Nkumbu Mutwale Mutale
Zambia 2010
Nkumbu Mutwale Mutale is currently working on the analysis of hydrogen cyanide and aflatoxins in cassava, a staple crop in Zambia. “My institute has brand new equipment that no one was using, so I offered to set up the lab,” says Mutale. “I intend to determine the sources of contamination and the defective stages in the farmers’ processing methods in order to help improve their produce and increase their incomes.” Passionate about helping the poor, as a student Mutale volunteered for a six-month training course at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, with hopes of getting into medical school.
My institute has brand new equipment that no one was using, so I offered to set up the lab,” says Mutale. “I intend to determine the sources of contamination and the defective stages in the farmers’ processing methods in order to help improve their produce and increase their incomes.
Field of Research
Analysis of hydrogen cyanide and identification of aflatoxin contamination sources and defective stages in cassava processing methods to advise cassava farmers appropriately on production improvements.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). Hosted by World Agroforestry Centre, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri. P.O Box 30677-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.

Email: awardqueries@cifor-icraf.org | Tel: +254 (0) 20 722 4242

© 2025 AFRICAN WOMEN IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (AWARD)