George O Abong’
Progressive societies and groups have been shown to harness their contribution to the local and community through synergies created as a result of linkages and networks. African professionals especially those in the field of Food Science and Technology and related fields remain fragmented and hence lack a common stand on specific food security and safety issues facing the continent. In order to provide a one stop platform for discussion, mentorship and professional advice and networking, the Food Science and Technology Network Africa (FSTNA) was formed by young food scientists during the last International Union of Food Science and Technologists (IUFoST) World Congress in August 2014 in Montreal, Canada. The members agreed to have a forum of information exchange and engagement. At the moment members are engaged in popularising the profession as well as making others aware of African potential in bringing desired home-grown solutions to current food security, nutrition and safety problems facing the continent. The momentum to encourage specific country organisations formed is in high gear. For effective global response to sustainable food systems, professional linkages and networking are key ingredients that cannot be ignored. This write up elaborates the formation, challenges and achievements that the young African scientists network has undergone since its inception in August 2014.
Key words: young scientists, network, linkages, food science and technology.
Dr George O Abong’ is a Lecturer in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya, e-mail: georkoyo@yahoo.com
IUFoST Scientific Information Bulletin (SIB)
FOOD FRAUD PREVENTION