[jig] Fw: Tackling Hunger with Innovation

This is the group that Jim was talking about at the meeting - they use engineering students to develop some of their products! m ----- Original Message ----- From: Compatible Technology Intl To: skan(a)umn.edu Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 1:02 PM Subject: Tackling Hunger with Innovation Having trouble viewing this email? Click here "I believe innovation is the most powerful force for change in the world." - Bill Gates Support Us Quick Links VIDEO: KARE 11 Segment on CTI's Founder Minnesota Public Radio Report on Breadfruit Contest VIDEO: Nourishing the Planet Blog highlights CTI innovations Blog: CTI Grinders Make a "Profound Difference" in Haiti Connect Join Our List TACKLING HUNGER WITH BREADFRUIT TOOLS Breadfruit is a high-carbohydrate fruit that grows in abundance in tropical nations that struggle with hunger and poverty. Breadfruit has been long recognized for its potential to alleviate hunger in countries like Haiti, but there's just one problem: fresh breadfruit rots in 48 hours. But if poor communities were able to make flour out of breadfruit, locally produced breadfruit flour could replace expensive imported cereals and increase food security. Compatible Technology International (CTI), with help from a team of engineers, researchers and breadfruit experts, is developing a set of tools that will allow villagers to process breadfruit into shelf-stable flour. Shredder CTI has designed a manually-operated shredder that shreds breadfruit into small strips that are optimally shaped for quick drying. Engineers at CTI and the University of Saint Thomas (UST) reached the current shredder design after testing other concepts with communities in Haiti. Drier After they are shredded, the breadfruit strips must be dried quickly to prevent spoiling. To source the best technologies for this crucial step, UST recently organized and judged a contest challenging teams to develop a simple, effective and affordable breadfruit drying structure. The first place winner of the contest is a team of long-time CTI volunteers, and second place is a team from the University of California, Davis. In March, both teams will travel to Hawaii to present their designs at the Breadfruit Institute, a division of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Grinder Once dried, breadfruit strips can easily be ground into flour by villagers using CTI's grinder. The breadfruit processing system will go through rigorous tests at the Breadfruit Institute before being deployed in the Caribbean. Breadfruit flour could be an important microenterprise opportunity and an untapped source of nutrition for food insecure communities. With your help, we can get these and other innovations into the hands of the communities that need them. GET TO KNOW CTI BETTER We have scheduled a "Get to Know CTI" session on Tuesday, February 28 from 6:30-8PM. We encourage you to spread the word to friends, family and coworkers who may be interested in learning about our work and mission. This event will give them a chance to ask questions about CTI, tour our workshop and technology displays and to have an opportunity to grind some corn and process pearl millet. Please email Nancy (nancy(a)compatibletechnology.org) and let her know if you are able to join us for the session. Snacks and beverages will be served. Compatible Technology International For 30 years, nonprofit Compatible Technology International (CTI) has been creating practical food and water tools for the developing world. By helping communities produce food more efficiently and effectively, CTI offers the world's poorest populations sustainable pathways to economic freedom. For more information about CTI, visit www.compatibletechnology.org. Forward email This email was sent to skan(a)umn.edu by cti(a)compatibletechnology.org | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribeT | Privacy Policy. Compatible Technology International | 800 Transfer Road | Suite 6 | St. Paul | MN | 55114