Proximate composition and sensory characteristics of refractance window dried cowpea composite porridges

Undernutrition is a major public health concern in Uganda. Locally available nutrient dense diets can help reduce the problem of undernutrition.  Utilisation of cowpea leaf powder in preparing composite porridge blends depends on sensory acceptance of the consumers. A Nutrisurvey  software was used to formulate two composite flour blends, namely maize and millet in a ratio 2:8 and cowpea-maize in a ratio of 1:9 to achieve the  daily requirement of protein for children. The study developed a process for the production of composite cowpea flour from finger millet flour and  maize flour and followed a one factor design in which maize flour (MF) and millet flour (MMF) was substituted with cowpea leaves flour (CPL). The  composites were dried using refractance window drying technology. The proximate composition of the composite flours were determined using  standard methods while sensory acceptability of porridges was rated on a five-point Likert scale using an untrained panel. Results indicated a  significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (10.9 to 13.4%), dietary fibre (11.01 to 13.0%) and lipids (4.71 to 5.3%) contents for cowpea-millet composite  porridge. For cowpea-maize composite flour, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (5.9 to 7.6%), dietary fibre (1.47 to 3.3%) and lipids (2.84 to  3.3%) was also observed. Sensory evaluation indicated that between the two composite porridges, the cowpeamillet porridge blend was  significantly (P≤0.05) more appealing in terms of colour (3.61±0.8), aroma (2.96±0.2), taste (3.24±0.6), texture (3.62±0.6) and general acceptability  (3.61±0.8) to the panellists than the cowpea-maize porridge blend. The cowpea-millet and cowpea-maize composite flours can contribute more than  100% of the recommended dietary allowance of protein and carbohydrate requirements for children aged 0-8 years. The study findings indicate that  the cowpea-based composite flours have the potential to make a significant contribution to the improvement in the nutritional status of  infants and children in developing countries

Traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care system: A preliminary case study of Nangabo sub-county, central Uganda

This study was conducted in Nangabo sub-county of Wakiso district. The purpose was to document the common Traditional Medicine (TM) practices; assess the local people's preferences for TM versus western medicine (WM) and lastly to determine the awareness about the importance of TM by local people. Data were collected using semi-structured administered face-to-face with respondents. A total of 120 interviewed. Six focused group discussions (FGDs) were held to validate the questionnaire responses. Data were analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicated that most (43%) respondents derive their livelihoods from traditional medicine practices. Three forms of TM were reportedherbalism (67%), spiritual counseling (23%) and bone setting (10%). Although the majority (81%) of respondents were quite aware of the importance of TM in the sustenance of health care system, majority (55%) of them shunned TM in preference to WM, largely because of the belief that TM is evil-founded and devilish in nature. Only 45% of the respondents preferred TM to WM. The main reasons given for visiting TM practioners rather than western medical practitioners were that TM is sometimes more effective than WM and that in many instances it has very minimal side effects on the human body. There is, however, a need for Ugandan government to legitimize the practice of TM since it contributes a lot to health care needs in areas where western medicine is insufficiently provided. In addition, there is a need for further research into the efficacy and safety of traditional medicines if it is to be adequately integrated into western medicine.Key words: Traditional medicine, health care, herbalism, spiritual counseling, bone setting, Ugand

Nutrient and bioactive analyses of forests foods for policy making on food and nutrition security in Central Africa

A serious public health challenge may be envisaged in central Africa, especially with a growing population, rapid westernization of traditional African diets and increasing demand for sufficient essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, having the second largest tropical rainforest basin in the world, forest foods that are widely consumed in Central Africa contain adequate essential nutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins C and E, Fe, Se, Ca and Na. This review purports that forest foods can considerably contribute towards meeting human nutrient requirements by replacing imported western foods that are generally more expensive and lower in essential nutrients. We recommend that forest foods should be considered in setting nutrition education strategies and formulating policies governing food and nutrition security in Central Africa

Nutrients and bioactive compounds content of Baillonella toxisperma, Trichoscypha abut and Pentaclethra macrophylla from Cameroon

