Search Results (10)

The mezquite “algarroba” fruit, produced by species of the Neltuma genus in the Gran Chaco Americano region, has historically been used by indigenous communities to produce flour. In Paraguay, the value chain surrounding it is still in its infancy, but there is growing interest in its full utilisation. The seeds, which are commonly discarded as biowaste, contain galactomannans with technological properties that make them a potential natural alternative to commercial hydrocolloids. This study aimed to characterise the physical properties and chemical composition of Neltuma chilensis seeds from the Paraguayan Chaco and evaluate their potential as a source of dietary fibre and galactomannans. Physical parameters (weight, dimensions and colour) as well as moisture content, protein, lipid, dietary fibre and mineral content were determined using official methods (AOAC). Available carbohydrates, total sugars and caloric value were also quantified. Galactomannans were extracted with isopropanol using two treatments. Mannose and galactose were quantified using liquid chromatography with a refractive index detector (HPLC/RID). The results revealed high levels of dietary fibre (47.39 ± 2.25 g/100 g) and protein (27.55 ± 2.92 g/100 g) in the seeds, as well as notable concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. No statistically significant differences were observed in the mannose/galactose ratio (1.38 ± 0.02) between the treatments used (p < 0.05). Beyond their composition, the technological potential of these seeds supports their use in functional foods that could contribute to digestive and metabolic health. This work provides novel evidence for the revaluation of this traditionally underutilised by-product, in line with strategies for functional nutrition, waste reduction, and the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in the Paraguayan Chaco. Full article

Indigenous forest foods have great potential to diversify cropping systems and increase food security and the resilience of food systems to climate change. Underutilised indigenous tree nuts in particular can provide health benefits to local communities and improve livelihoods when commercialised. However, for many tree nut species, there is little knowledge of important kernel characteristics. Kernel size and oil composition are important factors for commercialisation and health benefits, respectively. We assessed kernel attributes of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae), a traditional forest food in the Pacific, in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji. We assessed kernel mass and kernel-to-fruit mass ratio, explored the fatty acid profile of oil, and oil stability against oxidation using accelerated ageing at 45 °C for 21 days. The largest kernels were found in the Solomon Islands with an average mass of 1.66 g. Similarly, kernel-to-fruit mass ratios were higher in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu than in Fiji. Terminalia catappa contained higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid and linoleic acid were the two most abundant. Kernels incubated at 45 °C exhibited significantly higher hexanal concentrations on day 7 compared to those on day 0 of incubation. This rapid oil oxidation may be associated with high unsaturated fatty acid concentrations in kernels. These findings may have implications for oil shelf life. Our study suggests T. catappa trees from the Solomon Islands exhibit desirable kernel characteristics that make them suitable for selection and commercialization. The commercialization of an underutilised forest food tree like T. catappa will enhance food and nutrition security for local communities. Full article

Indigenous crops have been proposed as part of a solution for household food security and sustainable farming systems. However, they have been overlooked and underutilised by households and farmers despite their potential contribution to household food security. The objective of this paper was to determine the association of socio-economic factors and indigenous crops with the household food security of farming households. About 260 farming households were selected using a simple random sampling procedure. The food security status was measured through the use of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The Chi-square test and extended ordered probit regression model assessed the relationship of socio-economic factors and indigenous crops with household food security status. The results from the HFIAS showed that farming households were largely in the mildly and moderately food-insecure categories, with 34.2% and 36.2% of the sampled farmers found in these categories, respectively. The Chi-square test showed a statistically significant relationship between food security status and socio-economic factors. Young men and everyone were perceived to be the ones likely to consume indigenous crops. Consumption of indigenous crops was perceived to be associated with food security. The results also showed that farming experience is likely to positively contribute to the food security status of the farming households. Selling indigenous crops in a formal market is perceived to be associated with food security compared to selling in an informal market. This study concludes that consuming indigenous crops is likely associated with improved food security. Identifying an appropriate market for sales of indigenous crops is imperative. Government, extension officers, and nutritionists must conduct training workshops to encourage households to grow, market and buy indigenous crops. Government and policymakers need to include indigenous crops in the national food and nutrition security policy and create formal markets for indigenous crops. Full article

