Ghana University to study ways to upgrade cocoa pod husk

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana has begun research into the possibility of using bio-technology techniques to upgrade the nutritional value of cocoa pod husk for use as animal feed.

Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, the Vice-Chancellor, said this had become necessary because of the under-utilization of the huge volumes of the husk generated in the country.

The department of bio-chemistry and bio-technology of the university is undertaking the project with support from the Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund (TALIF).

Various attempts to find an appropriate use for the by-product, especially its use as animal feed had been fruitless due to its high fibre content.