(1993)

For many years, SUSTAIN organized short-term activities in response to requests for assistance from developing countries. These requests came from local businesses, organizations, universities and educational institutions, USAID missions and other international donors, host country governments, and others. SUSTAIN staff carefully evaluated each request in consultation with expert volunteers to determine the nature of the problem and the most appropriate type of assistance. Assistance was offered in many forms, including technical consultations, technical assistance, assessments, workshops, and other activities to best address the needs in the field.

El Salvador (December 1993). Organic Coffee Processing I Technical Assistance
In the first of a series of three technical assistance visits, a SUSTAIN volunteer provided basic technical assistance to the coffee cooperative UCRAPROBEX, which produces an organic line of coffee, known as Pipil. Assistance was provided in roasting, grinding, packaging, equipment installation, and quality control.

Uganda (November 1993). Marketing & Quality Control Training
Two SUSTAIN volunteers conducted a workshop on marketing food products, good manufacturing practices, and quality assurance.  This was organized in collaboration with the Ugandan Manufacturers' Association.

Guatemala (November 1993). Sensory Evaluation II Training
In the second of a three-part workshop series organized by INCAP, a SUSTAIN volunteer offered training in sensory evaluation.  Subjects included use of laboratory techniques, statistics, and consumer focus panels in evaluating acceptance and product preferences.

South Pacific (November 1993). Organic Production & Marketing
A SUSTAIN volunteer provided Samoan farmers with technical assistance in organic production, OCIA certification requirements, inspection, and marketing of a wide range of foods. The SUSTAIN consultant continued to work with one group of Samoan farmers, who successfully grew and marketed a crop of organic vanilla. This activity was a follow-up to the SUSTAIN volunteer's participation in the Agricultural Products Quality Workshop in Manila in May of 1993.

Guatemala (October 1993). Food Safety & Quality Control II
In the second of a pair of workshops on food safety and quality assurance, three SUSTAIN volunteers, in conjunction with local SUSTAIN trained instructors, offered training in sanitation, good manufacturing practices, and quality control as a means of reducing food-borne illness and disease and improving product quality.

Cameroon (October 1993). Agricultural Research & Development
SUSTAIN volunteers identified options for restructuring agricultural research and extension institutions to better address the problems and needs of small- and medium-sized food businesses. No follow-up work could be undertaken because the USAID mission closed out of Cameroon shortly after the SUSTAIN assignment.

Burkina Faso (August/September 1993). Potato Storage I Technical Assistance
In the first of two activities, a SUSTAIN volunteer offered technical assistance to a potato growers' cooperative in the design and construction of a potato storage facility to avoid food spoilage.

Burkina Faso (August/September 1993). Corn Milling Technical Assistance
A SUSTAIN volunteer provided technical assistance to improve the quality of dry milled corn products at a state-owned flour mill and advised how locally produced corn could be marketed and used.

Uganda (August 1993). Packaging Training
A SUSTAIN volunteer conducted a workshop and provided individualized technical assistance to six food processors on packaging techniques for nutrient retention and avoidance of spoilage.  The activities were organized in collaboration with the Uganda Manufacturers' Organization.

Belize (August 1993). Assessment Mission to Belize A team of two SUSTAIN volunteers and a staff member evaluated opportunities for developing micro-enterprise food businesses in Belize.  The assessment was made in conjunction with the micro-enterprise division of the Inter-American Development Bank.  No follow-up work could be undertaken because the USAID mission closed out of Belize shortly after the SUSTAIN assignment.

Guatemala (August 1993). Nutritionally Fortified School Cookie Program and Commercial Feasibility of a Vitamin A Rich Sweet Potato Cereal for Children
A SUSTAIN volunteer assessed process and quality control practices of local bakeries manufacturing a nutritionally fortified cookie; the commercial feasibility of a Vitamin A -rich children's cereal; and training needs of local bakeries.  The activities were organized by INCAP (Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama).

Guatemala (August 1993). Food Safety and Quality Assurance I Training
In the first of two quality assurance workshops presented with INCAP (Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama) and the Guatemalan Association of Food Technologists (AGTA), SUSTAIN volunteers provided instruction in the fields of good manufacturing practices, plant sanitation, and hygiene for line workers and technicians, with the goal of improving food quality and reducing food-borne diseases.

U.S. (July 1993). Participant Training at the IFT Annual Meeting
SUSTAIN sponsored a representative from the Ugandan Manufacturers' Association to participate in various training activities in the U.S.  These included seminars on information management systems, attendance at the IFT Annual Meeting, and tours of U.S.food manufacturing plants.

Panama and Wisconsin, U.S.(July 1993). Waste Handling/Utilization in Slaughterhouses
A SUSTAIN volunteer arranged for a group from ICAITI (Instituto Centroamericano de Investigacion y Technologia Industrial) to see and discuss methods of waste handling in slaughterhouses for purposes of pollution prevention and waste byproduct utilization.

Philippines

(May 1993). Agricultural Products Quality Workshop
A team of SUSTAIN volunteers and staff members participated in a workshop on agricultural products and quality control in the Philippines.  Technical presentations on organic marketing and certification requirements, food safety and quality assurance, fisheries, and spices and flour technologies helped to increase awareness and technical understanding of the issues and problems related to improving the quality of Asian products.  This activity was carried out in conjunction with USAID/Asia and the USDA.  As a result of this workshop, SUSTAIN was asked to send a volunteer to the South Pacific for technical assistance in organic production and marketing.

Russia (May 1993). Technical Assessment
A SUSTAIN staff member assessed needs for technical assistance and training in food processing and marketing in the Tver Oblast (administrative district) of Russia.  Technical assistance was subsequently provided by SUSTAIN in collaboration with other organizations.

Guatemala (March/April 1993). Food Safety and Quality Assurance Assessment
A SUSTAIN team conducted an assessment of food manufacturers' needs in quality assurance/control and GMP to determine the design for a series of workshops and criteria for trainee participation.

Guatemala (March 1993). Sensory Evaluation I Training
In the first of a series of three workshops on sensory evaluation, a SUSTAIN volunteer provided training to food industry professionals in Central America on the correct use of sensory evaluation techniques and their application to product development and quality control.

Uganda (March/April 1993). Food Technology Assessment
A SUSTAIN team conducted an assessment of technical assistance and training needs of the food processing industry in Uganda through a series of meetings, roundtable forums, and tours.

Barbados (February 1993). Turnaround Assessment: Fruit and Vegetable Processing Cooperative A SUSTAIN volunteer conducted a financial and business analysis of options for rejuvenating a now-defunct Barbados agro-processing cooperative.

Guatemala (March 1993). Food Industry Survey
SUSTAIN helped sponsor a survey of local food processors to identify specific needs for technical assistance and training that could be addressed by SUSTAIN, INCAP, and AGTA (Guatemalan Association of Food Technologists).

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