Pub Date : 2024-04-06DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.128.24285
J. Effiong, C. Aboh
This study assessed the effectiveness of agricultural extension models in food crop production in Cross River State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identified the level of extension model activities in crop production and analyzed the effectiveness of agricultural extension models in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean scores, percentages and standard deviation were used for the study. The result showed that the respondents had a mean age of x ̅ = 5. Majority (77.00%) of the respondents were married. Furthermore, the result of the socio economic characteristics of the respondents also showed that a negligible proportion (17.20%) of the respondents had no formal education. About 16.10% had primary level of education. A fair proportion (45.00%) had secondary level of education. Also, about 21.70% of the respondents had tertiary level of education. These implied that the respondents were educated. Educational attainment would make the farmers more responsible and responsive to agricultural extension models, programs and policies. The result also indicated that 79.50% of the respondents were farmers. These implied that farming was the major means of livelihood in the area. The result of distribution of respondents based on extension models available in the area showed that “training and visit” extension model was ranked first with standard deviation of 1.65; this means that the “training and visit” model of extension had a high level of acceptability in ensuring food crop production. Contact farmer model was ranked 2nd, with standard deviation of 1.28. This means that farmers had contact with fellow farmers faster than extension officers. In the same vein, video-based extension model was ranked 8th with standard deviation of 0.64. The result of the effectiveness of extension model revealed that mean (x ̅) of 3.58, 3.35, 3.49, 3.20 affirmed that agricultural extension models populated by extension officers are effective in food crop production in the study area. Similarly, individual persons oriented model such as mass media model with mean of x ̅ = 3.21 was very effective in food crop production. These results implied that agricultural extension models were effective in food crop production. The study concluded that the agricultural extension models are very effective and positively related to food crop production. Key words: Agriculture, Cross River, Effectiveness, Extension models, Food crop, Production
{"title":"Effectiveness of agricultural extension models in food crop production in Cross River State, Nigeria","authors":"J. Effiong, C. Aboh","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.128.24285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.128.24285","url":null,"abstract":"This study assessed the effectiveness of agricultural extension models in food crop production in Cross River State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identified the level of extension model activities in crop production and analyzed the effectiveness of agricultural extension models in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean scores, percentages and standard deviation were used for the study. The result showed that the respondents had a mean age of x ̅ = 5. Majority (77.00%) of the respondents were married. Furthermore, the result of the socio economic characteristics of the respondents also showed that a negligible proportion (17.20%) of the respondents had no formal education. About 16.10% had primary level of education. A fair proportion (45.00%) had secondary level of education. Also, about 21.70% of the respondents had tertiary level of education. These implied that the respondents were educated. Educational attainment would make the farmers more responsible and responsive to agricultural extension models, programs and policies. The result also indicated that 79.50% of the respondents were farmers. These implied that farming was the major means of livelihood in the area. The result of distribution of respondents based on extension models available in the area showed that “training and visit” extension model was ranked first with standard deviation of 1.65; this means that the “training and visit” model of extension had a high level of acceptability in ensuring food crop production. Contact farmer model was ranked 2nd, with standard deviation of 1.28. This means that farmers had contact with fellow farmers faster than extension officers. In the same vein, video-based extension model was ranked 8th with standard deviation of 0.64. The result of the effectiveness of extension model revealed that mean (x ̅) of 3.58, 3.35, 3.49, 3.20 affirmed that agricultural extension models populated by extension officers are effective in food crop production in the study area. Similarly, individual persons oriented model such as mass media model with mean of x ̅ = 3.21 was very effective in food crop production. These results implied that agricultural extension models were effective in food crop production. The study concluded that the agricultural extension models are very effective and positively related to food crop production. Key words: Agriculture, Cross River, Effectiveness, Extension models, Food crop, Production","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"27 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140734314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-06DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.128.24320
G. Atser, M. Oluoch, A. Gambo, HZ Diso, O. Fadairo, AA Jibrin
