Background:

Meat is a vital source of protein and essential nutrients in many diets across East Africa. However, significant post-harvest meat loss occurs from animal production through distribution. These losses threaten food security and impose substantial economic burdens on farmers, traders, and consumers. Meat spoilage losses also indicate the possibility of contamination with pathogens, many of which thrive in the same conditions as spoilage agents. While meat safety regulations exist, enforcement is often limited, and data on microbe-driven spoilage, and its link to food safety, remains limited.

This study aims to assess an intervention, specifically the spraying of meat with electrolyzed water, with the twin goals of reducing contamination and lowering food waste in the meat value chain. The study will also seek to systematically measure food loss in the meat value chain. IFPRI seeks a partner to (1) provide scientific expertise and intellectual partnership in designing the study and (2) implement the study components.

Project description:

Phase 1

This is a three-arm laboratory experimental trial to assess the impact of electrolysed water on meat contamination and shelf life

A total of 180 goat legs to be purchased from slaughterhouses and randomly assigned to three treatment groups.

1. control (no treatment) (n=60)

2. hand spraying with electrolysed water on day 0 (n=60)

3. hand spraying with electrolysed water every day (n=60)

This experiment will be conducted in a facility procured by the partner. Swabs will be collected from 10x10cm square on the lateral surface of the leg and cultured for total bacterial counts. Meat will also be assessed for spoilage by organoleptic evaluation (appearance, colour, texture and consistency, and smell) (FAO 1990).

The experiment will be conducted over 3 days for each carcass.

Phase 2

Key informant interviews to determine the critical points for meat loss and contributing factors

• Tradesmen (n=10) – animal losses during transport

• Meat inspectors and managers at slaughterhouses (n= 10) - condemnations

• Butchers (n= 10) - meat handling, storage, preservation practices and losses they incur due to meat spoilage.

Phase 3 (Objectives 6-8)

This phase will include survey and observations regarding meat handling, waste and disposal will be conducted in 70 butcheries.

Recruit 70 butcheries around Nairobi to participate in the study.

On day 1 when a butcher purchases a carcass for sale a second carcass will be purchased from the slaughterhouse to hang in the butchery. The weight of both carcasses will be recorded. The second carcass will be sprayed with electrolysed water.

The butcher will sell meat from the first carcass but will cut the same portion from the second carcass and place this meat in a specialized bin that will be collected and weighed daily.

Swab samples will be collected at 24 hours intervals using a 10cm by 10cm template.

1. immediately after hanging at the butchery

2. 24 hours later

3. 48 hours later

4. 72 hours later

Samples will be cultured for TBC, Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Meat will also be assessed for meat spoilage indicators. Organoleptic evaluation - appearance, colour, texture and consistency, and smell (FAO 1990).

Scope of work by partner:

The partner will be responsible for the following tasks:

Project design:

• Collaborate with IFPRI researchers to assist in all aspects of project design

• Provide epidemiological expertise from experienced researchers

• Obtain any necessary ethical approvals

Phase 1:

• Responsible for all aspects of project implementation including

  • Procurement of all materials including lab materials and electrolyzed water

  • Procurement of carcasses

  • Procurement of proper space to hang carcasses

  • Procurement of appropriate laboratory space and equipment

  • Development of logistics plan to conduct study

  • Hiring of any necessary staff to perform study tasks and lab work

Phase 2:

• Collaboration with IFPRI researchers on development of tools

• Lead development of field plan in conjunction with IFPRI researchers

• Hiring and training of any necessary staff to perform fieldwork

• Any other costs related to interviews

Phase 3:

• Collaboration with IFPRI researchers on development of tools

• Lead development of field plan in conjunction with IFPRI researchers

• Hiring and training of any necessary staff to perform fieldwork

• Any other costs related to interviews

• Procurement of all materials including lab materials and electrolyzed water

• Procurement of carcasses

• Procurement of appropriate laboratory space and equipment

• Hiring and training of necessary staff to perform laboratory work

Deliverables:

• Phase 1 project design document

• Data from Phase 1 experiment

• Phase 2 project design document

• Data from Phase 2 data collection

• Phase 3 project design document

• Data from Phase 3 data collection and experiment

To apply please submit a short technical proposal, a financial proposal with an itemized budget, and CV for the lead researcher. Organization should have relevant experience conducting field work and microbiological testing, with a lead researcher holding a Ph.D in a related field.

Application Deadline: May 17, 2025