Improved cassava processing technology: Final technical report

The overall purpose of the project was to develop improved cassava processing methods that have enhanced post-harvest qualities including low cyanogen levels and/or product storability

Assessment of the needs and opportunities in post-harvest systems of non-grain starch staple food crops

This manual provides information on methods which can be used for assessing needs and opportunities related primarily to non-grain starch staple (NGSS) post-harvest systems. Between 1993 and 1995, case studies were carried out in Tanzania and Ghana to validate these methods. The results and experience derived from the studies were used as a basis for national and regional training workshops organized by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) in collaboration with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) in March 1994, and the Post-Harvest Development Unit (PHDU) of the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture in February 1995. The preparation of this document forms part of the ODA-funded project entitled 'Transfer of needs assessment methodologies and post-harvest technologies for non-grain starch staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa'. The information provided in the manual focuses on the rationale and principles of using a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach to needs assessment, describes tools and techniques for rapid, cost-effective information gathering, and examines the methodological issues associated with the planning and implementation of a PRA survey. Owing to the strong market orientation of NGSS crops in many parts of Africa, Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) techniques are also introduced. In addition to the case studies carried out in Tanzania and Ghana, the manual draws on a number of references. These will be indicated sparingly because of the nature of the manual. However, the following were used extensively: Gilling and Cropley (1993) in the section on practical issues, Holtzman et al. (1993) in the section on Rapid Market Appraisal, and Theis and Grady (1991) in the section on tools and techniques. Other references were used to a lesser extent. Appendix 1 provides a list of references and selected reading which may be useful when carrying out NGSS needs assessment surveys. The purpose of this document is to provide a guide for researchers, scientists, extension officers and other practitioners working on NGSS food crops, particularly post-harvest aspects. Although it may also be used for other rural development projects, the emphasis is on how to assess the post-harvest needs of NGSS food crop systems. The first section provides some background information on informal survey methodologies such as Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), PRA and RMA. The practical aspects of planning and conducting a needs assessment survey are then examined before discussing the use of specific tools and techniques. The main part of the manual concludes with a discussion of the possible dangers and shortcomings of informal data collection. The Appendices also include checklists for NGSS needs assessment surveys and an overview of key informants who can be used in RMAs

Methods for assessing quality characteristics of non-grain starch staples. (Part 2. Field Methods.)

This manual sets out in a four-part publication the main methods necessary to evaluate the quality characteristics of nongrain starch staple (NGSS) food crops (cassava, sweet potato, banana, plantain, yam and cocoyam) and their processed products. It is designed to be a reference source and laboratory guide for food analysis laboratories and those concerned with the quality of NGSS. It is hoped that the provision of this manual and its active promotion through workshops will assist in the uptake of quality assessment methodologies, the setting of quality standards and to the improved quality of fresh material and their processed products. It is expected that the audience for this manual will be wide ranging and include: • public sector research and development establishments such as universities, colleges and research institutes-this would include bodies responsible for NGSS breeding programmes and food and nutrition programmes; • bureaux of standards/quality standards boards and other bodies responsible for setting and monitoring the standard of foods and raw materials within the NGSS sector; and • private sector quality control laboratories wishing to implement quality assurance systems utilizing NGSS or their by-products as raw materials for food or industrial applications. Different groups may wish to use different parts of the manual. The manual is divided into four parts: • Part 1 Introductory section; • Part 2 Field methods: methods that require a minimum of equipment and are suitable for use in situations where a laboratory is not readily available; • Part 3 Laboratory methods: this part brings together most of the standard laboratory methods for the analysis of NGSS food crops; and • Part 4 Advanced methods: in this part a diverse range of techniques is brought together. It includes methods of a more advanced nature and possibly requiring more sophisticated equipment than described in Part 3. This section may be used for research purposes

Methods for assessing quality characteristics of non-grain starch staples. (Part 3. Laboratory methods.)

This manual sets out in a four-part publication the main methods necessary to evaluate the quality characteristics of nongrain starch staple (NGSS) food crops (cassava, sweet potato, banana, plantain, yam and cocoyam) and their processed products. It is designed to be a reference source and laboratory guide for food analysis laboratories and those concerned with the quality of NGSS. It is hoped that the provision of this manual and its active promotion through workshops will assist in the uptake of quality assessment methodologies, the setting of quality standards and to the improved quality of fresh material and their processed products. It is expected that the audience for this manual will be wide ranging and include: • public sector research and development establishments such as universities, colleges and research institutes-this would include bodies responsible for NGSS breeding programmes and food and nutrition programmes; • bureaux of standards/quality standards boards and other bodies responsible for setting and monitoring the standard of foods and raw materials within the NGSS sector; and • private sector quality control laboratories wishing to implement quality assurance systems utilizing NGSS or their by-products as raw materials for food or industrial applications. Different groups may wish to use different parts of the manual. The manual is divided into four parts: • Part 1 Introductory section; • Part 2 Field methods: methods that require a minimum of equipment and are suitable for use in situations where a laboratory is not readily available; • Part 3 Laboratory methods: this part brings together most of the standard laboratory methods for the analysis of NGSS food crops; and • Part 4 Advanced methods: in this part a diverse range of techniques is brought together. It includes methods of a more advanced nature and possibly requiring more sophisticated equipment than described in Part 3. This section may be used for research purposes