The Commodity Association Traders/Trainers (CATs) extension approach was an initiative of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) to address the challenges of the low margin of agricultural extension agents and farm family ratio in Nigeria. This study, therefore, provides an assessment of the initiative in supporting agricultural extension service delivery in Nigeria. The study was carried out in Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Gombe states, Nigeria being the four major states where the CATs extension approach was tested. The study used a causal research design involving before and after intervention assessment of 396 beneficiary farmers. Data collected using semi-structured questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression at α0.05. Majority of the farmers were male (71.5%), middle-aged (42.59±10.91 years) and had small to moderate household sizes (63.4%). Maize (77.6%) and Rice (57.3%) were the foremost crops grown. The farmers received extension service support from CATs in a broad area, including innovation dissemination, training on Good Agricultural Practices, linkage to agro-input dealers, market and credit. About 63.0-86.0% were positive about most aspects of engagement with the CATs except for payment of fees for services received and connecting farmers to credit. The number of farmers that practiced market-oriented agriculture doubled. The number of agribusiness enterprises established and the number of farmers successfully linked to off-takers for their produce also rose from an average of 3 to 8 persons; and 4 to 14 persons per group, respectively. The volume of maize crop marketed through cooperative efforts increased from 7.64±5.15 Kg to 15.66±6.94 Kg per person in each group. Farmers' size of land cultivated, their total produce harvested and productivity for maize and paddy increased after being members of the CATs group. Being male, young, educated, having ease of access to CATs master trainers and farmers' motivation enhanced the performance of the CATs extension approach. The commodity association trainers/traders have enhanced extension services in the project states. The initiative is recommended for up-scaling to cover other regions of Nigeria. Key words: Agricultural extension, Farmers’ group, Sasakawa Nigeria, Market-oriented agriculture
{"title":"The commodity association traders/trainers extension approach: Smallholder productivity, input and market linkages in Nigeria","authors":"G. Atser, M. Oluoch, A. Gambo, HZ Diso, O. Fadairo, AA Jibrin","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.128.24320","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.128.24320","url":null,"abstract":"The Commodity Association Traders/Trainers (CATs) extension approach was an initiative of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) to address the challenges of the low margin of agricultural extension agents and farm family ratio in Nigeria. This study, therefore, provides an assessment of the initiative in supporting agricultural extension service delivery in Nigeria. The study was carried out in Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Gombe states, Nigeria being the four major states where the CATs extension approach was tested. The study used a causal research design involving before and after intervention assessment of 396 beneficiary farmers. Data collected using semi-structured questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression at α0.05. Majority of the farmers were male (71.5%), middle-aged (42.59±10.91 years) and had small to moderate household sizes (63.4%). Maize (77.6%) and Rice (57.3%) were the foremost crops grown. The farmers received extension service support from CATs in a broad area, including innovation dissemination, training on Good Agricultural Practices, linkage to agro-input dealers, market and credit. About 63.0-86.0% were positive about most aspects of engagement with the CATs except for payment of fees for services received and connecting farmers to credit. The number of farmers that practiced market-oriented agriculture doubled. The number of agribusiness enterprises established and the number of farmers successfully linked to off-takers for their produce also rose from an average of 3 to 8 persons; and 4 to 14 persons per group, respectively. The volume of maize crop marketed through cooperative efforts increased from 7.64±5.15 Kg to 15.66±6.94 Kg per person in each group. Farmers' size of land cultivated, their total produce harvested and productivity for maize and paddy increased after being members of the CATs group. Being male, young, educated, having ease of access to CATs master trainers and farmers' motivation enhanced the performance of the CATs extension approach. The commodity association trainers/traders have enhanced extension services in the project states. The initiative is recommended for up-scaling to cover other regions of Nigeria. Key words: Agricultural extension, Farmers’ group, Sasakawa Nigeria, Market-oriented agriculture","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"22 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140735836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.23815
NR Olusanya, Kolanisi, NZ Ngobese, C. Mayashree, R. Olusanya
Food security remains the bedrock of the sustainable well-being of all nations. However, the dietary lifestyles of many underprivileged persons are compromised by limited access to nutritious food, which contributes negatively to malnutrition in developing countries. Bread, a wheat-based staple food, is consumed globally. It has been made in diverse forms, including Ujeqe, a traditional bread that is appreciated among the Zulus in South Africa. Its complementary foods are beans and those of animal origin, including Usu (offal), which not all people access; therefore, its singular consumption can predispose the consumer to deficiency challenges, thereby positioning it as a strategic medium for the delivery of essential nutrients for optimum well-being. Hence, interest in bread supplementation remains vital for improving nutrient intake and well-being. A food-based strategy that encourages diversified diets for essential nutrient intake has been highlighted as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to tackle malnutrition at the household level. Thus, this study assesses the perceptions of Ujeqe and Amaranthus as a potential supplement for improved food and nutrition security of the rural households in Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed-design research approach was adopted for the study, and purposive convenience random sampling techniques were used to sample the population. A total of 100 structured questionnaires were generated, and clustered data of 91 respondents were pre-processed and analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The study's findings revealed that 92.59% of the respondents attested that Ujeqe is a traditional steamed bread indigenous to the study area. It is preferred because the ingredients are readily available, with an easy preparation mode. Moreover, Ujeqe is well appreciated and consumed as a main meal and a snack by all ages, excluding babies. Furthermore, 100% of the respondents in this study were familiar with Amaranthus leaves but were not familiar with their utilization as an ingredient in Ujeqe bread. Amaranthus is an underutilized crop. In this study, the respondents indicated their willingness to consume Amaranthus enriched-Ujeqe bread for improved food and nutrition security in rural communities. Therefore, awareness and processing of nutrient-dense plants, including (Amaranthus) cannot be overemphasized. Similarly, Amaranthus can be explored in Ujeqe bread for improved nutrient intake to address nutrition insecurity, especially in malnourished communities, including Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal Republic of South Africa. Key words: Food and Nutrition Security, Indigenous, Ujeqe, Malnutrition, Amaranthus leaves, supplementation, attitude
