Improvement of rapid cassava processing methods and technology transfer

The aim of this review to summarise research and development activities on cassava processing in East Africa. The approaches taken by relevant projects that are currently underway in Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique will be considered. These projects are used to highlight the fundamental issues concerning the development of appropriate technology and its successful transfer to end users. The review will be used as part of the development of a work programme for the improvement of cassava processing in Tanzania

On-station trials to investigate options to improve the efficiency of cyanogen removal by rapid cassava processing methods

This report provides a preliminary summary of the results of the on-station rapid processing of cassava trials. Further statistical analysis of the results is underway and will contribute towards a further publication on this work

A systematic review of academic writing services in low- and middle-income countries

Libraries are the key research and scholarly communication centres of any university. The information literacy skills offered to library users enable scientific communication. As new roles for librarians emerge to meet changing user needs and match fluid technological trends, academic libraries must combine their rich resources with cutting-edge skills to further impact the scientific world. There is a need for a sound, evidence-based appreciation of the factors that influence or hinder the establishment of academic writing centres and academic writing services in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMIC). This article aims to synthesise qualitative and mixed methods research on academic writing services in LMIC to inform policy and practice and identify areas for further research. The review can be used for decision-making as it offers a reliable foundation for assessing approaches to academic writing services. Relevant literature was identified from five electronic databases: SCOPUS, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Emerald, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were: published peer-reviewed studies about academic writing services or academic writing centres in Low- and Middle-income Countries. Study quality was assessed using a standard grading scale. Relevant data, including findings and practice recommendations, were extracted and compared in a tabular format. Of the 215 articles initially identified, 22 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The review emphasises the necessity of academic writing services in low- and middle-income countries by pinpointing crucial areas for exploration within a research agenda. These include cultural aspects, technological aspects, institutional factors and individual barriers

Postharvest food losses in a maizebased farming system of semiarid savannah area of Tanzania

An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security. An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security. An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security. An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security. An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security. An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security

Constraints in the post-harvest processing of cassava at household level in two districts of southern Tanzania

This project, funded by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA), aims to improve rapid cassava processing methods in rural households where a need is evident. The development and adoption of appropriate processing methods will be through participatory research involving, to a high degree, those who will use the technology. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, as lead collaborator; Regional Agriculture and Livestock Development Office, Mtwara; Agricultural Research Institute Naliendele, Mtwara; and Rural Integrated Project Support Programme, a FINNIDA funded project in Mtwara and Lindi. This participatory rural appraisal (PRA) study included eight villages in two districts of Southern Tanzania and aimed to: (1) obtain an inventory of existing traditional processing methods; (2) document information on farmers and processors preferences for processed products and situations that influence their choice of processing method, such as varietal preferences, storability, food safety, marketing and indigenous knowledge; (3) identify processing needs and constraints to develop improved processing methods; and (4) learn from the experiences of previous cassava processing technology transfer activities undertaken by the extension services

An assessment of the potential efficiency and profitability of valueaddition and marketing innovations involving smallholder farmers under a pilot system in Tanzania

An assessment of four pilot processing centers in Tanzania, established for processing cassava to high quality cassava flour, chips and starch based on IITA technologies was carried out from 2003 to 2005. We followed the value chain analysis approach, looking in detail at processing efficiency and relating it to market dynamics in particular of the fresh cassava or raw material market. Locations with large volumes of fresh cassava were found to be very favorable for such enterprises, as prices are likely to be low and surplus production ensures a steady flow of fresh cassava as raw material. Locations with little available cassava are not suitable, even if prices are low, as raw material is not readily available. Sourcing fresh cassava either on-farm or in the local market during the last quarter of the year was potentially difficult and very expensive. Trade margins of fresh cassava were significantly higher in markets with obvious scarcity, but relatively low in higher volume markets. Potential profitability of the infant processing sites was remarkably influenced by capacity utilization. At 100% capacity utilization, at Chisegu, a high quality cassava flour site, profitability was US$1,876, NPV was US$ 6,402, and IRR was 77%. At the high quality cassava flour site in Zogowale operated at 48% capacity utilization, profitability was US$1,640, NPV was US$ -9,429. At Bungu, a cassava chips site, although operated at 59% capacity utilization the profitability was US$2,126, NPV was US$ 8,698, and IRR was 135%. When the Zogowale operations were adjusted to 100% capacity utilization, the NPV increased substantially to US$11,013 while IRR also increased substantially to 177$ 4,482, a NPV, US$ 15,958, and IRR 91 %. Other factors, including infrastructure such as road and water, cultural attitudes of smallholder processors/farmers to work and their business outlook also affected the performances of the processing enterprises