Baillonella toxisperma, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Trichoscypha abut are important foods for communities living around forests in Cameroon. Information on the nutritional value and bioactive content of these foods is required to establish their contribution to the nutrition and health of the communities. Samples of the three foods were obtained from four villages in east and three villages in south Cameroon. The foods were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals and bioactive content using standard chemical analysis methods. T. abut was found to be an excellent source of bioactive compounds; flavonoids (306 mg/100 g), polyphenols (947 mg/100 g), proanthocyanins (61.2 mg/100 g), vitamin C (80.05 mg/100 g), and total oxalates (0.6 mg/100 g). P. macrophylla was found to be a rich source of total fat (38.71%), protein (15.82%) and total fiber (17.10%) and some bioactive compounds; vitamin E (19.4 mg/100 g) and proanthocyanins (65.0 mg/100 g). B. toxisperma, was found to have high content of carbohydrates (89.6%), potassium (27.5 mg/100 g) and calcium (37.5 mg/100 g). Flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E are the main bioactive compounds in these forest foods. The daily consumption of some of these fruits may coffer protection against some ailments and oxidative stress. Approximately 200 g of either B. toxisperma or P. macrophylla, can supply 100% iron and zinc RDAs for children aged 1–3 years, while 300 g of the two forest foods can supply about 85% iron and zinc RDAs for non-pregnant non-lactating women. The three foods provide 100% daily vitamins C and E requirements for both adults and children. The results of this study show that Baillonella toxisperma, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Trichoscypha abut can considerably contribute towards the human nutrient requirements. These forest foods also contain substantial levels of health promoting phytochemicals notably flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E. These foods therefore have potential to promote nutrition and health, especially among forest dependent communities who consume them in substantial amounts

Poverty and poor education are key determinants of high household food insecurity among populations adjoining forest concessions in the Congo Basin

Background: The trees and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) of the Congo Basin play a key role in alleviating food insecurity among millions of people around the world. Although many studies have been conducted both nationally and regionally on issues of food insecurity in the Congo Basin, little is known on the effects of timber exploitation on household food insecurity statues of forest dependent communities in this region. This study focused on the determination of the principal indicators of household food security status of populations living around six selected forest concessions in the Congo Basin. Method: We randomly surveyed 724 households in thirty-four communities living in six popular forest concessions around the Congo Basin. Food consumption pattern data was collected using a validated food-frequency questionnaire in 2012. Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP) was assessed using the HFIAP indicator and households were categorized into four levels of household food insecurity status as follows: Food secure (HFIAS = 0); mildly food insecure (HFIAS 1–8); moderately food insecure (HFIAS 9–13); and severely food insecure (HFIAS 14–27). Results: The majority of the households interviewed were headed by women (73.1 %, 76.6 %, and 58.6 % for Cameroon, DRC and Gabon respectively), most of them married (84.6 %, 100 %, 57.6 % for Cameroon, DRC and Gabon respectively) with an average age range of 30–49 years. Most of the household members were engaged in farming and/or illegal logging as the main revenue generating activities. Results of global household food insecurity categorized 63.8 % of households in Cameroon as fully food secure and 36 % as food insecure. In the DRC (92.9 %) and Gabon (92.7 %), almost all the survey households were categorized as either moderately or severely food insecure; clearly elucidating the existence of severe insufficiency in the quantity and quality of food meant for human nutrition in these areas. The means of household food insecurity scores for the DRC (17.40 ± 4.15) and Gabon (14.9 ± 5.87) were significantly higher when compared to the average score for Cameroon ((7.55 ± 6.62) at p < 0.0001. This literally means that many of the households especially in DRC and Gabon face enormous difficulties in obtaining an adequate dietary energy supply. Gender (female), educational level (illiterate), and age (young) were positively correlated to food insecurity levels. Conclusion: Our results revealed that, despite the potential contribution of the Congo Basin forests, through enhancing access to different forms of quality foods such as bush meat, wild foods, and medicine, not forgetting the provision of agricultural land, local construction material, and income generation resources, the prevalence of food insecurity among the population adjoining forest concessions in the region is severe. This prevalence is alarming around forest concessions of the DRC and Gabon and in one concession of Cameroon. Given that poverty and poor education were positively correlated to household food insecurity, they were considered the paramount determinants of household food insecurity in this region

Perceived nutrition benefits and socio-demographic factors affecting consumption of forest foods in eastern and southern Cameroon

