efforts of moringa in Ghana. He started his

presentation with the quote of Noel Vietmeyer, form the U.S. National Academy of Sciences,

Washington DC, “Although few people have heard of it today, Moringa could soon become

one of the world’s most valuable plants, at least in humanitarian terms.” -1992.

The presentation of Dr. Amaglo covered potential of moringa, appropriate production

systems, economic structures, processing technics both for the leaves and the oil.

He indicated that the appropriate community based production system should consider the

followings;

Responsible or cluster production (Strength in numbers)

Centralized processing facility

Create Organic and Sustainable technologies for processing

Reduce cost of production

Facilitate certification by conformity to GMP

Strengthen local markets and agribusiness development with moringa

Moringa cluster farming Module

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Moringa production system in Ghana:

Traditionally Moringa is cultivated as a backyard plant and grown as a hedge.

Currently Moringa can be found in every part of the country. In Volta region, it is called

Yevu-ti (The white man’s tree), as it is believed to have been introduced by the Germans at

the time of colonial days and it has being used mainly as live fence.

In Ashanti region, it is reported that the royal clan brought it on their return from the

Seychelles Island* and it is known by the name “Bued”. In the upper west region, moringa is

one of the traditional foods of the Dagatis where it is known as “Onwukowo” (chew and

drink water).

Moringa is fast growing, versatile and well adapted to growing in adverse conditions

of at least 400 mm of rain per annum where many plants would not be able to grow;

The moringa plant absorbs carbon dioxide twenty times (20x) higher than that of

general vegetation and fifty times (50x) higher when compared to the Japanese cedar

tree. (Villafuerte, and Villafurte-Abonal 2009);

Expanding M. oleifera from one hundred thousand (100,000) hectares worldwide to

one million (1,000,000) hectares, that would equate to five (5) giga tonnes of carbon

dioxide being sequestered;

Growing more moringa will absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,

limiting the world’s greenhouse gas emission and slow the progress of global

warming;

In our bid to develop a more resilient global agriculture with more utilization of agro

biodiversity in our Climate change and adaptability agenda;

It can position the small scale farmer to play a more meaningful role in low carbon

emission agriculture;

A strong moringa industry will lead to ensure; better nutrition and reduced

malnutrition of local people; that people have functional food for a sustainable health;

reduced poverty through the creation of a supply-chain that will employ many;


warming;

The Horticulture department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

(KUNST), research and development efforts introduced the intensive production system

including the food garden principle, especially applicable for school gardening.

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The principle behind Square Food Garden is that:

where land/space is not easily available, reasonable biomass of food can be produced

in a

small unit area;

water is wisely used.

it has the potential to feed a household of 24 for at least 5 years

to construct measure an area of land 4.1 m2 to recondition the soil in the measured

area by digging 2 ft. deep and mixing the soil with equal proportion of manure and

filling it back into the pit.

water thoroughly and allow the resulting mixture to decompose for six weeks

divide the plot into four beds by crossing a piece of board

seeding of moringa and harvest after 60 days of growth

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Moringa Oil

Moringa oil:

has a high retention potential for fragrances

the oil used for extracting fragrances from different flowers etc.

The high oleic acid allows for longer storage and high-temperature frying

More stable than Canola oil, soybean oil and palm oil

blending ben oil with soybean and sunflower oil enhances the oxidative

stability of the mixture

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Comparing oleic acid content of different oils in percentages (%)

Other monounsaturated fatty acids IDENTIFIED include

18-carbon long monounsaturated fatty Acid (MUFA)

reduces incidence of cardiovascular disease

reduces incidence risk factors like heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure

reduces atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

significantly lover breast cancer incidence among women

regulates the blood glucose levels

18-carbon long monounsaturated fatty Acid (MUFA)

reduces incidence of cardiovascular disease

reduces incidence risk factors like heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure

reduces atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

significantly lover breast cancer incidence among women

regulates the blood glucose levels

Moring oil can be extracted using screw and hydraulics presses, however this technics

are:

Low efficiency

Catalytic reaction between protein and oil further reduces the efficiency

This happens when there is nickel or chromium in the steel and the

temperature rises above 50 degrees Celsius

Forming a hard plastic like substances and the oil stops to flow

creates the need to work with steal without chromium or nickel and further

reduces the efficiency of extraction methods of exploration of moringa oil.