Introduction: Diets lack diversity, and the consumption of a few energy-dense cash crops is increasing. Nguni goats are an underutilised, indigenous source of red meat in sub-Saharan Africa. They survive in semi-arid and arid areas with little to no agricultural input. The nutritional contribution of Nguni goat meat is not well researched and documented from a food and nutrition security perspective. Objective: To determine the composition of Nguni goat meat, in comparison with other red meat species in the South African diet, focusing on the fatty acid profile. Method: The nutritional analyses, including the proximate analysis, minerals, and the fatty acid profile of Nguni goat meat from three different regions in South Africa, was performed and compared with other red meat species in the diet. Results: Values reported for moisture (74.2 g/100 g), ash (1.02 g/100 g) and protein (19.5%) are similar to other sources of red meat, with the total fat content (4.4%) being slightly lower. Nguni goat meat is a good source of iron (2.89 mg/100 g) and zinc (4.02 mg/100 g). Furthermore, the values reported for saturated fatty acids (2.55 g/100 g), monounsaturated fatty acids (1.51 g/100 g), polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.36 g/100 g) and cholesterol (5 mg/100 g) content of indigenous goat meat were lower than other red meat species. However, the percentage of saturated fatty acids (57.7%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (34.2%) to total fat is similar to other red meat sources but higher for polyunsaturated fatty acids (8.14%). Stearic acid (C18:0) (1.10 g/100 g) is the most prevalent saturated fatty acid, elaidic acid (C18:1t9) (0.11 g/100 g) is the most prevalent monounsaturated fatty acid and linoleic acid (C18:22 n6) (0.23 g/100 g) is the most prevalent polyunsaturated fatty acid. The omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids content is 0.07% and 0.25%, respectively. The majority of the PUFA’s is linoleic acid (C18:22 n6) and is similar to values reported for beef. Conclusions: Goat meat is a nutritious underutilised indigenous, food source that can contribute toward increasing dietary diversity, thereby improving nutrition and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

The Schinus molle tree is notoriously invasive in most parts of the world, and yet as a pseudospice, its berries potentially possess some significant health benefits which need to be explored. Therefore, polar metabolome of seed + husks (SH), husks (H), and de-hulled (DH) berries were profiled and quantified by untargeted metabolomics approach using UPLC-QTOF-MS. A total of 13 gallotannins, three phenolic acids, a phenolic acid glucoside, three phenolic acid esters, an organic acid, a gallotannin derivative, and nine flavonoids were detected and quantified. Phenolic acids ranged between 12.2–295.7; 4.9–77; and 89.7–1613.1 mg/kg in SH, DH seeds and H respectively. Flavonoids ranged between 1.8–267.5; 73.4–80.4; and 124–564.3 mg/kg in SH, DH seeds and H respectively. Gallotannins ranged between 1.1–146.6; 14.8–21.8; and 48.1–664.8 mg/kg in SH, DH seeds and H respectively. Feruloyltartaric A, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, catechin digalloylshikimic acid B as well as digalloyl quinic acid were some of the dominant secondary metabolites revealed. These results indicate that S. molle berries are a rich source of secondary metabolites with elevated concentrations in the husks, while DH seeds possess lower concentrations to none. These findings open important insights into the potential of S. molle berries as a natural source of antioxidants for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

The diets of many households in developing countries are monotonous and starch-based. Integrating underutilised indigenous vegetables (UIVs) to cropping systems can contribute to both crop and dietary diversities, thereby improving rural households’ nutrition and boosting food security. Therefore, this study established a link between the UIVs’ diversity and the household dietary diversity (HDD) of the UIVs producers in the rural area of Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 191 UIV-producing households in the region. Their HDD was measured based on the 12 unique food groups consumed by households over a 7-day reference period preceding the survey, and negative binomial Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between UIV diversities, other sociodemographic characteristics, and the HDD score of the UIV-producing households in the area. The results showed that only about four groups of food contributed greatly to the HDD score. The result of the negative binomial Poisson regression analysis showed UIVs diversity as a significant variable that increased the HDD score in the study area. Other factors that determined the HDD score of UIV-producing households were the marital status of the household head, farm distance from the home, UIVs land area, off-farm income, UIVs gross margin, per capita food expenditure, and Oyo location. The study concluded that the inclusion of diverse underutilised indigenous vegetables into cropping systems in rural areas and vegetable home gardening practices in the rural and urban areas of developing countries could alleviate the challenge of nutrition insecurity. Full article