African forests act as sources of both plant and animal foods that provide significant amounts of nutrients and healthy boosting bioactive compounds. This study investigated the relationship between knowledge, perceptions and socio-demographic attributes towards consumption of forest foods. A total of 279 females in charge of decision making with respect to food preparation, were randomly selected from 12 villages in southern and eastern Cameroon, and interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio demographic factors and perceptions affecting consumption of forest foods. Baillonella toxisperma (African pearwood) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (bush mango) (81%) and Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) were identified as the most nutritious foods. Among the animal forest foods, bush meat (11%) and Imbrasia spp. (edible caterpillars) (10%) were identified as the most nutritious. Consumption of forest foods was higher among polygamous families and also positively related to length of stay in the forest area, as well as age of female respondents. Education had an inverse relationship with use of forest foods. Perception towards the nutritional value of forest foods were also found to positively influence consumption of forest foods. Since negative perceptions were found to influence consumption, there is need to invest in awareness campaigns to strengthen the current knowledge levels among the study population.Les for\ueats africaines sont des r\ue9servoirs d\u2019aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux et animaux fournissant des quantit\ue9s importantes de nutriments et compos\ue9s bioactifs stimulants naturels. La pr\ue9sente \ue9tude analyse la relation entre les connaissances, les perceptions et les caract\ue9ristiques sociod\ue9mographiques de la consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats. Un total de 279 femmes responsables du choix et de la pr\ue9paration des aliments familiaux ont \ue9t\ue9 choisis au hasard dans 12 villages du Sud et de l\u2019Est du Cameroun, et interview\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019aide de questionnaires administr\ue9s par des chercheurs. L\u2019analyse de r\ue9gression multi-vari\ue9e a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9e pour identifier les facteurs sociod\ue9mographiques et les perceptions qui affectent la consommation desdits aliments. Baillonella toxisperma (Moabi) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (mangue sauvage) (81%) et Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme les aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux les plus nutritifs. Pour ce qui est des aliments forestiers d\u2019origine animale, la viande de brousse (11%) et Imbrasia spp. (chenilles comestibles) (10%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme \ue9tant les plus nutritifs. La consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats \ue9tait plus \ue9lev\ue9e parmi les familles polygames et positivement corr\ue9l\ue9e \ue0 la dur\ue9e de s\ue9jour dans la zone foresti\ue8re, ainsi qu\u2019\ue0 l\u2019\ue2ge des femmes interrog\ue9es. Le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation avait une relation inverse avec l\u2019utilisation des aliments forestiers. La perception de leurs valeur nutritives avait \ue9galement une influence positive sur leur consommation. \uc9tant donn\ue9 que les pr\ue9jug\ue9s qui ont longtemps marqu\ue9s ces aliments influencent n\ue9gativement leur consommation, il est n\ue9cessaire de sensibiliser et de renforcer le niveau de connaissance des populations \ue9tudi\ue9e sur la valeur nutritive de ces produits

Perceived nutrition benefits and socio-demographic factors affecting consumption of forest foods in eastern and southern Cameroon

African forests act as sources of both plant and animal foods that provide significant amounts of nutrients and healthy boosting bioactive compounds. This study investigated the relationship between knowledge, perceptions and socio-demographic attributes towards consumption of forest foods. A total of 279 females in charge of decision making with respect to food preparation, were randomly selected from 12 villages in southern and eastern Cameroon, and interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio demographic factors and perceptions affecting consumption of forest foods. Baillonella toxisperma (African pearwood) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (bush mango) (81%) and Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) were identified as the most nutritious foods. Among the animal forest foods, bush meat (11%) and Imbrasia spp. (edible caterpillars) (10%) were identified as the most nutritious. Consumption of forest foods was higher among polygamous families and also positively related to length of stay in the forest area, as well as age of female respondents. Education had an inverse relationship with use of forest foods. Perception towards the nutritional value of forest foods were also found to positively influence consumption of forest foods. Since negative perceptions were found to influence consumption, there is need to invest in awareness campaigns to strengthen the current knowledge levels among the study population.Les for\ueats africaines sont des r\ue9servoirs d\u2019aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux et animaux fournissant des quantit\ue9s importantes de nutriments et compos\ue9s bioactifs stimulants naturels. La pr\ue9sente \ue9tude analyse la relation entre les connaissances, les perceptions et les caract\ue9ristiques sociod\ue9mographiques de la consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats. Un total de 279 femmes responsables du choix et de la pr\ue9paration des aliments familiaux ont \ue9t\ue9 choisis au hasard dans 12 villages du Sud et de l\u2019Est du Cameroun, et interview\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019aide de questionnaires administr\ue9s par des chercheurs. L\u2019analyse de r\ue9gression multi-vari\ue9e a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9e pour identifier les facteurs sociod\ue9mographiques et les perceptions qui affectent la consommation desdits aliments. Baillonella toxisperma (Moabi) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (mangue sauvage) (81%) et Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme les aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux les plus nutritifs. Pour ce qui est des aliments forestiers d\u2019origine animale, la viande de brousse (11%) et Imbrasia spp. (chenilles comestibles) (10%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme \ue9tant les plus nutritifs. La consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats \ue9tait plus \ue9lev\ue9e parmi les familles polygames et positivement corr\ue9l\ue9e \ue0 la dur\ue9e de s\ue9jour dans la zone foresti\ue8re, ainsi qu\u2019\ue0 l\u2019\ue2ge des femmes interrog\ue9es. Le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation avait une relation inverse avec l\u2019utilisation des aliments forestiers. La perception de leurs valeur nutritives avait \ue9galement une influence positive sur leur consommation. \uc9tant donn\ue9 que les pr\ue9jug\ue9s qui ont longtemps marqu\ue9s ces aliments influencent n\ue9gativement leur consommation, il est n\ue9cessaire de sensibiliser et de renforcer le niveau de connaissance des populations \ue9tudi\ue9e sur la valeur nutritive de ces produits