{"title":"Perceptions of ujeqe and amaranthus, a potential supplement for improved food and nutrition security of South Africa","authors":"NR Olusanya, Kolanisi, NZ Ngobese, C. Mayashree, R. Olusanya","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.23815","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.23815","url":null,"abstract":"Food security remains the bedrock of the sustainable well-being of all nations. However, the dietary lifestyles of many underprivileged persons are compromised by limited access to nutritious food, which contributes negatively to malnutrition in developing countries. Bread, a wheat-based staple food, is consumed globally. It has been made in diverse forms, including Ujeqe, a traditional bread that is appreciated among the Zulus in South Africa. Its complementary foods are beans and those of animal origin, including Usu (offal), which not all people access; therefore, its singular consumption can predispose the consumer to deficiency challenges, thereby positioning it as a strategic medium for the delivery of essential nutrients for optimum well-being. Hence, interest in bread supplementation remains vital for improving nutrient intake and well-being. A food-based strategy that encourages diversified diets for essential nutrient intake has been highlighted as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to tackle malnutrition at the household level. Thus, this study assesses the perceptions of Ujeqe and Amaranthus as a potential supplement for improved food and nutrition security of the rural households in Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed-design research approach was adopted for the study, and purposive convenience random sampling techniques were used to sample the population. A total of 100 structured questionnaires were generated, and clustered data of 91 respondents were pre-processed and analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The study's findings revealed that 92.59% of the respondents attested that Ujeqe is a traditional steamed bread indigenous to the study area. It is preferred because the ingredients are readily available, with an easy preparation mode. Moreover, Ujeqe is well appreciated and consumed as a main meal and a snack by all ages, excluding babies. Furthermore, 100% of the respondents in this study were familiar with Amaranthus leaves but were not familiar with their utilization as an ingredient in Ujeqe bread. Amaranthus is an underutilized crop. In this study, the respondents indicated their willingness to consume Amaranthus enriched-Ujeqe bread for improved food and nutrition security in rural communities. Therefore, awareness and processing of nutrient-dense plants, including (Amaranthus) cannot be overemphasized. Similarly, Amaranthus can be explored in Ujeqe bread for improved nutrient intake to address nutrition insecurity, especially in malnourished communities, including Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal Republic of South Africa. Key words: Food and Nutrition Security, Indigenous, Ujeqe, Malnutrition, Amaranthus leaves, supplementation, attitude","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"21 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140413118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.23005
S. Hidayati, F. Nurainy, E. Suroso, S. Subeki, D. Sartika, S. Hadi
Crude Palm Oil (CPO) contains approximately 50% saturated fatty acids and approximately 40% unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acid content is known to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Palm oil also contains -carotene which is very beneficial for health. Palm oil processing is defined by three stages, namely degumming, bleaching and deodorization. The bleaching process is carried out at 90–105oC using 1-2% bleaching earth and deodorization at 240-270oC. The high concentration of bleaching earth and deodorization temperature causes carotene to be degraded leading to low carotene content in the final product. The effort to maintain the carotene content is to process CPO into red palm oil (RPO). The content of carotene and fatty acids contained therein will be damaged in the presence of high heat, ascertain this, a study was conducted on the effect of heating time on the chemical properties of red palm oil. The study was conducted using a completely randomized block design with prolonged heating treatment (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours) at 180oC and repeated 3 times and then the fatty acid content, peroxide value, iodine number and functional groups formed in bulk red palm oil purchased online were observed. The results showed that increasing the heating time can decrease the iodine number but increase the acid number and peroxide value. Heating at 180oC for 10 hours produced iodine, acid and peroxide value of 57.72, 9.56 and 12.55, respectively. The results of the analysis using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) showed the presence of free fatty acids at wave number 722 cm-1 and peroxide numbers at wave number 2.854 cm-1. The test results using gas chromatography showed that linoleic acid decreased by about 3.23% during heating for up to 10 hours, while saturated fatty acids increased by about 0.32%. Key words: Cooking oil, Free fatty acid, Iodine number, Peroxide number, polymerization
