Unilever Drives Nutritional Change with ‘The Great Millet Quest’ Winner Announcement

In a landmark event, Unilever, in collaboration with Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) and the University of Nairobi, announced the winner of “The Great Millet Quest,” a competition designed to foster innovation in sustainable agriculture.

This initiative, launched in January 2024, aimed to inspire university students to create innovative products centered around millet, a highly nutritious and drought-resistant grain.

The competition culminated in the University of Nairobi’s Team Nexus emerging victorious with their product, Milcracks – healthy, probiotic-infused crackers made from millet and essential seeds. Milcracks, which can be consumed as a standalone snack or breakfast, are designed to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Team Nexus was awarded the top prize of KES 500,000.

The first runners-up, Team Kalmi, were recognized for their precooked, ready-to-eat puffed millet product, earning them KES 250,000. Team SoyMill, who created Soy Mill Noodles, secured the second runners-up position and a prize of KES 100,000.

The competition aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2023 as the Year of Millet, highlighting the grain’s benefits in nutrition, health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This initiative also supports SDG Goal 2, aiming to achieve food security, improve nutrition, end hunger, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

Calistas Kundu, Director Food Crops in the Ministry of Agriculture on behalf of CS Mithika Linturi emphasized the importance of millet in Kenya’s Flour Blending Initiative introduced in 2021.

“This initiative seeks to enhance the value chain competitiveness of underutilized crops like sorghum, cassava, millet, and sweet potatoes, ultimately improving nutrition and creating employment opportunities”

“Millet is a nutritional powerhouse, resilient to adverse climatic conditions, making it ideal for smallholder farmers. These student innovations demonstrate millet’s potential for creating a healthier, more sustainable future. We are committed to supporting these ideas, driving sustainable growth, and making a lasting impact on our communities and environment,” stated Unilever CEO, Luck Ochieng.

The Great Millet Quest not only highlighted the versatility of millet but also addressed the challenges posed by climate change, contributing to national food security. George Njoroge, FtMA Kenya Country Coordinator, noted, “Millet, with its rich nutritional profile, holds the potential to address both food security and nutritional needs in Kenya’s rapidly expanding population. Its adaptability and versatility position it as a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture.”

Millet, referred to as a “Nutri-cereal,” is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants, and starch resistance. Its resilience to drought, heat, and pests, along with minimal input requirements, makes it an ideal crop for smallholder farmers across diverse environments.

Dexter Adeola, Africa Platform Lead for Nutrition, highlighted the importance of creating demand for sustainable ingredients like millet. “Changing the food ecosystem requires creating demand for sustainable ingredients like millet. This will require exciting marketing, collaboration, and tenacity. Unilever’s Great Millet Quest project embodies this effort.” Adeola stated

Team Nexus expressed their excitement and commitment to bringing Milcracks to market. “Developing our millet crackers fortified with probiotics has been an incredible journey. We believe this product has the potential to revolutionize snacking in Kenya, offering a nutritious and sustainable option for everyone,” they said.

The Great Millet Quest underscores the potential of millet to improve livelihoods, enhance nutrition, and foster climate resilience in Kenya and Africa. As Unilever and its partners continue to support these innovative projects, the future of sustainable agriculture looks promising.