Prosopis pods as human food, with special reference to Kenya#

Several legume tree and shrub species of the genus Prosopis from South and Central America have been distributed around the dry regions of the world over the past 200 years. The first documented introduction of Prosopis in Kenya was in 1973, since when it has spread widely, adversely affecting natural habitats, rangelands and cultivated areas. P. juliflora is the most common naturalised species in Kenya, but P. pallida also occurs. In contrast to their undesirable effects as invasive weeds, many Prosopis species are valuable multipurpose resources in their native range, providing timber, firewood, livestockfeed, human food, shade, shelter and soil improvement. The pods, which are high in sugars, carbohydrates and protein, have been a historic source of food for human populations in North and South America providing flour and other edible products. However, this indigenous knowledge has not followed the Prosopis trees and the fruit are unused or provide only fodder for livestock in most of Africa and Asia. Although Prosopis will not easily be eradicated in Kenya, a degree ofcontrol may be achieved through intensive utilisation of tree products and by improved management. In 2005, a project waslaunched in Kenya to develop income-generating activities using Prosopis. A workshop in 2006 explored the possibility ofproducing locally-acceptable food from Prosopis flour. Taste tests and feedback on the different recipes indicated that all of the food made with 20% Prosopis flour had a pleasant taste. Preliminary analyses of Prosopis flour samples from Kenya indicate good nutritional properties, but also the presence of aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A. Further study is required to determine toxin levels in freshly harvested pods, and in pods and flour after various periods of storage, and to developappropriate harvesting and storage methods to maximise nutritional benefit and minimise risk to human health

Markets for three bark products in Zimbabwe: a case study of markets for bark of Adansonia digitata, Berchemia discolor and Warburgia salutaris

Markets for craft and medicinal products derived from the bark of three tree species were assessed in rural and urban areas of Zimbabwe. Bark crafts from Adansonia digitata (baobab) are widely sold in these regions. The number of sellers has increased since the 1980s and has remained relatively stable since then. Competition for local purchasers is provided by domestic and imported substitutes. Most baobab craft items are relatively bulky and the export market for them is largely limited to affluent travellers from South Africa. This is a relatively localized market. Seasonality in baobab craft production and sales is pronounced in the rural area. Prices are transparent and arbitrage appears to occur. This is not the case in the markets for the bark of Warburgia salutaris, which is used as a traditional medicine. There are relatively few sellers, prices do not exhibit regionally consistent patterns and this species appears to have become locally extinct. Bark of Berchemia discolor is not highly commercialised in this region; no sales of this bark were observed in the course of the study