{"title":"Effect of heating time on changes in physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of red palm oil","authors":"S. Hidayati, F. Nurainy, E. Suroso, S. Subeki, D. Sartika, S. Hadi","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.23005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.23005","url":null,"abstract":"Crude Palm Oil (CPO) contains approximately 50% saturated fatty acids and approximately 40% unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acid content is known to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Palm oil also contains -carotene which is very beneficial for health. Palm oil processing is defined by three stages, namely degumming, bleaching and deodorization. The bleaching process is carried out at 90–105oC using 1-2% bleaching earth and deodorization at 240-270oC. The high concentration of bleaching earth and deodorization temperature causes carotene to be degraded leading to low carotene content in the final product. The effort to maintain the carotene content is to process CPO into red palm oil (RPO). The content of carotene and fatty acids contained therein will be damaged in the presence of high heat, ascertain this, a study was conducted on the effect of heating time on the chemical properties of red palm oil. The study was conducted using a completely randomized block design with prolonged heating treatment (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours) at 180oC and repeated 3 times and then the fatty acid content, peroxide value, iodine number and functional groups formed in bulk red palm oil purchased online were observed. The results showed that increasing the heating time can decrease the iodine number but increase the acid number and peroxide value. Heating at 180oC for 10 hours produced iodine, acid and peroxide value of 57.72, 9.56 and 12.55, respectively. The results of the analysis using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) showed the presence of free fatty acids at wave number 722 cm-1 and peroxide numbers at wave number 2.854 cm-1. The test results using gas chromatography showed that linoleic acid decreased by about 3.23% during heating for up to 10 hours, while saturated fatty acids increased by about 0.32%. Key words: Cooking oil, Free fatty acid, Iodine number, Peroxide number, polymerization","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140413160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.23885
JW Wanjiru, LG Njue, MW Okoth, GM Karau
Kenyans have been highly affected by aflatoxicosis for a long time because of excessive exposure to high aflatoxin containing maize-based products. Maize has been the staple food in Kenya which is more highly consumed than any other cereal product. Many countries with strict aflatoxin threshold application, have consumers who still consume maize-based products, which has not gone through testing. The more remote and lower income areas are more affected by untested maize, ending up exposing themselves to Hepatocellular carcinoma which is a health hazard. The study was designed to determine the exposure of aflatoxin in Kiandutu slum which is a marginalized area in Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya. Ninety seven households were used in the study where number of maize-based products obtained from each household was sampled. Quantitative analysis was used to determine the aflatoxin levels by use of ELISA method. Questionnaires were used to collect the consumption data and sampling of maize- based products was done purposively. Aflatoxins were found in 30.93% of maize flour at between 0 to 34.19 µg /kg, 29.33% of composite flour at between 0 to 30.06 µg /kg, 18.67% of maize grain at between 0 and 20.92 µg /kg and 6.97% of Muthokoi at between 0 to 7.14 µg /kg. Across all sampled households, daily consumption of maize-based products in kilograms per body weight was found to be highest in maize flour, followed by whole maize grains, composite flour and muthokoi in that order. Monte Carlo risk simulation was used to generate the quantitative exposure data. Daily maize flour consumption was higher than other maize-based products with a mean of 0.0038 kg/kg bw/day. It also had the highest daily aflatoxin exposure at a mean of 0.0301 µg/kg/bw/day. The percentage level of the health risk was found to be highest through maize flour consumption at 68.65. Results showed that the frequency of consumption of maize-based products is an important contributor to dietary exposure risk. Key words: Aflatoxin, Exposure, Slum, Food safety, Maize-based products, Households, population
{"title":"Exposure of Kiandutu slum residents to aflatoxin through maize-based products consumption","authors":"JW Wanjiru, LG Njue, MW Okoth, GM Karau","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.23885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.23885","url":null,"abstract":"Kenyans have been highly affected by aflatoxicosis for a long time because of excessive exposure to high aflatoxin containing maize-based products. Maize has been the staple food in Kenya which is more highly consumed than any other cereal product. Many countries with strict aflatoxin threshold application, have consumers who still consume maize-based products, which has not gone through testing. The more remote and lower income areas are more affected by untested maize, ending up exposing themselves to Hepatocellular carcinoma which is a health hazard. The study was designed to determine the exposure of aflatoxin in Kiandutu slum which is a marginalized area in Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya. Ninety seven households were used in the study where number of maize-based products obtained from each household was sampled. Quantitative analysis was used to determine the aflatoxin levels by use of ELISA method. Questionnaires were used to collect the consumption data and sampling of maize- based products was done purposively. Aflatoxins were found in 30.93% of maize flour at between 0 to 34.19 µg /kg, 29.33% of composite flour at between 0 to 30.06 µg /kg, 18.67% of maize grain at between 0 and 20.92 µg /kg and 6.97% of Muthokoi at between 0 to 7.14 µg /kg. Across all sampled households, daily consumption of maize-based products in kilograms per body weight was found to be highest in maize flour, followed by whole maize grains, composite flour and muthokoi in that order. Monte Carlo risk simulation was used to generate the quantitative exposure data. Daily maize flour consumption was higher than other maize-based products with a mean of 0.0038 kg/kg bw/day. It also had the highest daily aflatoxin exposure at a mean of 0.0301 µg/kg/bw/day. The percentage level of the health risk was found to be highest through maize flour consumption at 68.65. Results showed that the frequency of consumption of maize-based products is an important contributor to dietary exposure risk. Key words: Aflatoxin, Exposure, Slum, Food safety, Maize-based products, Households, population","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"12 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140410380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.23185