Supercritical CO2 extraction is found to be superior extraction method both in terms of

productivity and quality.

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Cold pressed oil (12.0 % w/w) and Supercritical CO2 extracted oil (31.8% w/w

Moringa is fast growing, versatile and well adapted to growing in adverse conditions

of at least 400 mm of rain per annum where many plants would not be able to grow;

The moringa plant absorbs carbon dioxide twenty times (20x) higher than that of

general vegetation and fifty times (50x) higher when compared to the Japanese cedar

tree. (Villafuerte, and Villafurte-Abonal 2009);

Expanding M. oleifera from one hundred thousand (100,000) hectares worldwide to

one million (1,000,000) hectares, that would equate to five (5) giga tonnes of carbon

dioxide being sequestered;

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Growing more moringa will absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,


warming;

In our bid to develop a more resilient global agriculture with more utilization of agro

biodiversity in our Climate change and adaptability agenda;

It can position the small scale farmer to play a more meaningful role in low carbon

emission agriculture;

A strong moringa industry will lead to ensure; better nutrition and reduced

malnutrition of local people; that people have functional food for a sustainable health;

reduced poverty through the creation of a supply-chain that will employ many;


warming;

Day Three

The team travelled to Suhum, which is about 70kms from Accra. The purpose of the mission

was to an herbal product processing facility.

The team has been welcomed by the owner and promoter CHOCHO Industries Limited,

Alhaji Dr. Nana Mustapha Oti Boateng. The team has been briefed that CHOCHO has two

lines of operation one is the herbal clinic and the Herbal products manufacturing Unit. The

production line started as a simple process in 1998 with the first herbal soap and cream to

treat dermatological problems Ocimum gratissimum and tea tree. Currently CHOCHO

Industrial Limited produces over 20 different herbal products to treat different health issues,

different skin creams, soap, ointments and hair products produced purely from natural herbal

sources. ,

The participants noted that in Ghana the traditional / herbal medicine practices are registered,

regulated and licenced. The practice of the traditional/ herbalist is officially recognized and

used equally as a conventional health care.

The promoter acknowledges the support and motivation of FDA to empower local

manufacturers to be able to comply with the regulations and register their products.

The team visited the facilities where they are drying, mixing and packing the different herbal

products including the plantation.

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Herbal tea packaging room Line of products

The interesting observation was the recognition of the traditional/ herbal medicine practices

for the health care system of the society. Ghana recognized the traditional medicine practisers

and their products. Their products and practices are regulated, certified and treat patients

parallel with the conventional medical system.

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Day three Afternoons:

The afternoon visit was at Z. Drucker Engineering Ltd. located in Achimota. The

representative of company Mr. Baffour Asare – Bediako received the team and briefed about

their operation. They have a plantation of 8 acre of moringa tree both for leaves and seed.

Using own plantation as a nuclease they have been working without-growers from the

different part of the country.

The Director briefed that they organization has been providing technical assistance and

equipment’s such as with solar drying to the farmers dry the leaves on the field to avoid

contamination and quality deterioration on transport. They indicated that one of the

challenges on moringa leaf processing is the drying. The team has been introduced to a

prototype of the drying machine developed by the engineer working with the company taking

into consideration the low heat requirement of moringa leaves to maintain the quality. The

discussion clarified that the community based moringa production and processing always

required centralized processing facility that insure the quality and food safety parameters.

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Day Four:

The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) (Akwapim Mampong) was established in

the 1980’s. the centre has a nursery of medicinal plants, five arboreta located in different

parts of the Eastern Region, and a herbarium that holds about 1000 voucher specimens of

medicinal plants. FDA is directly working the Centre to provide laboratory analysis for local

Herbal product manufacturers. To do that the centre is well equipped with clinical research,

microbial, pharmacology/toxicology, pharmaceutical and photochemistry departments.