Post-harvest food losses in a maize-based farming system of semi-arid savannah area of Tanzania

An assessment of post-harvest handling practices and food losses in a maize-based farming system in semi-arid areas of Central and Northern Tanzania was carried out in 2012. Seventeen crops were mostly cultivated by the farmers in the surveyed areas; maize (32%), sunflower (16%) and pigeon peas (12%) were the most cultivated while maize was the most stored. There are at least 7 months between two harvest seasons of each crop; while farmers sold the crops soon after harvest to cater for household expenditure (54%) and school fees (38%), the market prices increased significantly (P 0.05) within six months of storage. Most processing activities (winnowing, dehulling, drying, sorting and shelling) were carried out manually, almost entirely by women, but mechanized processing for maize, sunflower, millet, and sorghum were commonly practiced. Quantitative post-harvest losses of economic importance occur in the field (15%); during processing (13e20%), and during storage (15e25%). The main storage pests responsible for the losses are larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), grain weevils (Sitophilus granarius) and, the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica). Most of the farmers considered changes in weather (40%), field damage (33%), and storage pests (16%) as the three most important factors causing poor crop yields and aggravating food losses. However, survey results suggest that the farmers’ poor knowledge and skills on post-harvest management are largely responsible for the food losses. 77% of the surveyed farmers reported inadequate household foods and 41% received food aid during the previous year. Increasing farmers’ technical know-how on adaptation of the farming systems to climate variability, and training on post-harvest management could reduce food losses, and improve poverty and household food security

Enumeration of the microbiota and microbial metabolites in processed cassava products from Madagascar and Tanzania

Published online: 19 Dec 2018Cassava processing practices vary among communities and countries with implications for food safety. The study examined the microbiota and microbial metabolite profiles of 126 samples of sun-dried cassava products: grits, improved chips, improved flour, kivunde, and makopa from Tanzania, and mangahazo maina from Madagascar. All samples were free of Salmonella spp. Only 12.5% makopa, 6.7% of mechanically processed flour, and 25% of chips conformed to yeast/mold regulatory limits (103 cfu/g). Among the most agriculturally important mycotoxins, aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and M1) were detected in 6.3–11.9%, fumonisins (B1, B2 and B3) in 3.2–41.3%, and zearalenone in 41.3% of the samples. A few samples of improved chips, improved flour, and makopa contained high aflatoxin B1 content. Some emerging mycotoxins: emodin, beauvericin, moniliformin, sterigmatocystin, alternariol methyl ether, nivalenol, mycophenolic acid, enniatin B, and enniatin B1 were detected. The most prevalent microbial metabolites were emodin (75.4%), tryptophol (67.5%), equisetin (61.9%), and beauvericin (51.6%), at mean concentrations of 8.8 μg/kg, 794.1 μg/kg, 277.2 μg/kg, and 29.5 μg/kg, respectively. Emodin and Beauvericin are the only emerging mycotoxins in this group and the mean concentrations are the lowest. Nevertheless, regular surveillance along the cassava food chain is recommended for early detection of emerging mycotoxins to prevent health problems associated with ingestion of unexpected toxins in foods