Methods for assessing quality characteristics of non-grain starch staples. (Part 1. Introduction.)

This manual sets out in a four-part publication the main methods necessary to evaluate the quality characteristics of nongrain starch staple (NGSS) food crops (cassava, sweet potato, banana, plantain, yam and cocoyam) and their processed products. It is designed to be a reference source and laboratory guide for food analysis laboratories and those concerned with the quality of NGSS. It is hoped that the provision of this manual and its active promotion through workshops will assist in the uptake of quality assessment methodologies, the setting of quality standards and to the improved quality of fresh material and their processed products. It is expected that the audience for this manual will be wide ranging and include: • public sector research and development establishments such as universities, colleges and research institutes-this would include bodies responsible for NGSS breeding programmes and food and nutrition programmes; • bureaux of standards/quality standards boards and other bodies responsible for setting and monitoring the standard of foods and raw materials within the NGSS sector; and • private sector quality control laboratories wishing to implement quality assurance systems utilizing NGSS or their by-products as raw materials for food or industrial applications. Different groups may wish to use different parts of the manual. The manual is divided into four parts: • Part 1 Introductory section; • Part 2 Field methods: methods that require a minimum of equipment and are suitable for use in situations where a laboratory is not readily available; • Part 3 Laboratory methods: this part brings together most of the standard laboratory methods for the analysis of NGSS food crops; and • Part 4 Advanced methods: in this part a diverse range of techniques is brought together. It includes methods of a more advanced nature and possibly requiring more sophisticated equipment than described in Part 3. This section may be used for research purposes

Effects of High Dietary HEME Iron and Radiation on Cardiovascular Function

The radiation related health risks to astronauts is of particular concern to NASA. Data support that exposure to radiation is associated with a number of disorders including a heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases. Independent of radiation, altered nutrient status (e.g. high dietary iron) also increases ones risk for cardiovascular disease. However, it is unknown whether exposure to radiation in combination with high dietary iron further increases ones cardiovascular risk. The intent of our proposal is to generate compulsory data examining the combined effect of radiation exposure and iron overload on sensitivity to radiation injury to address HRP risks: 1) Risk Factor of Inadequate Nutrition; 2) Risk of Cardiac Rhythm Problems; and 3) Risk of Degenerative Tissue or other Health Effects from Space Radiation. Towards our goal we propose two distinct pilot studies using the following specific aims: Vascular Aim 1: To determine the short-term consequences of the independent and combined effects of exposure to gamma radiation and elevated body iron stores on measures of endothelial function and cell viability and integrity. We hypothesize that animals that have high body iron stores and are exposed to gamma radiation will show a greater reduction in endothelial dependent nitric oxid production and larger pathological changes in endothelial integrity than animals that have only 1 of those treatments (either high iron stores or exposure to gamma radiation). Vascular Aim 2: Identify and compare the effects of gamma radiation and elevated body iron stores on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of proteins associated with endothelial cell function. We hypothesize that modifications of epigenetic control and posttranslational expression of proteins associated with endothelial cell function will be differentially altered in rats with high body iron stores and exposed to gamma radiation compared to rats with only 1 type of treatment. Cardiac Aim 1: To determine the short-term consequences of the independent and combined effects of gamma radiation and elevated body iron stores on measures of cardiac structure. We hypothesize that modifications to cardiac structure and function will be greater in rats with high body iron stores and exposed to gamma radiation than in rats that have only 1 of those treatments. Cardiac Aim 2: Identify and compare the effects of gamma radiation and elevated body iron stores on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of proteins associated with cardiac structure and function. We hypothesize that modifications of epigenetic control and posttranslational expression of proteins associated with cardiac contractile function will be differentially altered in rats with high body iron stores and exposed to gamma radiation compared to rats with only 1 type of treatment

Cassava: adding value for Africa - Strategic market initiatives that support wealth creation for women along the Cassava Value Chains in Southwest, Nigeria.

