Contribution of the Dolichos Lablab value chain to farmer's household livelihood assets in Tanzania.

Lablab is a legume with multiple uses as food, feed, and organic fertilizer. However, it is underutilized, and its empirical contribution to farmers' livelihoods is limited. This study examined the Lablab value chain (LVC) relative to smallholder farmers' livelihood assets in Tanzania. Data on Lablab farming, its value chain, and its contribution to the farmers' livelihood assets were collected from four districts of Tanzania known for Lablab production. The results showed that the LVC mapping comprised systems, actors, and interdependent activities, the key systems being input supply, tillage, intercropping, and marketing. Seed supply was through the recycling of the last harvest (48.8%), while intercropping (56.5%) and hand-hoeing (51.6%) were the primary cultivation systems, with farm gates and/or local markets serving as the marketing locations. The grown seeds were mainly black (62.3%) due to external marketability but were rarely eaten. Although farmers were the major chain actors, traders were highly active in the marketing segment, leaving farmers out of the bargain art protocol. Generally, Lablab production generated almost 90% of the farmers' revenue by multiple linear regression. Based on farmers' five asset categories, natural and human assets contributed 70% and 50% respectively, while there was less contribution from social, financial, and physical assets. The study recommends networking exposure to reliable marketplaces with good prices, improved seed availability, and financial services for Lablab farmers in Tanzania. To sustain the smallholder farmers' five livelihood assets from Lablab, researchers and policymakers must pay attention to the three linkages of the LVC.

Effect of lactic acid fermentation on the nutritional quality and consumer acceptability of African nightshade.

African nightshade (ANS) is among many underexploited and neglected indigenous vegetables. This study assessed the effect of lactic acid fermentation (LAF) on nutritional and sensory quality in Solanum villosum (Sv) and Solanum scabrum (Ss). Spontaneously fermented (SF) and controlled fermented (CF) conditions using Lactobacillus plantarum LP90 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM58 were employed for 15 days and 120 h. From the fermented pickles, relish products were prepared using cooking oil and a variety of spices. The relish products were subjected to a consumer acceptability test. Results show a significant drop in pH to <3.5, increasing titratable acidity (TTA) to around 0.6 after 120 h and 15 days of CF and SF, respectively. LAF resulted in a 2.6-5 and 1.6-4.8-fold significant rise in ß-carotene in pickles and their relish products. All pickles and relish products exhibited a significant decrease (p < .05) in vitamin C by 88.33%-95.90%. LAF significantly reduced total phenolic (26%- 43%) and Chlorophyll (16.45%-39.25%). On the other hand, LAF showed improvement in minerals content (P, Ca, Fe, and Zn) and reduction of tannin (76.27%-92.88%) and oxalate (77.33%-90%) levels. LAF relish products were highly preferred by the consumers, with S. villosum controlled fermented relish (SvCFR) leading. All fermented relishes were stable at ambient (27°C) and refrigeration (4°C) temperatures after 6 months of storage. Generally, LAF is an effective method for ANS preservation, with improved nutritional quality and safety. LAF can therefore be recommended to small-scale farmers, processors, and households for ANS preservation. Ultimately, this method enhances the nutrition and sensory quality, safety, and livelihood.

Evaluation of functional attributes and storage stability of novel juice blends from baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits.

Several under-utilized tropical fruits have exceptional micronutrients and phytochemical composition with the potential to contribute to the nutrition of people and also enhance food security. This study was carried out to evaluate the quality attributes and storage stability of juice blends of baobab (Adansonia digitata), pineapple (Ananas comosus), and black-plum (Syzygium cumini) fruits for use as functional beverages. Juice blends were analyzed for physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties. Mineral compositions and storage stability of the pasteurized juice blends at 4 °C for 4 weeks were also investigated. Results showed that the vitamin C contents of individual juices synergistically contributed to the high values observed in the blends (317.45-414.51 mg/L). Juice blends of baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits are good sources of calcium (57-153 mg/L), magnesium (71-130 mg/L) and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total polyphenol contents (65-104 mg GAE/100 mL), scavenging ability (105.97-359.71 µmol TE/100 mL), and reducing potential (1376-1829 µMFe2+ L) the consumption of which will promote human health. Blending enhanced the sensory qualities of the individual juices with improved taste and consumer acceptability. The juice blends kept well for two weeks at 4 °C though the color becomes less intense at the end of the storage period. These findings suggest that baobab-fruit pulp, pineapple, and black-plum fruits can be major ingredients in producing a consumer acceptable anti-oxidant rich functional beverage for optimal benefits to consumers.

Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation on Volatile Compounds and Sensory Characteristics of Mango (Mangifera indica) Juices.

Fermentation is a sustainable bio-preservation technique that can improve the organoleptic quality of fruit juices. Mango juices were fermented by monoculture strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (MLP), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (MLR), Lacticaseibacillus casei (MLC), Levilactobacillus brevis (MLB), and Pediococcus pentosaceus (MPP). Volatile compounds were sorbed using headspace solid phase microextraction, separated, and identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Forty-four (44) volatile compounds were identified. The control, MPP, and MLB had higher amounts of ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, 2-hexenal, 2,6-nonadienal, 2,2-dimethylpropanal, ß-selinene, γ-gurjunene, α-copaene, and δ-cadinene, while MLC, MLP, and MLR had higher amounts of 2,3-butanedione and a cyclic hydrocarbon derivate. Consumers (n = 80) assessed their overall liking and characterized sensory attributes (appearance, color, aroma, flavor, consistency, acidity, and sweetness) using check-all-that-apply, and penalty analysis (just-about-right). Overall liking was associated with 'mango color', 'pulp', 'mango aroma', 'sweet', 'natural taste', and 'mango flavor' that described the control, MLB, MLC and MPP. Juices MLR and MLP were described as 'bitter', 'sour', 'aftertaste', and 'off-flavor'. Multivariate analysis revealed relationships between the volatile compounds, mango juices fermented by different lactic acid bacteria, and sensory characteristics. Thus, the type of lactic acid bacteria strains determined the volatile and sensory profile of mango juices.

Factors influencing the sustainability of homestead vegetable production intervention in Rufiji, Tanzania: A cross-sectional mixed methods study.

There is growing evidence that home vegetable gardening interventions improve food security and nutrition outcomes at the family level. Sustainability of many of these community interventions remain a challenge. This study assessed factors influencing the sustainability of homestead vegetable production intervention in Rufiji district, Tanzania, one year after the cessation of external support. This was a community based cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 247 randomly selected women from households who participated in the homestead vegetable intervention were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The study held four focus group discussions with women from households that participated in the intervention, and four In-Depth interviews with two extension workers, one community health worker, and one agriculture district officer. Multiple logistic regression for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data was conducted. About 20.24% (50/247) of households sustained homestead vegetable production for one year after the intervention phased out. Shortage of seeds (adjusted odds ratio = 0.65: CI = 0.46-0.93, p-value 0.018) and either manure or fertilizers (adjusted odds ratio = 1.62: CI = 1.04-2.46, p-value 0.031) were significant factors influencing the sustainability of homesteads vegetable production. In the Focus Group discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interview (IDIs), all participating women and extension workers reported high cost of water, destruction from free-grazing animals, agriculture pests and diseases, poor soil fertility, shortage of seeds, and lack of capital affected homestead vegetable production sustainability. Existing individual, community, and system challenges influence the sustainability of external-funded agriculture and nutrition interventions. The study findings underscore the importance of community authorities, scientists, and policymakers in having a well-thought sustainability plan in all promising external-funded interventions.

Valorization of Mango By-Products to Enhance the Nutritional Content of Maize Complementary Porridges.

