Clean Botswana
National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) The existence of the National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) dates back to 1984 when it was called Botswana Food Laboratory. Since 1987, NFTRC institution has grown substantially in its research capacity and service to the food industry. In its current status as a company limited by guarantee, NFTRC is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by a minister. Mandate • Promote the development of the food industry on an integrated and collaborative basis; • Carry out research, development and commercialisation of food technology and nutritional products; • Provide technical assistance to the food and agro industry; • Promote and enhance mechanisms for effective food technology information collection and dissemination; • Promote job creation; • Contribute to import substitution and export promotion; • Exploit opportunities in the food sector; • Improve quality of food; • Ensure food standards; and • Promote utilisation of local food materials.
Vision and mission NFTRC aspires to be an international centre of excellence in food science and technology. Its mission is to generate food technologies that enhance economic diversification, food security and quality through sustained end user focused research and development.
Core Values • • • •
Innovate applied research; Instil the spirit of entrepreneurship; Recognise NFTRC employees as its best assets and; To account for our actions.
NFTRC’s premises have purpose built facilities comprising of a pilot plant, laboratories for Food Science and Technology (Food Microbiology, Food Biotechnology and Food Biochemistry), an Administration block and facilities for catering and conferencing, Extension and Training, Nutrition and Dietetics research, and a library. It is envisioned to achieve excellence and be a world leader in Food Science and Technology, Research and Development. Its mission is to generate knowledge and technologies to enhance food quality and safety through sustained research and development; communication and extension services; and training and commercialisation of the provision of its services and products. NFTRC’s research includes the generation of knowledge particularly on the macronutrient and micronutrient composition of Botswana traditional foods. The evaluation on foods also includes determination of anti-nutritional factors found in foods, which might affect the bioavailability of specific nutrients.
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