Include Award in Honor of George Washington Carver

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) proudly announced the 2021 IFT Achievement Awards recipients. Honoured in Chicago on March 30, 2021, this year’s 14 awardees stand out for their exceptional contributions to advancing food science. Among them were two distinguished individuals receiving IFT’s highest accolades: Eric Decker, PhD, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honour of Nicolas Appert, and Ruth Oniang'o, PhD, from Rural Outreach Program-Africa (ROP-Africa) and African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), for the Include Award in Honour of George Washington Carver.

IFT President Noel Anderson, PhD, CFS, expressed gratitude on behalf of the IFT community: “We thank this year’s honourees for their dedication to advancing the science of food. Their profound impact will resonate throughout our profession for years to come.”

Professor Ruth Oniang'o’s distinguished career, highlighted by pioneering efforts with Rural Outreach Africa (ROA) and the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), exemplifies her exceptional contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the food science community. Her achievements align seamlessly with the criteria for the IFT award honouring George Washington Carver, recognizing excellence in these areas. Through her transformative initiatives addressing inequalities and fostering diversity, Professor Oniang'o stands as a distinguished recipient of this prestigious award.

Addressing Inequalities in the Food System

Inequities within food systems are central to driving disparities in dietary and nutrition outcomes worldwide. Prof. Ruth Oniang'o has made substantial academic contributions to understanding and tackling these inequalities. Through her leadership at the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), she has utilized scholarly research to highlight and address these issues. The journal serves as a platform for disseminating studies that advocate for a shift away from the dominance of cereal production towards increasing the availability of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, African leafy vegetables, soybeans, avocados, bananas, and whole grains. By publishing research that promotes diversified agricultural practices and nutrition-sensitive interventions, Prof. Oniang'o ensures that the journal contributes to reshaping food systems towards healthier and more equitable outcomes.

FMoreover, Prof. Oniang'o's organization, Rural Outreach Africa (ROA), plays a pivotal role in implementing practical solutions to food inequalities at the grassroots level. The organization empowers smallholder farmers, particularly women, by providing them with the knowledge and resources to enhance agricultural productivity sustainably, including in African leafy vegetables, soybeans, avocados, bananas, and dairy farming. By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and community-based projects, ROA addresses not only immediate food security challenges but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience in vulnerable communities. Prof. Oniang'o's approach underscores the importance of integrating gender-sensitive strategies that promote equality and empowerment in rural agricultural settings, thereby contributing to reducing disparities in food access and nutrition.

At the heart of Prof. Oniang'o's work is an equity-sensitive approach that extends beyond physical access and affordability to challenge power imbalances within the food system. Through AJFAND and ROA, she amplifies marginalized voices and advocates for policy changes that prioritize equitable food distribution and quality. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities, Prof. Oniang'o strengthens the global response to food inequalities. Her academic leadership and practical initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to creating a food system that is not only more accessible but also more just for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.

Dismantling Systems of Exclusion to ensure equitable distribution of resources

Prof. Oniang'o has been a trailblazer in dismantling systems of exclusion within academic and scientific institutions. As the founder of AJFAND, she created a platform that actively seeks contributions from researchers across diverse geographical locations and backgrounds. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that research from regions traditionally marginalized in academic discourse is given due recognition and visibility. By establishing rigorous yet inclusive editorial processes, she has ensured that the journal reflects a diverse range of perspectives, contributing to a more inclusive representation of voices within the scientific community.

In her leadership roles and advocacy efforts at ROA, Prof. Oniang'o has championed policies and practices that empower marginalized communities. During her tenure as a member of the Kenyan Parliament, she worked to establish networks connecting local smallholder farmers to global resources and expertise, breaking down barriers that have historically excluded certain communities from accessing essential agricultural knowledge and technical and financial support. Her advocacy has led to the implementation of policies that support smallholder farmers, improve rural infrastructure, and enhance access to markets.
Additionally, Prof. Oniang'o has been instrumental in promoting the importance of nutrition education and food security at the policy level. She has worked with international organizations, including the United Nations, to advocate for policies that prioritize food security and nutrition, particularly in developing countries. Her efforts have contributed to the development of national and international strategies aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition.

Contributing to the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion within IFT

Prof. Oniang'o's impact extends to the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) community, where her involvement in various committees, conferences, and initiatives has worked to create a more inclusive environment. For instance, she has advocated for programs that provide financial support or mentorship opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that a broader range of voices are heard within the organization.

Her dedication within IFT goes beyond rhetoric. Oniang'o mentors’ individuals from diverse backgrounds and encourages initiatives that prioritize equity within the scientific community. She has actively participated in IFT's diversity initiatives, helping to develop programs that promote the inclusion of scientists from developing countries. Her work has helped bridge the gap between researchers in developed and developing nations, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Moreover, Prof. Oniang'o has been a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences, where she has highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the science of food. Her speeches often emphasize the need for a holistic approach to food security that considers social, economic, and environmental factors. Through her advocacy, she has inspired many young scientists to pursue careers in food science and nutrition, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Her work exemplifies the principles celebrated by the IFT award in honour of George Washington Carver. Her legacy of impactful and ethical work sets a precedent for future generations in the science of food, inspiring continued efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the field.