Mango by-products are disregarded as waste contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This study used mango seed and kernel to enhance the nutritional content of maize complementary porridges. Composite maize-based porridges (MBP) were formulated by fortifying maize flour with fine ground mango seed and kernel at different levels (31%, 56%, 81%). The by-products and formulated porridges were characterized for their nutritional composition, mineral content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of essential minerals during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the formulated porridges was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Mango seed had a high fat (12.0 g/100 g dw) and protein content (4.94 g/100 g dw), which subsequently doubled the fat content of the porridges. Mango by-products increased the total phenolic content of maize porridge by more than 40 times and the antioxidant capacity by 500 times. However, fortification with mango by-products significantly decreased the bioaccessibility of minerals, especially manganese, copper, and iron, as the highest percentages of insoluble minerals were recorded in MBP 81 at 78.4%, 71.0%, and 62.1%, respectively. Thus, the results suggest that mango seed and kernel could increase the nutritional value of maize porridge, but fortification should be done at lower levels of about 31-56%.

African nightshades (Solanum nigrum complex): The potential contribution to human nutrition and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa.

Achieving zero hunger in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) without minimizing postharvest losses of agricultural products is impossible. Therefore, a holistic approach is vital to end hunger, simultaneously improving food security, diversity, and livelihoods. This review focuses on the African nightshades (ANS) Solanum spp. contribution to improving food and nutrition security in SSA. Different parts of ANS are utilized as food and medicine; however, pests and diseases hinder ANS utilization. African nightshade is rich in micronutrients such as ß-carotene, vitamins C and E, minerals (iron, calcium, and zinc), and dietary fiber. The leaves contain a high amount of nutrients than the berries. Proper utilization of ANS can contribute to ending hidden hunger, mainly in children and pregnant women. Literature shows that ANS contains antinutritional factors such as oxalate, phytate, nitrate, and alkaloids; however, their quantities are low to cause potential health effects. Several improved varieties with high yields, rich in nutrients, and low alkaloids have been developed in SSA. Various processing and preservation techniques such as cooking, drying, and fermentation are feasible techniques for value addition on ANS in SSA; moreover, most societies are yet to adopt them effectively. Furthermore, promoting value addition and commercialization of ANS is of importance and can create more jobs. Therefore, this review provides an overview of ANS production and challenges that hinder their utilization, possible solutions, and future research suggestions. This review concludes that ANS is an essential nutritious leafy vegetable for improving nutrition and livelihoods in SSA.

Effect of lactic acid fermentation of watermelon juice on its sensory acceptability and volatile compounds.

Fermentation increases food shelf-life but is characterized by changes that affect product's perception. Watermelon juice was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum (WJ-LP), L. rhamnosus (WJ-LR), L. casei (WJ-LC), L. brevis (WJ-LB) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (WJ-PP). Their sensory characteristics and volatile compounds were investigated by consumers and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction integrated with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, respectively. WJ-PP and WJ-LB were most liked and perceived with 'watermelon-flavor', 'natural taste', 'sweet' and 'watermelon-color' while WJ-LC, WJ-LP and WJ-LR were least liked and perceived as 'sour', 'bitter', 'off-flavor', 'aftertaste' and 'intense-flavor'. Fifty-four volatiles were identified. After fermentation, alcohols, ketones, monoterpenes, acids, and furans increased while aldehydes and alkanes decreased. Lactic acid fermentation introduced 4-decanone and 2,3-butanedione in WJ-LB, WJ-LC, WJ-LP and WJ-LR, however, heptanal, 2-heptenal, 2,6-nonadienal, 2-decenal, and 2,4-decadienal in WJ-LC, heptanal, 2-hexenal, 2-heptenal, 2,6-nonadienal, 2-decenal and octanal in WJ-LR and 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene in WJ-LP disappeared. Juice sensory profiles were associated with their volatile compounds.

Health Benefits of Antioxidative Peptides Derived from Legume Proteins with a High Amino Acid Score.