The centre provides services for local herbal manufacturers to with toxicology, microbial and

phytochemical analysis. The results sent by the centre are bases for registration and

certification of herbal products for FDA. CPMR produces its own herbal

medicine/supplements and tea and distribute in their own distribution channel. The centre has

about 30 products for different remedies of different formulation, liquid, powder, capsule tea

and ointment. Furthermore the team learnt that CPMR provided traditional/herbal health care

services at Mampoug.

The afternoon has been dedicated to visit the food laboratory of the FDA; the delegation form

FMHACA and EPHI had the detail discussion regarding procedures, implementation

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modalities control, market surveillance procedures and enforcement. The Head of the

laboratory recognized the support of UNIDO to equip the lab.

Day Five:

On the last day of the study tour the team met Ms. Monica Sedalor, from Expert Herbal

Clinic. Ms. Monica is a grower working with rural women in Ashanti region, processor and

herbal medicine practitioner. Ms. Monica presented the about 21 kinds of herbal products

based on moringa. She uses all part of the plant including the roots. Ms. Monica emphasised

that moringa roots can be used for number of health problem; however it is very important to

follow the dosage and instruction as it can be dangerous.

She mentioned that the Moringa development kicked off in 2006, the growers and processers

established an association to voice the potential of moringa plant as food/ food supplement

and medicinal plant and overcome the challenges. She also mentioned that she is member of

traditional herbalists association international and market her products in Europe and USA.

Prodcuts of Experts Herbal Clinic

In the late morning of day 5 the delegation joined by the CEO of FDA Ms. Delese Mimi

Darko. On the de-briefing Mr. Noah, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Frist Lady of the

FDRE, express the gratitude of the team and for the warm welcome FDA staff and the well-

organized program. Ms. Darko expressed her participation about the approach of the project

using moringa value chain to empower rural women in Ethiopia; she also expressed her

appreciation for the Ethiopian First Lady, on her to support women in general and rural

women in particular.

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Ms. Darko emphasised the importance of that strengthening the collaboration between the

two countries in general and between the equivalent institutes particular. She offered the

support of Ghana FDA in an area where it is required.

Participants:

Getahun Yakob EDO - SNNPRS-BoANR-SARI

Noah Degu KEBEDE - FDRE -OFL

Frew Lemma FEYISSA - FDRE- OFL/MoH

Hiwot Taddese ABYU - FMHACA

Dawit Dikasso DILBELO - FMHACA

Adamu Belay TESEMA - EPHI

Lemlem Sissay FETENE - UNIDO/ CTA

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ANNEX IV: Policy development process report

Background: Ethiopian Traditional medicine policy and strategy document of the first type

has been developed based on Ethiopia interest in the global commitments expressed through

the World Health Assembly (WHA), Declaration of the Heads of State and Governments of

African Union (AU) Plan of Action of the first (2001 to 2010) and second Decade (2010 to

2020), the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy for the years

2014-2023 and the needs and commitments expressed by the Ethiopian population and the

government

Process of Development: The National Health Policy is currently in the process of revision.

During the revision process of the National Health Policy, a number of consultative meetings

have recommended that TM requires a separate policy. Based on this and the conviction of

the ministry of health, FMHACA has taken the initiative to develop the draft policy

document. Following this, FMHACA has established a Technical Working Group (TWG)

from various sectors including the Federal Ministry of Health, FMHACA, the research and

academic institutions, agriculture, intellectual property office, industry and biodiversity

institutes and others and started the policy and strategy document development process, in

collaboration with the First Lady office through UNIDO. The TWG developed the first draft

policy document in three consecutive days meeting. In order to ensure broader ownership of

the policy, a highly consultative process involving a diversity of stakeholders and expertise

was conducted for two days. Individual stakeholder consultations, consultative meetings and

workshops and a three day stakeholder retreat were also conducted to have the final edited

copy of the policy document. The process of drafting has been completed from January to

March 2018.