Contribution of forest foods to dietary intake and their association with household food insecurity: a cross-sectional study in women from rural Cameroon

To determine the contribution of forest foods to dietary intake and estimate their association with household food insecurity. Cross-sectional survey conducted among 279 households. Using a 7 d recall questionnaire, information on household food consumption was collected from women and used to determine the household dietary diversity score, food variety score and forest food consumption score (FFCS). Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) score was determined and Spearman rank correlation was used to establish the relationship between consumption of forest foods and HFIAS score. Women’s dietary intake was estimated from two 24 h recalls. The contribution of forest foods to women’s nutrient intakes was calculated and women’s nutrient intakes were compared with estimated average nutrient requirements. Rural forest-dependent households in twelve villages in eastern and southern Cameroon. Household heads and their non-pregnant, non-lactating spouses. Forty-seven unique forest foods were identified; of these, seventeen were consumed by 98 % of respondents over the course of one week and by 17 % of women during the two 24 h recall periods. Although forest foods contributed approximately half of women’s total daily energy intake, considerably greater contributions were made to vitamin A (93 %), Na (100 %), Fe (85 %), Zn (88 %) and Ca (89 %) intakes. Despite a highly biodiverse pool of foods, most households (83 %) suffered from high food insecurity based on the HFIAS. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the HFIAS score and the FFCS (r2=−0·169, P=0·0006), demonstrating that forest foods play an important role in ensuring food security in these forest-dependent communities. Forest foods are widely consumed by forest-dependent communities. Given their rich nutrient content, they have potential to contribute to food and nutrition security

Networks among agricultural stakeholders in the southwestern highlands of Uganda

The aim of this study was to explore the interactions that exist among agricultural stakeholders in the southwestern highlands of Uganda as a way of identifying opportunities and gaps for operation of Innovation Platforms (IPs) under the proof of concept of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) research project. The specific objectives were to (i) characterize the agricultural stakeholders in the study sites (ii) determine the nature, diversity and relative importance of horizontal and vertical networks that exist among stakeholders in the Southwestern Highlands of Uganda. Data were collected from both stakeholder analysis and household interviews in Kabale and Kisoro Districts. Results show that extension staff, local governments and farmer groups accounted for approximately 75% of all categories of stakeholders in the area. Most of these organizations started after 10 to 15 years ago following the return of relative political stability in Uganda. Generally, stakeholder interactions in site with limited ARD intervention are more limited compared to their high-intervention counterparts. Sites with “good” market access have more institutions operating there but majority are isolated from each other. At household level, an individual household has networks with approximately two different organizations most of which are farmer groups or credit associations. The greatest proportion of horizontal networks that a household has is with fellow farmers. In order to make the value chain complete, establishment of IPs should pay special attention to including the private sector such as input and produce dealers. Facilitating IP actors to identify critical challenges and opportunities, and effectively articulate them will ensure cohesion. It is also critical to periodically monitor and evaluate stakeholders in terms of the quality of the networks to minimize conflict situations