Hidden hunger, a chronic lack of minerals and vitamins, affects two billion people across the globe and is a big problem in Eastern Africa. It devastates human cognitive development, our productivity and immune system –affecting both our health and economies. Eating more whole grains and upgrading how we process them can reduce the effects of antinutrients and help us fight hidden hunger.
Since the beginning of 2020, Inclusive Business Sweden, Hidden in Grains and BioInnovate Africa have been part of a SIANI Expert Group aiming to raise awareness and develop capacity for hydrothermal processing of whole grains to reduce hidden hunger in East Africa. Our target group are actors along the value chain of traditional grains: farmers, wholesalers, food processors, policy makers and consumers. These groups differ not only in educational levels but also in interests and priorities, where they live and how they access information.
Realising that there isn’t one solution that fits all, we have produced communication material making the use of hydrothermal techniques to increase the availability of minerals interesting and understandable for different actors. There is an infographic including several actors in the value chain, a blog and online training targeting food companies and a policy brief for public officials and decision makers. But what about the consumers?
In this comic readers will meet Miss Millet and Mtama, two superheroes in the bid of fighting their archenemy, the Anti-nutrient, to end malnutrition and fight hidden hunger. We hope for the comic to be shared with children and students to read in school, at home and amongst friends. There is also a black and white version that allows for one’s own imagination and colouring.
We hope you enjoy the comic!