Expert participation: The experts involved in the drafting of the documents and workshop

where those who have long years of experience in research, teaching, documentation,

conservation, regulation and protection of traditional medicines and experienced legal

experts. These include a pharmacology professor from AAU, 2 Lead Scientists with more

than 25 years of experience in traditional medicines from EPHI, senior researchers in

traditional medicines with more than 20 years of experience from AHIRI, Biodiversity

institute and office of the Patent Right. Moreover, senior regulators and Legal drafting team

of the EFMHACA have also been involved.

Scope of the policy: This policy therefore primarily comprises general policy directions and

strategies, and major implementation strategies identified upon series of consultative

discussions held with stakeholders. The policy directions entail legal frame work,

documentation, medical practice, education and training, research and industrial

development, production/cultivation, conservation and sustainable use of TMs sources. All

these ultimately lead to protection and transfer of indigenous knowledge, documentation,

promotion, research, development and production which magnifies the health, societal and

economic benefit of traditional medicine in Ethiopia.

Conclusion: It is strongly believed that the implementation of this policy will bring about

meaningful outcomes for the proper practice of traditional medicine, protection of indigenous

knowledge and appropriate use TMs sources and industrial development.

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ANNEX V. SUMMARY OF TRAINING MODULES

NO. Date of Training Purpose of the Training Description of the training

1

1 JULY, 2017 TOTs are trained on Nursery operation and

training material preparation

principles of planting material production preparation of

planting media, planting bed preparation, health seed

sourcing and selection.

2 AUGUST, 2017 110 Beneficiaries are trained on Nursery

operation and training material preparation

Principles of nursery operation, care management, care

of seedlings 1.

3 SEPTEMBER, 2017 110 Beneficiaries are trained on field

operation

1. Land development and preparations of pilot project site

(5 hectares)

2. Collection of good quality viable seeds for direct

planting , Seed preparation for sowing and Planting (Direct

Seed sowing)

3. Cultural Practices/ Caring of the seedling

4. Irrigation and water management (maintaining the

moisture of the soil for seed germination)

5.)

6. Transplanting

7. seed sowing

4 OCTOBER, 2017 110 Beneficiaries are trained on field

operation

1. Transplanting , water management and irrigation

transplanted seedling , seed sowing, maintaining the

moisture of the soil for seed germination, application of

organic fertilizer, manure.

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5 NOVEMBER, 2017 110 Beneficiaries are trained on field

operation

- Cultural Practices (such as weeding, refilling, thinning

and watering)

Introduction to improved moringa production system,

designing the field and planting space, Planting ;

6 DECEMBER, 2017 110 Beneficiaries are trained on field

operation

;

3. Pinching and trimming of tips shoots of transplanted

seedling for leaves production (Shaping of the seedling for

proper management)

7 OCT, NOV, DEC,

2017

110 beneficiaries are trained on processing,

personal hygiene and food safety for 10 days

(total of 80 days)

Moringa leaves harvesting, post-harvest handling, all

processes of leaves processing, personal hygiene, food

safety and nutritional uses of Moringa

8 JANUARY AND

FEBRUARY, 2018

110 Beneficiaries are trained on field

operation

1. Follow up activintes on crop managmen, crop

protection, staggering and production plan.

2. Pinching and trimming of lateral shoots of transplanted

seedling for seed production (Shaping of the seedling for

proper management)

3. Pinching and trimming of tips shoots of transplanted

seedling for leaves production (Shaping of the seedling for

proper management),

4. 2nd application of organic fertilizer manure for organic

farming

10 MARCH, 2018 108 Beneficiaries are trained on field

operation

Staggering and crop management

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ANNEX VI. WORK PLAN

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S

D

O

NE

Output 1. A Project Coordination Unit is put in place for a better management of the project initiative

in order to get achieved the expected results.

