MAMLO FOODS awarded $100,000 to support sustainable peanut farming in African communities
The winner of this year’s Arrell Global Food Innovation Award is creating a blueprint for localized food systems that empower women farmers and address the roots of food insecurity in Africa.
Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph is pleased to announce the winner of the 2025 Arrell Global Food Innovation Awards. Awarded annually since 2018, prizes of $100,000 are given to global recipients to recognize their impact and leadership. In 2025, one award was given to inspiring food system leaders in community engagement.
Community Engagement Award – MAMLO FOODS
MAMLO FOODS is transforming food systems across Africa by addressing social, nutritional and economic challenges. Their innovative micro-factory model empowers marginalized smallholder farmers, 70% of whom are women, by improving farming practices, post-harvesting handling and increasing market access. As a result, over 550 farmers have experienced more stable and higher incomes in just two years.
Its nutrient-rich peanut butter produced is available locally, which shortens the food value chain and decentralizes food processing to support rural economies. By turning rural areas into hubs of food innovation, MAMLO is restoring agency to rural women, enabling them to become skilled producers, and decision-makers in their households and communities.
Founded by Irene Etyang, this women-led social enterprise has supported agricultural and policy reform in Kenya and across Africa. MAMLO is not just producing peanut butter, it is reimagining food systems as engines for equity, resilience and sustainability.
Congratulations to this year’s winner!
The Arrell Global Food Innovation Awards are adjudicated by scientists and community activists from all over the world. This year’s adjudicators are:
- Abra Brynne
- Zita Cobb
- Janet Dean
About Arrell Food Instiute
Arrell Food Institute was established in 2017 through matching investments by the Arrell Family Foundation and the University of Guelph. Its vision is to improve global food systems with a focus on food security, safety and sustainability, and elevate Canada’s place in the global food economy.
Our Recent Articles
- Turning Research into Action: CARE Students at the Forefront of Climate Solutions
- Redefining Leadership: CARE Student Bridges Conservation and Agriculture for Climate Action
- From Practice to Policy: How CARE Bridges Sustainability Work and Academic Research for U of G Students
- Community-driven organization set to transform peanut value chain, Recognized with Arrell Global Food Innovation Award
- Growing Agritourism and Partnerships with UNIV*6050