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

Nieke Westerik, Alex Paul Wacoo, Esther Anyimo, William Matovu, Gregor Reid, Remco Kort and Wilbert Sybesma
Additional contact information
Nieke Westerik: Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Alex Paul Wacoo: Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB 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
Remco Kort: Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Wilbert Sybesma: Yoba for Life Foundation, 1079 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Challenges, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-22

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.

Keywords: Uganda; Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; probiotics; Yoghurt; health improvement; economic development; women empowerment; Pro Poor business model; bottom of pyramid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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