L. Mazouz, A. Boussaa, A. Kentour
Faced with the high cost of phosphate fertilisers in several African countries, including Algeria, and in order to better select varieties according to their fertiliser use efficiency, this study was proposed. The goal of the study was to determine how “variety” impacts durum wheat's capacity to utilize phosphorus effectively and to try to pinpoint the agro-morphological factors that contribute to this efficiency so that they can be taken into consideration when choosing which varieties to sow in semi-arid environments. The experimental setup consisted of a split plot with two investigated factors and three repetitions, with the main plot receiving the phosphate treatment while the sub plot receives the variety. The trial set up consisted of 11 durum wheat varieties, which were cultivated over two years successively. The PUE of the fertiliser, provided in 46% triple superphosphate (TSP) granules, and agro-morphological parameters like aerial biomass, plant height, grain yield and yield components were determined. The findings demonstrated that triple superphosphate, a type of phosphorus fertilizer, increases grain yield by between 40 and 60% for all varieties examined as compared to the phosphorus-free control at the average dose employed in this field trial, or 20 kg P2O5.ha-1. This increase in yield is due to an increase: from 20 to 22% in the number of ears per m², 41.5% in the number of grains per ear, and 9% in the average weight of the grain. The PUE is strongly correlated to the yield components (Number of ears per square meter- NEM, Number of grains per ear- NGE, thousand grain weight- TGW and Yield) but also to the height at heading (r=0.86) and dry matter (r=0.85). Phosphorus use efficiency is also strongly correlated to flag leaf length and width as well as leaf area. Also, that genotypes with higher weight of thousand grains (WTG) showed better use of available phosphorus. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirms that the efficiency of phosphorus use by the varieties tested explains a large portion of the variation noted in these varieties. This genetic variation in PUE was associated with plant height and phosphorus content of the sown grains. These results could be of a significant impact in improving rainfed durum wheat productivity in semi-arid areas and preserving the environment as well. Key words: Durum wheat, Phosphorus use efficiency, Plant’s height, Genetic variation, Fertilizers’ reduction
{"title":"The effect of phosphorus utilization efficiency on durum wheat cultivars under semi-arid environmental conditions","authors":"L. Mazouz, A. Boussaa, A. Kentour","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.23185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.23185","url":null,"abstract":"Faced with the high cost of phosphate fertilisers in several African countries, including Algeria, and in order to better select varieties according to their fertiliser use efficiency, this study was proposed. The goal of the study was to determine how “variety” impacts durum wheat's capacity to utilize phosphorus effectively and to try to pinpoint the agro-morphological factors that contribute to this efficiency so that they can be taken into consideration when choosing which varieties to sow in semi-arid environments. The experimental setup consisted of a split plot with two investigated factors and three repetitions, with the main plot receiving the phosphate treatment while the sub plot receives the variety. The trial set up consisted of 11 durum wheat varieties, which were cultivated over two years successively. The PUE of the fertiliser, provided in 46% triple superphosphate (TSP) granules, and agro-morphological parameters like aerial biomass, plant height, grain yield and yield components were determined. The findings demonstrated that triple superphosphate, a type of phosphorus fertilizer, increases grain yield by between 40 and 60% for all varieties examined as compared to the phosphorus-free control at the average dose employed in this field trial, or 20 kg P2O5.ha-1. This increase in yield is due to an increase: from 20 to 22% in the number of ears per m², 41.5% in the number of grains per ear, and 9% in the average weight of the grain. The PUE is strongly correlated to the yield components (Number of ears per square meter- NEM, Number of grains per ear- NGE, thousand grain weight- TGW and Yield) but also to the height at heading (r=0.86) and dry matter (r=0.85). Phosphorus use efficiency is also strongly correlated to flag leaf length and width as well as leaf area. Also, that genotypes with higher weight of thousand grains (WTG) showed better use of available phosphorus. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirms that the efficiency of phosphorus use by the varieties tested explains a large portion of the variation noted in these varieties. This genetic variation in PUE was associated with plant height and phosphorus content of the sown grains. These results could be of a significant impact in improving rainfed durum wheat productivity in semi-arid areas and preserving the environment as well. Key words: Durum wheat, Phosphorus use efficiency, Plant’s height, Genetic variation, Fertilizers’ reduction","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"36 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140410949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.23870
JL Bekker, DV Nkosi, Elizabeth Mahlangu
