Like many other Mozambican children in the region, Micha was malnourished, food-insecure and frequently ate spoiled food – especially peanuts. It turns out that local peanuts were often contaminated with aflatoxin, a dangerous mold that causes stunted growth, liver damage and even death. Children were especially vulnerable.

After one year of research and collaborating with my community, l wrote a blog post about a project concept designed to reduce aflatoxin, add value to the local peanut supply and provide nutritional support for patients.

That same day, an Indian researcher read my blog and contacted me to collaborate. He was developing biocontrol to reduce aflatoxin contamination. We swapped insights and exchanged contacts.