Activities

1.1 Set up of the Project Coordination Unit and

recruitment of the personnel;

x

1.2 Mapping study and baseline study (value

chain assessment, training gaps assessment,

gender analysis)

x

1.3 Gender analysis of the women group involved

in the project;

x

1.4 Identification of the project beneficiaries; x

1.5 Development of the Monitoring and

Evaluation System with gender disaggregated

data;

1.6 Identification of the most suitable areas for

the moringa pilot processing line

establishment;

x

1.7 Preparation of the communication strategy

aimed at giving the proper visibility to the

project.

x

Output 2.The groups active in the moringa value chain are organized, empowered and linked to the

local and regional market.

Activities

2.1 Organization of the groups active in the

moringa value chain with particular

attention to women component;

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2.2 Implementation of training modules related

to moringa value chain;

x

2.2.1 Development of training manual x

2.2.2 Training Unit facilities x

2.2.2.1 Design the training unit facility x

2.2.2.2 Selecting and designing training

infrastructures/ materials and setting up

x

2.2.2.3 Constructing the necessary facilities x

2.3 Selection of the most suitable technologies

for harvest, post-harvest and processing of

Moringa and Moringa –based products;

2.4 Preparation of a market study to let

moringa and moringa based products

penetrate the local and domestic markets;

2.5 Creation of direct Market linkages for

Moringa and Moringa-based products;

2.5.1

The preparation of the feasibility study on

organic production system of Moringa for the

pilot initiative in order to create marketing

opportunity and international certification

x

2.5.2 The development of GAP, GMP, HACCP, and

food safety system protocol

2.5.3

Development of community based economic

structure and sustainable institutional

framework; e.g. Out-growers scheme,

cooperatives, Private Public Partnership (PPP)

etc.

2.5.4

Develop market outlets and linkages to

retailers/wholesalers for processed and semi-

processed Moringa products

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2.5.5

Establish linkages with niche international

market structure like Slow Food, fair trade,

organic food etc.

2.6 Preparation of promotion material and

communication toolkit about moringa value

and utilization.

x

Output 3. A pilot processing line for moringa and moringa based products (i.e. oil, tea and

nutraceuticals) is put in place.

Activities

3.1

Planning, purchasing, installation and test of

the machineries of the pilot processing plant

for the processing and packaging of moringa

and moringa based products;

3.1.1 Setting up the processing plant on project site

3.1.1.1 Follow Processing of pilot processing unit

3.1.1.2

Equip the units with appropriate processing and

packaging equipment for moringa-based

products

3.1.2 Land development x

3.1.2.1 Identify the project sites for production x

3.1.2.2 Demarcation and surveying of the Project site x

3.1.2.3 Land clearing x

3.1.2.4 Topographic survey x

3.1.2.5 Land preparation x

3.1.2.6 Water and soil analysis x

3.1.2.7 Irrigation system selection x

3.1.2.8 Selection of appropriate irrigation technics x

3.1.2.9 Selecting the irrigation scheme supplier x

3.1.2.10 Setting up the irrigation infrastructures

3.2 Training of the technical staff appointed for

the management and maintenance of the

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processing line (Developing plan).

Output 4. The Ethiopian Public Health Institute is empowered for undertaking quality certification

activities on Moringa based products.

Activities

4.1 Preparation of moringa quality control

manuals based on international recognized

standards;

4.2

Support to the Ethiopian Public Health

Institute (and other stakeholders) staff

dedicated to the moringa value chain for the

quality certification;

4.2.1 Finalizing the procurement of the Amino Acid

and Fat analyser

x

4.2.3 Follow EPHI process of developing the finger-

print of moringa

4.2.4 FMHACA: Follow Draft Policy Document

4.2.5

Follow the Ethiopian Standard Authority

developing process of the draft standard for

moringa leaves

x

4.3 Set up of a laboratory dedicated to the

quality analysis and certification based on

international recognized standard.

4.3.1

Equip the lab of EPHI necessary for the quality

and standard parameters determination.

Output 5. Food security of the targeted households is improved.