Food labels are the first source of information customers come across when sourcing a food product. Labels provide information about the ingredients, nutritional content, allergens, as well as the origin and advice on the food’s processing and preservation conditions. This information allows the consumer to make informed food choices. Although food labels are provided to help consumers choose healthy foods, it is not established whether they know and understand the information to use to their advantage. The need to comprehend consumer knowledge, understand food labelling information, and whether it could influence consumer choices are vital to researchers, policymakers, and the food industry. The study investigated the knowledge and understanding of food labelling information among Klipgat consumers. In a cross-sectional community-based study with a structured questionnaire, 400 participants were conveniently interviewed on consumer knowledge, understanding of information, and utilization of labelling information. A chi-square for the association of variables compared differences in the districts, and p-value <0.05 was regarded as significantly different. Overall, 79.9% of the study group from all three regions knew that processed food must have a label. Most respondents in the three regions were males (64%). There was a general lack of knowledge about food labelling information (x2=10.726; p=0.03), especially with terms such as trans-fatty acids (23.1%), monounsaturated fat (5.3%), Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) (15.3%) and Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), (14.7%). Socio-demographic characteristics including gender (p=0.030), age (p=0.030), language (p=0.030) and educational level (p=0.030) were significantly associated with consumers’ knowledge and understanding of the labels. The results from this study are useful for the development of communication and awareness strategies of food labelling information, with special emphasis on the use of simpler terminologies. This paper advocates for the development of a “food labelling forum,” consisting of relevant stakeholders with a mandate to; establish, implement, and maintain food labeling strategies, community engagement and general food labeling awareness programs especially in typical communities of South Africa. Key words: communities, food labelling information, labelling terminology, consumer label understanding
{"title":"Consumer knowledge and understanding of food labelling information in Klipgat region, of South Africa","authors":"JL Bekker, DV Nkosi, Elizabeth Mahlangu","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.23870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.23870","url":null,"abstract":"Food labels are the first source of information customers come across when sourcing a food product. Labels provide information about the ingredients, nutritional content, allergens, as well as the origin and advice on the food’s processing and preservation conditions. This information allows the consumer to make informed food choices. Although food labels are provided to help consumers choose healthy foods, it is not established whether they know and understand the information to use to their advantage. The need to comprehend consumer knowledge, understand food labelling information, and whether it could influence consumer choices are vital to researchers, policymakers, and the food industry. The study investigated the knowledge and understanding of food labelling information among Klipgat consumers. In a cross-sectional community-based study with a structured questionnaire, 400 participants were conveniently interviewed on consumer knowledge, understanding of information, and utilization of labelling information. A chi-square for the association of variables compared differences in the districts, and p-value <0.05 was regarded as significantly different. Overall, 79.9% of the study group from all three regions knew that processed food must have a label. Most respondents in the three regions were males (64%). There was a general lack of knowledge about food labelling information (x2=10.726; p=0.03), especially with terms such as trans-fatty acids (23.1%), monounsaturated fat (5.3%), Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) (15.3%) and Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), (14.7%). Socio-demographic characteristics including gender (p=0.030), age (p=0.030), language (p=0.030) and educational level (p=0.030) were significantly associated with consumers’ knowledge and understanding of the labels. The results from this study are useful for the development of communication and awareness strategies of food labelling information, with special emphasis on the use of simpler terminologies. This paper advocates for the development of a “food labelling forum,” consisting of relevant stakeholders with a mandate to; establish, implement, and maintain food labeling strategies, community engagement and general food labeling awareness programs especially in typical communities of South Africa. Key words: communities, food labelling information, labelling terminology, consumer label understanding","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"2 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140413345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.126.23545
EA Ajah, EB Etowa, EB Effa, UI Ofem, HE Iso, OI Ettah, IA Asuquo
This study analysed the effect of credit on the poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. The study described sources of credit, comparing the poverty status of credit recipients versus non-recipients, and the relationship between credit access and poverty index alongside the relationship between socioeconomic factors and poverty index. Data was collected from 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors with the use of structured questionnaire. Poverty was measured with the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model class of weighted poverty measures. Descriptive statistics were used to examine poverty status, access to credit and the sociodemographic attributes of the roasted plantain vendors. Next, using descriptive statistics, the poverty status of the vendors who accessed credit was compared to those who did not access credit. Finally, the association between access to credit and poverty index was analyzed with logistic regression model while adjusting for the effects of sociodemographic factors. Descriptive statistics showed that 60% of the vendors were female, the average age was 35 years, and the average household size was four persons. Precisely, 91% of the roasted plantain vendors had completed primary or higher education. Exactly, 64.5% received credit, while 30.79% reported non-institutional lenders as sources of credit. The mean monthly income was N48,036.36 (US$116.89). Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (0.268) compared to non-recipients (0.487). Credit access (OR = .083, p<.01) and household (OR=2.496, p<.01) had statistically significant associations with the poverty index. Policies promoting structural transformation are recommended for sustainable financial inclusion. An effective economic growth and development program, for example, will increase productive capacities and reduce capital losses, increase creditworthiness, motivate capital expansion and sustainable growth. Also, it was recommended that cooperative formation among the vendors is required. Membership of such a cooperative will increase credit access through reduced transaction cost, higher group’s creditworthiness/borrowing experience and stronger negotiation capacity. A Nigerian economic transformation program to promote increased productive capacities and reduced capital losses is necessary for any financial inclusion policies to sustainably alleviate poverty among deprived agro-processors such as the roasted plantain vendors. Such programs will include financial literacy including banking and loan repayments, business innovations, and business plan development. Key words: Credit, Financial inclusion, Micro-agro-processors, Plantain roasting, Poverty, Urban agriculture
{"title":"Financial inclusion of urban agro-processors: effect of credit on poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria","authors":"EA Ajah, EB Etowa, EB Effa, UI Ofem, HE Iso, OI Ettah, IA Asuquo","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.126.23545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.126.23545","url":null,"abstract":"This study analysed the effect of credit on the poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. The study described sources of credit, comparing the poverty status of credit recipients versus non-recipients, and the relationship between credit access and poverty index alongside the relationship between socioeconomic factors and poverty index. Data was collected from 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors with the use of structured questionnaire. Poverty was measured with the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model class of weighted poverty measures. Descriptive statistics were used to examine poverty status, access to credit and the sociodemographic attributes of the roasted plantain vendors. Next, using descriptive statistics, the poverty status of the vendors who accessed credit was compared to those who did not access credit. Finally, the association between access to credit and poverty index was analyzed with logistic regression model while adjusting for the effects of sociodemographic factors. Descriptive statistics showed that 60% of the vendors were female, the average age was 35 years, and the average household size was four persons. Precisely, 91% of the roasted plantain vendors had completed primary or higher education. Exactly, 64.5% received credit, while 30.79% reported non-institutional lenders as sources of credit. The mean monthly income was N48,036.36 (US$116.89). Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (0.268) compared to non-recipients (0.487). Credit access (OR = .083, p<.01) and household (OR=2.496, p<.01) had statistically significant associations with the poverty index. Policies promoting structural transformation are recommended for sustainable financial inclusion. An effective economic growth and development program, for example, will increase productive capacities and reduce capital losses, increase creditworthiness, motivate capital expansion and sustainable growth. Also, it was recommended that cooperative formation among the vendors is required. Membership of such a cooperative will increase credit access through reduced transaction cost, higher group’s creditworthiness/borrowing experience and stronger negotiation capacity. A Nigerian economic transformation program to promote increased productive capacities and reduced capital losses is necessary for any financial inclusion policies to sustainably alleviate poverty among deprived agro-processors such as the roasted plantain vendors. Such programs will include financial literacy including banking and loan repayments, business innovations, and business plan development. Key words: Credit, Financial inclusion, Micro-agro-processors, Plantain roasting, Poverty, Urban agriculture","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"13 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140410935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.23355
WL Jere, Mebbah Pojana
Fish have an important role in food systems of Zambia and are a cheaper source of animal protein, vitamins and minerals. Presently, fish catches are dwindling and many children and women in rural Zambia are malnourished because their diet consists mainly of maize, vegetables and legumes. The main component of the diet is nsima, a form of thick porridge prepared from maize flour, which provides energy as carbohydrates. This study was done to assess the impact of a non-native fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Nile tilapia) which has both positive and negative impacts on Zambia’s food system, with particular reference to the Lake Kariba fishery. The study was based on a networked systems framework, achieved through the administration of questionnaires, interviewing 377 randomly selected respondents from the three areas of the lake (I, II and IV) and 156 respondents from 7 selected open fish markets. Focus group discussions (FGD) were done with women, men and youth, who were key informants. Analysis of results using chi-square analysis, which cross-tabulated variables were used to obtain the results. Non-native fish were introduced in the early 1980s for cage culture production in Lake Kariba but some fish accidentally escaped. This has changed the composition and abundance of fish species in the lake. Despite the negative ecological impact on native biodiversity, results showed that more fish are available to households, improving nutrition and disposable income from fish sales. The disposable income is used to purchase other foods, thereby reducing malnutrition among rural households. Thus, the introduction of appropriate non-native species might benefit households and the nation as a whole. Key words: Malnutrition, non-native fish species, Lake Kariba, Zambia, tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
