Carefully Crafted Rich and Delicious Nutty Peanut Butter

Joshua Ayiri Bayahkebe, a Nigerian Agri-entrepreneur known as “Oga” by the people of Gulu City, is working to improve the quality of peanut butter consumed in Northern Uganda. Working with farming communities and youth, Ayiri is producing “Gulu Peanut Butter,” a rich and delicious groundnut paste that complements mealtimes at family tables in surrounding communities.

Groundnuts are a low-cost protein source grown by African farmers and widely consumed in Uganda’s northern region. Traditionally, groundnut paste is used in soups, stews, and sauces. Because of its nutritional benefits and proven ability to combat malnutrition, many urban communities have increased their consumption of groundnut paste at breakfast as a spread on bread and added to vegetables and smoothies.

Groundnut paste, also known as “odi” is a much-needed supplement to the diets of many African families. Production of high-quality groundnut paste remains a challenge, especially given volatile market prices, seed quality, and farmers’ poor post-harvest practices. Ayiri engages in seed quality control while working with farming communities in Gulu because it affects his final product. “Most of the time, when we talk about food security, we don’t talk about food quality,” Joshua says firmly but passionately.