Activities

5.1 Promotion of Moringa Utilization in

household nutrition habits in local

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communities

5.1.1 Concept note approval and nutritional

assessment

5.1.1.1 Conducting Nutritional assessment

5.1.2

The development of a protocol for nutraceuticals

derived from Moringa (Plan Development

through collaboration with ISS)

5.1.3 Development of moringa recipes to diversify

food

x

5.1.4 Support the communities to benefit from

Moringa as food supplement.

5.2 Introduction of Moringa as animal fodder for

the agro pastoralist of the targeted area (Plan

Development)

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ANNEX VII. Institute Suprior di Sanità (ISS) Proposal

“Establishing Moringa Based Economic Development Program to Improve the Livelihood of

Rural Women in Ethiopia”

Capacity building operated by ISS towards Ethiopian Institutions

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Rationale:

Ethiopia is best suited to attract Foreign Investment in pharmaceutical and food industries, due to a

series of favorable environment factors, including political stability, economic growth and

development, accessibility to regional and global markets, backed by a clear development plan (the

Growth and Transformation Plan, GTP II).

The objectives of GTP II can be summarized as “building an economy which has a modern and

productive agricultural sector with enhanced technology and an industrial sector that plays a leading

role in the economy, sustaining economic development and securing social justice and increasing

per capita income of the citizens so as to reach the level of those in middle income countries”.

Among local Institutions, EPHI is the best tailored for a straightforward cooperation with ISS, since

these Institutions have in common the mandate in the field of the public health and perform a

significant analytical activities in food safety, and risk assessment.

The “Project for the development of Moringa Value Chain (MVC) in rural communities in

Ethiopia”, is a pilot initiative of “Establishing Moringa based economic development program, to

improve the livelihood of rural women of Ethiopia”, presented by UNIDO might be used as a

spring-box to establish a solid model of capacity building between ISS and local Authorities.

Moringa Stenopetala is a tropical plant belonging to the family Moringaceae that grows throughout

the tropics. It is endemic to Southern Ethiopia, Northern Kenya and Eastern Somalia.

Moringa stenopetala has been represented an important staple foods for hundred years. The

production can be characterized as informal and scattered, done by small farmers and very limited

number of private growers. Very limited commercial production is recorded, since farmers are

mainly planting Moringa tree on the farm and in homestead garden, to harvest the leaves for regular

family consumption and to supply the local village market. Almost every part of the Moringa

stenopetala is edible (pods, leaves and seeds) and has excellent nutritional value that explains why

the plant has for so long been consumed by humans.

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On this basis, the standardization of the local organic production of Moringa and the

commercialization of Moringa based food products might represent a powerful and efficient

strategy to improve the economic status of the Ethiopian women.

The final aim of the involvement of ISS in the MVC project is to build capacity and transfer

scientific and technical knowledge to Ethiopian institutions, in order to build an efficient framework

in food safety, that might enable the Country to support the development, the authorization for

commerce and the post-marketing official control of any food product, much beyond the Moringa-

based foods.

1.2 Baseline:

(Legal framework) Currently, there are very limited regulatory and quality assurance systems in

place and resources to respond to market needs; no units to disseminate evidences, legal tools and

guidelines that can support food production and distribution. There is no system to work on

stakeholder awareness and involvement in quality marketing of these products, including industrial

actors and consumers.

(Quality assurance system) Regulatory and quality assurance guidelines and SoPs are fragmented.

The control labs are not well structured and require technical support and knowledge transfer.

(Training) There is no neither in-service nor short term training in the country on issue related to

food quality and safety, except for few external training, which benefits only to few Ethiopian

experts. The regulatory experts have not been exposed to any such training, and there is an urgent

need of experts in this area, to implement and develop the legal framework.

1.3 Project Goal and Specific Objectives

The overall goal of the project is to strengthen Ethiopian local capacity in the value chain

production of Moringa-based foods (MCV). This will be accomplished by achieving the following

specific objectives:

To assist local laboratories in their capacity building

To provide tools to implement Ethiopian regulatory framework on foods.