{"title":"Non-native fish species as an important part of Zambia's food system: a case study of the Lake Kariba fishery","authors":"WL Jere, Mebbah Pojana","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.23355","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.23355","url":null,"abstract":"Fish have an important role in food systems of Zambia and are a cheaper source of animal protein, vitamins and minerals. Presently, fish catches are dwindling and many children and women in rural Zambia are malnourished because their diet consists mainly of maize, vegetables and legumes. The main component of the diet is nsima, a form of thick porridge prepared from maize flour, which provides energy as carbohydrates. This study was done to assess the impact of a non-native fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Nile tilapia) which has both positive and negative impacts on Zambia’s food system, with particular reference to the Lake Kariba fishery. The study was based on a networked systems framework, achieved through the administration of questionnaires, interviewing 377 randomly selected respondents from the three areas of the lake (I, II and IV) and 156 respondents from 7 selected open fish markets. Focus group discussions (FGD) were done with women, men and youth, who were key informants. Analysis of results using chi-square analysis, which cross-tabulated variables were used to obtain the results. Non-native fish were introduced in the early 1980s for cage culture production in Lake Kariba but some fish accidentally escaped. This has changed the composition and abundance of fish species in the lake. Despite the negative ecological impact on native biodiversity, results showed that more fish are available to households, improving nutrition and disposable income from fish sales. The disposable income is used to purchase other foods, thereby reducing malnutrition among rural households. Thus, the introduction of appropriate non-native species might benefit households and the nation as a whole. Key words: Malnutrition, non-native fish species, Lake Kariba, Zambia, tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140413266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.127.22870
NY Sarfo, EW Cornelius, SK Torkpo
A major constraint to tomato cultivation is bacterial wilt disease. The use of greenhouses to cultivate tomato is vital to controlling the bacterial wilt disease. Bacterial wilt can be successfully managed when farmers are well-informed with better knowledge of bacterial wilt in tomatoes. This study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and experiences on the cultivation practices, prevalence, detection, spread, and control of bacterial wilt disease in tomato in greenhouses in the Volta, Eastern, Central, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered for fifty (50) greenhouse farmers, purposefully selected using a database of greenhouse tomato producers in southern Ghana provided by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). Frequency data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The majority (86%) of respondents had formal education. Most of the greenhouses in operation were in the Greater Accra Region, and none was under cultivation in the Volta region at the time of the study. Most respondents have been involved in greenhouse tomato cultivation for barely three years. The frequency of greenhouse tomatoes production varied from one region to the other. Only 28% of greenhouse farmers knew the test to detect the disease with 64% of greenhouse farmers without any knowledge about how the disease spreads. 62% of respondents used roughing and burying of the infected plants to control the disease. Out of the 54 greenhouses (domes) surveyed, 12 were infected with the bacterial wilt disease. Greenhouse farmers had little knowledge on the spread, detection, and control of the bacterial wilt disease of tomato. The findings of this study would lead to the design of targeted training programs on cultivation practices, detection, spread and management of bacterial wilt of tomato to increase yield and boost income levels of greenhouse tomato farmers in Ghana. Key words: bacterial wilt, tomatoes, spread, detection, control, greenhouse, farmers, constraints
{"title":"Greenhouse tomato farmers' knowledge, perceptions, and management of tomato bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) disease","authors":"NY Sarfo, EW Cornelius, SK Torkpo","doi":"10.18697/ajfand.127.22870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.127.22870","url":null,"abstract":"A major constraint to tomato cultivation is bacterial wilt disease. The use of greenhouses to cultivate tomato is vital to controlling the bacterial wilt disease. Bacterial wilt can be successfully managed when farmers are well-informed with better knowledge of bacterial wilt in tomatoes. This study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and experiences on the cultivation practices, prevalence, detection, spread, and control of bacterial wilt disease in tomato in greenhouses in the Volta, Eastern, Central, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered for fifty (50) greenhouse farmers, purposefully selected using a database of greenhouse tomato producers in southern Ghana provided by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). Frequency data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The majority (86%) of respondents had formal education. Most of the greenhouses in operation were in the Greater Accra Region, and none was under cultivation in the Volta region at the time of the study. Most respondents have been involved in greenhouse tomato cultivation for barely three years. The frequency of greenhouse tomatoes production varied from one region to the other. Only 28% of greenhouse farmers knew the test to detect the disease with 64% of greenhouse farmers without any knowledge about how the disease spreads. 62% of respondents used roughing and burying of the infected plants to control the disease. Out of the 54 greenhouses (domes) surveyed, 12 were infected with the bacterial wilt disease. Greenhouse farmers had little knowledge on the spread, detection, and control of the bacterial wilt disease of tomato. The findings of this study would lead to the design of targeted training programs on cultivation practices, detection, spread and management of bacterial wilt of tomato to increase yield and boost income levels of greenhouse tomato farmers in Ghana. Key words: bacterial wilt, tomatoes, spread, detection, control, greenhouse, farmers, constraints","PeriodicalId":7710,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140415343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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