Eva Koch Scholar, Hezron Masitsa, researches Traditional African Food Preservation Methods

Hezron Masitsa, the Justice and Peace Secretary for Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) recently shared his research and reflections on traditional food preservation as part of the 2025 Eva Koch Scholar Presentations.

Selected by Woodbrooke, an international Quaker learning center, to be an Eva Koch Scholar in the 2025 calendar year, Hezron’s research provides insight and investigation into traditional indigenous practices that have received little past examination and show the wisdom of native practices in East Africa. His complete research paper can be read below and provides an overview of his outreach and interviews with elders to learn about traditional food preservation methods used to improve infant mortality and bolster adult health and longevity. Food shortages in Africa due to environmental crises have had devastating impacts on community health and these traditional practices are important to consider as climate change exacerbates the impact and frequency of drought and famine. In his Eva Kock Scholar Presentation (available to watch here), Hezron describes how learning about traditional indigenous food preservation practices uphold Quaker values of sustainability and stewardship. His words and research inspire us to further embrace longstanding wisdom into how best to safely and healthily live in harmony with creation.