To support local institutions to achieve the legal commercialization of Moringa stenopetala

in Ethiopia and other African countries and in the UE market.

1.4 Project Outputs and Indicators

Increased technical and analytical capacity of the local laboratories in food control (WP4,

WP5)

Increased knowledge of Moringa plants (WP5, WP7)

Strengthened Ethiopian regulatory framework on foods (WP6)

Strengthen of the MCV into commercialization of Moringa food products (WP2)

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1.5 Project Activities and Methodology

The activities of the project will be structured in the following work pages

WP 1 Project coordination and management

Task 1.1

- General coordination, legal and administrative framework

Task 1.2

- Internal and external project representation, including contacts with the Ethiopian

Authorities and all other relevant stakeholders

Task 1.3

- Ethical and CoI aspects

WP 2 Support to achieve the commercialization of Moringa stenopetala in the UE market

Description of the activities:

Task 2.1

- Study on EU Legislative framework concerning the rules for the placing of novel food

on the market within the Union;

- Knowledge transfer to local Institutions;

Task 2.2.

- Selection of the most sustainable procedure to commercialize Moringa stenopetala

based products in Europe

- Providing information in order to prepare the dossier for the European Community on

the basis of the selected procedure

- Assessment of technical, scientific and economic feasibility of the selected procedure

Task 2.3

- Definition of guidelines for the preparation of the dossier for the EC on the basis of the

selected procedure.

Deliverables:

Report on the decision making process for the commercialization of Moringa

stenopetala based products in the European market

Guidelines in order to prepare the dossier for the European Community on the basis

of the selected procedure.

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WP 3 Standardization of the organic farming of Moringa (refer to pages 16-17 of the

feasibility study)

WP 4 Evaluation of the local laboratory expertise


Task 4.1

- Acquisition of information on local laboratories concerning accreditation and quality

assurance system, available equipment and their maintenance and use status,

analytical methods used for the quality (nutritional profile) and safety (chemical and

microbiological contaminants) evaluation, validation/verification data (repeatability,

trueness etc.) for the method in use, participation in proficiency tests

Task 4.2

- Evaluation of collected information and identification of gaps

Deliverable: Report on technical and analytical skills of local laboratories.

WP 5 Capacity building in the local laboratories


Task 5.1

- Providing useful documentations to implement laboratory capacity (procedures,

SOPs, methods, manuals, guidelines, etc.…)

Task 5.2

- Training of the local staff: formal and informal communications with the know how

beneficiary, e-learning, study visits of expert staff selected by local Institutions to

ISS laboratories (for a maximum of two persons, each for a total of 6 months), in

loco training at EPHI or other Ethiopian Institutions (for a maximum of six missions

a week-long for two ISS scientists), a final workshop.

Deliverable: Materials distributed on the education events (training modules, number and

professional level of the participants, technical documents produced for the events, etc.)

WP 6 Implementation of Ethiopian regulatory framework on foods

Task 6.1

- Collection of information on local regulations concerning the marketing of M.

stenopetala based products: requirements for manufacturers, quali-quantitative

standards for the different types of products (leaf powder, tea, drink etc), safety

requirements, labelling regulation, post-marketing surveillance. Identification of gaps

Task 6.2

- Implementation of the local regulatory framework through provision of: European

and International standards for commercialization of foods and food supplements in

the local and African market, technical guidelines to develop GMP and post

marketing surveillance system.

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Deliverable: Report on the materials provided to implement local regulatory framework

WP 7 Analytical activities at ISS laboratories

Task 7.1

- Sample collection and delivery to ISS (to be performed locally)

Task 7.2

- Characterization of M. stenopetala phytochemical profile by fingerprint defined as the

characteristic and specific chemical profile of a plant or its derivative. This profile will

be obtained by HPTLC technique coupled with optical densitometry. this method is

easy, effective, and relatively inexpensive it can be applied for the quality control of

Moringa stenopetala both as raw materials and as finished products.

