The Kyeema Foundation in Mozambique has received an $11,000 Communities 1st Initiative grant to develop a research program for the reduction of cyanide in cassava flour.
Cyanide levels in the cassava plant can be particularly high in drought years and poisoning can result in paralysis and even death, especially in poor rural families that have little else to eat.
The Kyeema Foundation is using the grant to support field tests of laboratory research, conducted by Australian scientist Dr Howard Bradbury, which suggests soaking cassava flour in water prior to cooking can significantly reduce cyanide levels.
Field tests conducted to date have returned promising results but more research is required.
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