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Improving Health and Wealth by Introduction of an Affordable Bacterial Starter Culture for Probiotic Yoghurt Production in Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Nieke Westerik

    (Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of Molecular Cell Biology, VU University Amsterdam (VUA), 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Alex Paul Wacoo

    (Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of Molecular Cell Biology, VU University Amsterdam (VUA), 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Esther Anyimo

    (Heifer Project International, Kampala 28491, Uganda)

  • William Matovu

    (Heifer Project International, Kampala 28491, Uganda)

  • Gregor Reid

    (Canadian R&D Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
    Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada)

  • Remco Kort

    (Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Department of Molecular Cell Biology, VU University Amsterdam (VUA), 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    ARTIS-Micropia, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Wilbert Sybesma

    (Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

In rural Africa, income generating activities of many households heavily depend on agricultural activities. In this paper, we present the results of a multi-year intervention whereby dairy farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs were taught to convert their milk into a probiotic yoghurt using an innovative bacterial starter culture and basic equipment. This intervention creates additional sources of income and employment for people involved in the delivery of milk as well as production, distribution, and sales of yoghurt. Besides the economic benefits, the consumption of the probiotic yoghurt can contribute to reduction of the incidence and severity of diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, atopic diseases, alleviate the symptoms of stomach ulcers, and decrease the uptake of aflatoxins in the body. With minimal external financial support, 116 communities or small entrepreneurs have been able to start, expand, and maintain a business by production and sales of probiotic yoghurt. Applied business models and success rate in terms of revenues and profitability varied per region and depended on location, culture, ownership structure, wealth status, and gender.

Suggested Citation

  • Nieke Westerik & Alex Paul Wacoo & Esther Anyimo & William Matovu & Gregor Reid & Remco Kort & Wilbert Sybesma, 2019. "Improving Health and Wealth by Introduction of an Affordable Bacterial Starter Culture for Probiotic Yoghurt Production in Uganda," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:10:y:2019:i:1:p:2-:d:196141
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rashid Hassan & Patrick Birungi, 2011. "Social capital and poverty in Uganda," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(1), pages 19-37.
    2. Gabriela Bortz & Hernan Thomas, 2017. "Biotechnologies for inclusive development: scaling up, knowledge intensity and empowerment (the case of the probiotic yoghurt ‘Yogurito’ in Argentina)," Innovation and Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(1), pages 37-61, January.
    3. Carl Liedholm & Michael McPherson & Enyinna Chuta, 1994. "Small Enterprise Employment Growth in Rural Africa," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 76(5), pages 1177-1182.
    4. Barrett, C. B. & Reardon, T. & Webb, P., 2001. "Nonfarm income diversification and household livelihood strategies in rural Africa: concepts, dynamics, and policy implications," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 315-331, August.
    5. Lanjouw, Jean O. & Lanjouw, Peter, 2001. "The rural non-farm sector: issues and evidence from developing countries," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 26(1), pages 1-23, October.
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    1. Susan L. Prescott & Alan C. Logan & David L. Katz, 2019. "Preventive Medicine for Person, Place, and Planet: Revisiting the Concept of High-Level Wellness in the Planetary Health Paradigm," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-15, January.
    2. David H. Nelson & Susan L. Prescott & Alan C. Logan & Jeffrey S. Bland, 2019. "Clinical Ecology—Transforming 21st-Century Medicine with Planetary Health in Mind," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-16, February.

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