The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Soybean Value Chain Research experts and partners are involved in a number of initiatives and programs designed to improve production and utilization of soybean in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their new podcast series, SoyBytes, offers an inside look at innovations and technologies, direct from the experts themselves.

In this SoyByte, Dr. Juan Andrade discusses how soy can be included in complementary foods for infants and young children in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. When infants begin to transition from breastfeeding to solid foods at six months, they require additional nutrients, including more protein. If these nutrition needs are not met, malnutrition at this stage can have lifelong consequences on a child’s cognitive and physical development.

The Soybean Innovation Lab is addressing this need for improved nutrition by engaging in research in Northern Ghana on complementary foods that contain soy and local staples. Soy is one of the very few plant-based, complete protein sources, and its growing popularity in Sub-Saharan Africa presents a unique opportunity for reducing malnutrition.

Listen to the SoyByte!

Learn more about the Innovation Labs work on Complementary and Weaning Foods!