Task 7.3

- Quantitative determination of bioactive compounds that characterize the plant to

which health effects can be attributed. This analysis will be performed by HPLC

technique coupled with suitable detectors.

Deliverable: Data on phytochemical profile and bioactive compounds in Moringa stenopetala.

WP 8 Monitoring and Evaluation

Task 8.1

- Definition of the indicators (mid-term and final) of process /performance and of

outcome and the methodology of collation and collection of the indicators.

Task 8.2

- Indicators measurement

Deliverable: Indicator definition and measurement.

WP 9 Dissemination and Implementation

Task 9.1

- Dissemination of the project and the obtained results

Deliverables: Workshops, congresses, publications on scientific journal, website, social media

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ISS Team Composition

Umberto AGRIMI SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR, Head of Nutrition and Food Safety Department,

ISS

Concetta BONIGLIA Senior Scientist, Unit for Human Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Food

Safety Department, ISS

Brunella CARRATU Senior scientist, Unit for Human Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Food


Francesca Romana

GALLO

Senior Scientist, Farmaco-epidemiology and drug surveillance

Stefania GIAMMARIOLI Senior scientist, Unit for Human Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Food


Virginia KAMAU International Consultant for International Affairs, ISS

Valeria MADIAI Visiting fellow, Unit for Human Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Food


Giuseppina MULTARI Pharmacoepidemiology and drug surveillance

Maurizio MOSCA Technician, Unit for Human Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Food Safety

Department, ISS

Giovanna PALAZZINO Pharmacoepidemiology and drug surveillanc

Luca ROSI Head of the International Affairs, ISS

Marco SILANO TEAM LEADER, Senior Scientist, Head of the Unit for Human Nutrition and

Health, Nutrition and Food Safety Department, ISS

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Budget in Euro

Contributi

on of ISS

Person

nel

Travel Workbo

ok

Consumab

les

Instrume

nts

Maintena

nce

Internatio

nal

training

local

traini

ng

Publicati

on

Worksh

op

WP

1

28800 22000 18000

WP

2

86400 1500 6000

WP

3

WP

4

86400 6000 5000

WP

5

86400 18000 10000 10000 114000 94000

WP

6

86400

WP

7

56400 55000 1500 10000 15000 10000

WP

8

28800 55000 6000 5000

WP

9

28800 20000 22000

488400

SUB-TOTAL

132000 26000 8000 28000 49000 20000 136000 94000 6000 5000

Grand

TOTAL

504000

P a g e | 81

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WORK PLAN WP Months

WP 1 WP 2

Task 2.1

Task 2.2

Task 2.3

WP 3 WP 4

Task 4.1

Task 4.2

WP 5 Task 5.1

Task 5.2

WP 6 Task 6.1

Task 6.2

WP 7

Task 7.1 Task 7.2

WP 8

Task 8.1 Task 8.2

WP 9

Task 9.1

P a g e | 82

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ANNEX: VIII. List of publications and documents produced

Number of publication and reports produced in the process of the pilot initiative of the project. The

documents/ publications listed below are attached in a separate folder as part of this report.

1. Training manual on Production of M.stenopetala;

2. Brochure

3. Poster

4. Feasibility study of organic production system of Moringa stenopetala

5. Gender analysis and consultant report

6. Publication related to utilization of Moringa to improve nutrition status of the

community;

a. Assessment of moringa consumption and ways to improve the nutritional

values of foods consumed in Arba Minch area;

b. Communication strategy for the promotion of dried moringa consumption

and enriched moringa recipes in Arba Minch Zuria Wereda, Wezeka Kebele,

Ethiopia;

c. Drying process of M.stenopetala (in Amharic);

d. Utilization manual M.stenopetala (in Amharic);

e. Training manual (in Amharic);

f. Family poster

ESTABLISHING MORINGA BASED ECONOMIC ......combating malnutrition, creating jobs and preserving the...

Documents

Transcript of ESTABLISHING MORINGA BASED ECONOMIC ......combating malnutrition, creating jobs and preserving the...