Empowering and creating wealth for cassava producing and processing smallholder farmers (of which women constitute the majority) through value addition and competitive market led opportunities for inclusive growth in agriculture is very important to counter poverty and ensure food security. This study attempts to examine the extent to which Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C:AVA) project in Nigeria has created market led opportunities for smallholder farmers of cassava roots in Southwest Nigeria from 2008 to 2010. Data were collected through interview schedule administered on 237 randomly selected farmers who are participants in C:AVA project registered with the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in Ogun, Ondo States and Justice, Development and Peace Movement (JDPM). Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta from Ogun State and Ondo State respectively. Data were analyzed descriptively by using measures such as frequency distribution, table, percentages and Chi-Square. The study revealed that 60% of the respondents were men and 40% were women. Men were more educated that women with 28.6% of women farmers having no formal education when compared with 10.3% of men. The difference in income between the third and fourth quartile was very high compared with other quartiles and the mean income earned by male farmers was more than twice the mean income earned by female farmers. With regards to level of production there was an increase in the yield of cassava roots on the farms surveyed from the average national range of 10-12 tonnes/ha in 2008 to an average range of 20-25 tonnes/ha in 2010. These improved varieties resulted in an average yield advantage of about 65% over local varieties. Owing to the observable increase in yield, farmers in the study area increased the hectares under cassava from an average of 0.5 - 1.5 ha in 2008 to an average of 10.0-20.0 ha in 2010. The average annual income of women farmers increased from $1000 in 2008 to an additional average income of$1700 in 2010. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations (p<0.05) between yield of improved varieties (X2=29.187), gender (X2=50.632), value addition (X2=32.547), improved technologies (X2=29.507); Types of market (X2=14.743), group membership (X2=10.973), capacity building (X2=68.490) with income. The study concluded that C:AVA has provided systematic development of specialization in which women cassava roots producers/ processors produce specifically for multiple markets to ensure wealth and household food security for women and their households

An update of information on market characteristics of sweet potato in the Lake and Eastern Zones of Tanzania

This report is an update of information on market characteristics of sweet potato conducted in the Lake and Eastern zones of Tanzania. It is intended to provide information under which flexible systems that are required to enable farmers to market their crops either when they need income or when market prices are most favorable. Information was obtained by interviewing farmers and traders from Lake Zone and Eastern Zone of Tanzania using Rapid Rural Appraisal method (RRA). Groups of 12 to 14 farmers, one from each village surveyed were selected randomly for focus group interviews. Each group comprised of women and men. Traders from the municipal markets of Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Mwanza were also interviewed. This information was complemented by information from the District Agricultural Development Office. Groups of three Scientists (a post-harvest specialist, a market specialist and a social worker) undertook the interviews. The report documents the economic activities of the farmers and types of crops grown in the respective areas. It specifically provides information on the production, handling and marketing constraints of sweet potatoes. Other aspects shown in the report include, the marketing chain of sweet potatoes, production and marketing costs of the crop and seasonality of supply of sweet potatoes versus prices and quality in Mwanza and Dares Salaam markets. A number of recommendations based on the overall observation of the study have been documented in order to enable the stakeholders of the project to plan further interventions

The use of needs assessment methodologies to focus technical interventions in root and tuber crop post-harvest systems: a case study to improve incomes and reduce losses associated with marketing of fresh cassava from rural areas to Dar es Salaam

