Abstract

One of the most important staple foods in the Ivory Coast is plantain. Estimated losses are about 40%, most occurring at the farm level. This has resulted in the crop being cultivated as a secondary cash crop by farmers. There is a glut during a short period of the year followed by scarcity and higher prices throughout the rest of the year. Considering the rapid increase in population and the lack of foreign exchange to import food, methods of preservation must be developed which will encourage increased production of plantain and reduce losses. This project will determine the efficacy of traditional preservation methods used in the country; develop improved methods of slowing the ripening process; and develop techniques for transforming plantain into a product with a longer shelf life at ambient conditions. Results of the project will be shared with the International Network on Bananas and Plantains (INIBAP) for possible use in other countries with similar problems.

Post-Project Summary

A postproject abstract could not be written due to lack of documentation in the IDRC library.

Recipient Institution(s)