Food Science Research Directorate

The Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO) aims to develop and implement agricultural technologies to increase agricultural output and reduce poverty. The Food Science Research Directorate and Food Science Research Laboratory were established in 2008 to integrate quantitative research with qualitative approaches. The laboratory focuses on food safety, quality, and nutritional content. Food science involves studying fundamental sciences and applying engineering and science to food production, distribution, processing, and evaluation. It requires understanding various food-related disciplines and effective application of industrial and practical aspects in product development, food processing, preservation, and marketing.

Mandate

With the help of its laboratory, the Food Science Research Directorate was founded with the goal of enhancing the quality and safety of food from farm to table by offering top-notch services and research to the general public and the food industry.

Goals

• The directorate's goal is to develop food science technologies that will improve the quality of life for the local community, improve food security, and reduce poverty through collaborative research that will increase access to wholesome, safe, and palatable food products over time while guaranteeing the more effective and equitable use of agricultural products.

Research Focus

The establishment of IQQO's Food Science Research Directorate would not be possible without the following three discipline research teams:

• Food Microbiology,

• Food Chemistry and Nutrition,

• Food Technology, and Process Engineering

Every research team consists of three or more research components, each of which assigns a small number of highly competent researchers to carry out relevant research activities.