The Transfer of Needs Assessment Methodologies and Post-Harvest Technologies for Non-Grain Starch Staple Food Crops (NGSS) in sub-Saharan Africa project was initiated in Tanzania in July 1993 as a collaborative venture between the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC). The project was funded by the UK Department For International Development (DFID). The main project involved activities in Ghana and Tanzania but this report deals exclusively with activities in Tanzania focusing on the transfer of needs assessment methodologies, the application of needs assessment in identifying post-harvest problems and technical interventions for NGSS and the identification, validation and dissemination of a technology to improve incomes and reduce post-harvest losses associated with marketing of fresh cassava roots from rural production areas to urban markets in Dar es Salaam. In the first stage of the project a range of needs assessment methodologies were successfully validated under field conditions through the mechanism of three case studies, which were carried out in Lake Zone, Tanga Region and Dar es Salaam of Tanzania. Following the case studies, two training in needs assessment workshops were conducted in Tanzania to disseminate needs assessment technologies to key personnel from research organisations and institutes in Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda and Ethiopia. The needs assessment case study in Tanga Region highlighted post-harvest problems as a major constraint facing farmers and traders involved in the marketing of fresh cassava to urban areas, and formed the basis for a more detailed study of the marketing system for fresh cassava from rural production areas to urban markets in Dar es Salaam. Semi structured interviews with key stakeholders in the marketing system demonstrated that reductions in quality resulting from poor handling and delays in marketing lead to serious reductions in income throughout the market chain. Farmers and market personnel identified the criteria for a technical intervention to reduce income losses incurred when marketing fresh cassava. After considering various options a simple low cost storage technique for fresh cassava originally developed by the Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) and NRI and later modified with DFID RNRRS funds by the NRI and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in Ghana was selected for validation in Tanzania. Validation exercises in Tanzania demonstrated that low cost fresh cassava root storage technology had the technical and economic potential to alleviate postharvest problems associated with marketing of fresh cassava and improve the incomes of those involved in the cassava market system. In the final stage of the project a flexible dissemination strategy was developed and used to carry out a limited technical dissemination campaign in the major cassava markets in Dares Salaam and selected villages ofKisarawe and Ruf~i Districts in Pwani (Coast) Region, and to promote wider awareness of the technology throughout Tanzania. Needs assessment techniques were used to develop practical approaches for dissemination and two impact assessments (November 1996 and December1997) were carried out to assess effectiveness of dissemination activities and allow for optimisation ofthe strategy. The first impact assessment (November 1996) was used to highlight the strengths and limitations of the initial dissemination strategy, so that a more effective strategy could be developed in collaboration with representatives of the Agricultural Extension Services and key stakeholders in the market system. In December 1997 a second impact assessment was made to assess the effectiveness of the revised dissemination strategy and to highlight any problems. The wider awareness campaign was found to have been effective and a number of expressions of interest had been received from organisations and individuals interested in fresh cassava within Tanzania. A high level of interest and awareness was found in markets and villages where training activities had taken place, but a number of problems were identified which were hampering uptake of the technology. The two main problems were: (a). to be effective the technology needs to be implemented at all points in the market system but individuals were unwilling to take the risk ofbeing the first to use the technology without proof of the economic benefits of the technology; (b). the market system is dominated by a large open type of package called a lumbesa which is not suitable for application of the technology or for transport of cassava but is used for other reasons related to transport charges. To overcome the first difficulty the project team developed a marketing demonstration to provide a practical demonstration of the financial benefits of low cost :fresh cassava root storage technology to potential beneficiaries within the marketing system. The second difficulty was addressed by representatives of various village governments and market co-operatives in collaboration with the TFNCINRI project team. In November of 1997 the village governments of Jaribu and Bungu villages in Rufiji District enacted bylaws to encourage adoption of close packaging for cassava and adoption of the new storage technology. To support this initiative the Agricultural Extension Service in Rufiji District have agreed to integrate the technology into their extension programmes, and in addition the village government in Jaribu has initiated its own training programme in the sub-villages around Jaribu. In December 1997 the village governments of Masaki, Sungwi and Gumba villages in Kisarawe District villages decided to follow the lead taken by villages in Rufiji District and develop bylaws and training programmes to promote uptake ofthe new technology. The Agricultural Extension Service for Kisarawe District have acknowledged the importance of cassava as a source of income generation in the District, and have agreed to integrate the technology into their extension programmes. If co-operation between the various stakeholders is maintained it seems likely that the technology will start to be adopted during 1998. This case study within the main regional Africa project has demonstrated not only that low cost :fresh cassava root storage technology has the technical and economic potential to reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes, but has also shown that key stakeholders are genuinely interested in adoption of the technology and are willing to co-operate and spend their own funds to promote uptake of the technology. However, for successful uptake of the technology a wider dissemination at both local and national level is required. It is also clear that lack of funds in rural areas could constrain producers and country buyers from adopting this technology. To meet the needs ofthose involved in marketing of fresh cassava throughout Tanzania a sustained campaign of dissemination is required, involving close collaboration between the Agricultural Extension Services, selected NGOs and key stakeholders involved in marketing of fresh cassava from rural areas to various urban centres in Tanzania. A concept note for wider dissemination of low cost fresh cassava root storage technology in Tanzania is included in this report (Appendix 5). The fmdings of this case study have shown that successful adoption of this technology would improve the quality of cassava reaching urban consumers, and contribute to poverty alleviation by improving the income generating potential of marketing of fresh cassava

Impact of brown streak necrosis on cassava value addition

The main aim of this study was to investigate the quality and quantities of cassava flour produced and value chain development as a result of cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Analysis of flour prepared from roots affected to various degrees of CBSD were assessed for various parameters such as starch and carbohydrate content, viscosity, pasting temperature, colour and pH. Values showed significant differences between the grades. There was a strong correlation (R2=0.904) between flour viscosity breakdown and pH value, and with peak viscosity and pH value (R2=0.737). A 25% level of CBSD root necrosis not only increased the conversion ratio of fresh roots to final product, but also presented an additional $41-47/t for the cost of fresh cassava roots if necrotic tissue were removed, representing a significant economic loss that makes cassava processing unprofitable