The Plenty Foundation, in close collaboration with its commercial partner NewForm Foods (formerly Mzansi Meat), is dedicated to creating and distributing plant-based foods across Africa. By partnering with biotech companies, the foundation aims to enhance efficient food production through research and development, ultimately producing nutritious and sustainable food to address malnutrition.
According to Arturo Jose Garcia, founder of the Plenty Foundation, focusing on plant-based food makes mitigating food insecurity easier and more efficient. He explains, “Plant-based foods inherently require fewer resources such as water, land, and energy compared to traditional meat production. This not only makes the production process more sustainable, but also allows for more efficient use of available resources.” The foundation aims to combine plant-based ingredients with cultivated animal proteins to make the food more appealing and nutritious.
Garcia further emphasizes that Africa’s climate is well-suited for a focus on plant-based foods. Given the continent’s diverse climate conditions and periodic challenges like droughts, shifting towards resilient and resource-efficient plant-based systems can significantly bolster food security. Additionally, this approach aligns with the aim to revolutionize food and nutrition in Africa by providing affordable, nutritious, and sustainable food options that cater to the continent’s unique cultural and agricultural landscape.
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in this production. By harnessing the power of science, the Plenty Foundation envisions a future where Africa not only meets its food demands but also leads in sustainable and nutritious food innovations. The foundation will partner with the private sector, with NewForm Foods being a central collaborator, to implement these research and development initiatives.
Apart from focusing on research and development, the Plenty Foundation recognizes the importance of distribution. Understanding the diverse landscapes and infrastructural challenges in Africa, the foundation intends to collaborate with local distributors, NGOs, and governments to tap into existing distribution networks. By integrating with local farmers and utilizing the capabilities of international organizations and biotech companies, they aim to build a robust and responsive supply chain for the dynamic needs of the African food system. Partnerships with NGOs and African governments are particularly vital for effectively distributing food to those in need.
To tackle food insecurity, the Plenty Foundation will gather data and closely collaborate with NGOs to identify regions most in need of food. They prioritize regions facing frequent droughts, limited agricultural infrastructure, and limited access to nutritious food options. Success will be measured by metrics such as the number of meals provided, nutritional content, sustainability, successful biotech solutions, research and development outcomes, and reduced undernourishment rates.
In a business tone, Garcia stresses the importance of collaboration, stating, “The challenges we face are too significant for any single entity to tackle alone. That’s why we are committed to working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and the private sector.”
To learn more about alternative proteins, including cultivated meat, you can register for the free-to-attend Climate Smart Food digital event on 19-21 September.
