Prof. Lilian Kaale: a prolific Engineer revolutionising food science, shaping a healthier future
By Zamda George, CMU
As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “For all women and girls: Inclusion, Leadership, and Innovation”, the University of Dar es Salaam honours Prof. Lilian Daniel Kaale, an innovative woman making strides in food science.
A distinguished University of Dar es Salaam scholar, researcher and mentor in food science and technology, Prof. Kaale has dedicated her career to food nutrition, value addition, product development and food preservation and safety, shaping the future of food security in Tanzania and beyond.
With over 15 years of experience in academia and industry, from an early age, Prof. Kaale’s curiosity about science and engineering led her to study a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Chemical and Process Engineering both from the University of Dar es Salaam.
“But it was my interest in food science that motivated me to pursue a PhD in Food Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), in Norway”, says Prof. Kaale.
As testimony to her dedication, she was recently promoted to Associate Professor rank and in addition serves as Head of Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Food Technology (CoAF), where she also supervises numerous PhD and master’s students, fostering a new generation of food scientists.
Her contribution to research is widely recognized; she scooped the prestigious Best Impact Researcher of the Year (2023) at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Her work extends beyond academia, as she leads multiple international projects funded by organisations the World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, IDRC, COSTECH, and UDSM, reinforcing her commitment to addressing food security challenges.
A Visionary in Food Security and Value Addition
Prof. Kaale explains that her research focuses on value addition, food processing, and the development of antimicrobial substances for food preservation and safety.
“My works have mainly contributed to innovations in food technology, ensuring that food is not only nutritious but also sustainable and accessible”, she insists.
She narrates that she has served as Principal Investigator of numerous ground-breaking projects which she spearheaded initiatives such as Superheated Steam Drying Technology for Sardines, improving food preservation and safety; and Extraction of Oil from Long, Horned Grasshoppers and Avocados for Fortified Baked Goods, exploring alternative food sources.
Other such projects she has led include Commercialization of Locally Produced Bamboo Wine – promoting value addition in local beverage industries; Development of Active Food Packaging Using Bio-Nanomaterials – enhancing food shelf life and safety; and Utilization of Traditional Medicinal Plants for Disease Prevention – addressing public health concerns through food innovations.
“In fact, all these projects and research are not only about food but also about people, ensuring that Tanzanians benefit from safe, affordable, and innovative food solutions”, she explains joyfully.
Leading policy and industry transformations
Beyond research, Prof. Kaale plays a pivotal role in shaping national food policies and industry standards. She is a Member of the Agriculture and Food Division Committee (FDC) of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), advising top management on agricultural and food standards.
She also serves as a Board Member at the Sokoine University of Agriculture’s School of Engineering and Food Technology, where she contributes to national and regional discussions on food security and industrialization.
Her expertise is frequently sought after by government agencies, private sector players and international organizations, positioning her as a thought leader in food science and nutrition.
Family, resilience and the strength of support
Prof. Kaale’s journey has been one of resilience, passion and the unwavering support of her family. Her academic achievements and leadership roles are testaments to her dedication and the encouragement of those around her.
As a woman in a highly specialized and evolving field, she has redefined possibilities, paving the way for young girls to believe that they, too, can excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
“I believe that success is not just about personal achievements but also about lifting others”, explains Prof. Kaale who also mentors actively young women in STEM, encouraging them to pursue careers in food science, technology, and innovation.
Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM
As a leader and a mentor, Prof. Kaale is dedicated to empowering the next generation of women in food science and technology.
“Food security is a critical issue, and we need more women to be part of the solution. We must create inclusive environments where women’s voices, ideas, and innovations are valued and supported”, she emphasises.
Her advocacy aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “For all women and girls: Inclusion, Leadership, and Innovation”, reinforcing the importance of women’s inclusion in science, policymaking, and industry leadership.
As we honour women who are shaping the future, Prof. Lilian Kaale’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, perseverance, and knowledge can drive meaningful change. She continues to inspire women to pursue their ambitions fearlessly, ensuring that food science remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Tanzania and beyond.