The economic potential of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) remains obscured by a poorly developed value chain. This scoping review assembled and examined scattered knowledge generated on ALVs across southern Africa, focusing on production, processing, marketing, and consumption. Two electronic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) were screened, and a total of 71 relevant studies were included and evaluated. The review provides a state of the art on knowledge related to utilisation of ALVs across the entire value chain. The findings show that functional properties are of prime importance in the production and consumption of ALVs. However, the lack of improved germplasm and a non-existent seed supply system are significant production bottlenecks. Pests and diseases affecting the productivity of ALVs remain mostly unexplored. Sun-drying and boiling were the most reported post-harvest processing methods, suggesting that traditional processing methods are still prominent. Many studies also confirmed the predominance of informal markets in the trading of ALVs as they fail to penetrate formal markets because of poor product positioning and exclusion from produce demand and supply forecasts. The inception of cultivar development, mechanised processing methods, and market linkages will enhance the profitability of ALVs in the region. This review enhances the gaining of insight into the state of different value chain components will assist in upscaling production, value addition of products, and enhance marketing efficiency. There is a great opportunity for basic and applied research into ALVs. Full article

Underutilised indigenous plants can support and strengthen the existing food system, as they are considered as socio-economically and environmentally appropriate. These plants generally adapt to marginal conditions, which is essential for a resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems. The current study relied on food security and indigenous plants data collected from some selected rural households from the North West Province of South Africa. The utilised data were collected through a multi-stage sampling technique with the aid of a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, while descriptive methods Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The models produced a good fit for the data, and the computed F-value was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The study examined socio-economic and food security status based on the knowledge and the perception of indigenous plants by the households. The incidence of food insecurity (θ₀) was 0.4060, indicating that 40.6% of the participants were food insecure while 59.4% were food secured. Binary logistic regression results indicate that factors such as age, gender, educational attainment, inclusion of indigenous plants in diet, food expenditure, and access in the study area impacted results. It was also evident that the participants had considerable knowledge of indigenous plants. However, these indigenous plants were not cultivated or included in the diet by the majority of the participants. The formulation of appropriate holistic policies that support the incorporation of the indigenous plants into the food system is recommended. Full article

Indigenous cattle breeds are the most important livestock species in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region owing to their role in human food, nutrition, income, and social security. Despite the role of these breeds in the household and national economies, they are currently underutilised, their productivity remains low, and populations are faced with extinction. In addition, there are insufficient measures taken to secure their present and future value. The current review highlights strategies for sustainable use of indigenous cattle genetic resources in the region, including the use of novel production and marketing practices, women and youth empowerment, and development of the appropriate capacity building, legislative, and policy structures. At present, the lack of coordination among the different stakeholders still poses a challenge to the implementation of these strategies. To this end, partnerships, collaboration, and stakeholders’ participation are recommended to effectively implement strategies for sustainable use of indigenous cattle breeds. Full article

Modern agricultural systems that promote cultivation of a very limited number of crop species have relegated indigenous crops to the status of neglected and underutilised crop species (NUCS). The complex interactions of water scarcity associated with climate change and variability in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and population pressure require innovative strategies to address food insecurity and undernourishment. Current research efforts have identified NUCS as having potential to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, particularly for resource poor households in SSA. This is because of their adaptability to low input agricultural systems and nutritional composition. However, what is required to promote NUCS is scientific research including agronomy, breeding, post-harvest handling and value addition, and linking farmers to markets. Among the essential knowledge base is reliable information about water utilisation by NUCS with potential for commercialisation. This commentary identifies and characterises NUCS with agronomic potential in SSA, especially in the semi-arid areas taking into consideration inter alia: (i) what can grow under water-scarce conditions, (ii) water requirements, and (iii) water productivity. Several representative leafy vegetables, tuber crops, cereal crops and grain legumes were identified as fitting the NUCS category. Agro-biodiversity remains essential for sustainable agriculture. Full article