Legumes such as soybean, chickpea, lentil, cowpea, and mung bean, are valuable sources of protein with a high amino acid score and can provide bioactive peptides. This manuscript presents a review on legume-derived peptides, focusing on in vitro and in vivo studies on the potential antioxidative activities of protein hydrolysates and their characterization, amino acid sequences, or purified/novel peptides. The health implications of legume-derived antioxidative peptides in reducing the risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases are linked with their potent action against oxidation and inflammation. The molecular weight profiles and amino acid sequences of purified and characterized legume-derived antioxidant peptides are not well established. Therefore, further exploration of legume protein hydrolysates is necessary for assessing the potential applications of antioxidant-derived peptides in the functional food industry.

Dolichos Lablab-an underutilized crop with future potentials for food and nutrition security: a review.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly goal number two in developing countries by 2030 is challenging. The State of Food Security and Nutrition (2019) in the World show prevalence of undernourishment which has practically remained unchanged for the last three years. This calls for sustainable synergies between food and nutrition in addressing the challenge. Exploring the potential of underutilized legumes such as Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus) in improving food and nutrition security is of importance. Lablab is known among nutritious underutilized diversified legumes, which is drought tolerant relative to other legumes. However, it is less popular as human food. This review focuses on providing details on the nutritional potential of underutilized Lablab varieties for food availability, accessibility and satisfactorily utilization for improved livelihood. So far research attention has been focusing on good agronomic performance with less information on their nutritional quality and its contribution to the wellbeing of people. Both wild and cultivated Lablab accessions do differ morphologically and across diverse habitat environments. This may make them less known, untapped and underutilized despite its promising potential as a food resource in developing countries where malnutrition still exists. Efforts are needed to popularize high-quality nutritional accessions, enhancing their consumption and commercialization for feeding the ever-increasing population in the future.

Dietary Practices, Nutrient Adequacy, and Nutrition Status among Adolescents in Boarding High Schools in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess dietary practices, nutrient adequacy, and nutrition status among 164 adolescents aged between 16 and 19 years in boarding secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro region. In-depth interviews and a survey guided by a semistructured and structured questionnaire, including 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire techniques, were used to collect information. Nutrition status was assessed using anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels. WHO AnthroPlus software and NutriSurvey software were used to analyze anthropometry and dietary data, respectively. Diet in boarding schools was monotonous comprising mainly of cereal-legume meal with low intake of animal sources, fruits, and vegetables. Mean intake of energy, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and zinc was 1392 kcal, 24.8 mg, 9.2 mg, 134.5 mg, and 4.3 mg, respectively, which were below the Recommended Daily Allowance. The average carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake of 471.9 g, 73.7 g, and 80.7 g, respectively, were slightly higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance in both sexes. Male had a significantly higher intake of protein and carbohydrates (P < 0.001). Female had a significantly (P < 0.001) high intake of fat compared to male adolescents. Overall, 23.1% of the adolescents were anaemic, 25% were overweight, and 6.1% were obese. Boarding secondary schools' diet is monotonous and are inadequate in key micronutrients, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin C. There is a coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition among adolescents in boarding schools. Therefore, monitoring adolescents' dietary intake and nutrition status is a key in preventing adolescents' malnutrition in the short term and diet-related diseases in the long term.

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Capacity of Local Tanzanian Crude Clay and Ash-Based Materials in Binding Aflatoxins in Solution.

Aflatoxins in feeds cause great health hazards to animals, and thus eventually to humans as well. The potential of clays from Arusha (AC), Kilimanjaro (KC), the Coast (CC), and Morogoro (MC), as well as volcanic ash (VA) and rice husk ash (RA), were evaluated for their capacity to adsorb aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), and G2 (AFG2) relative to a commercial binder Mycobind® (R) using in vitro technique. On average, CC, VA, KC, MC, AC, RA, and R adsorbed 39.9%, 51.3%, 61.5%, 62.0%, 72.6%, 84.7%, and 98.1% of the total aflatoxins from solution, respectively. The capacity of AC and RA was statistically (p < 0.05) better in binding aflatoxins next to R. The adsorption capacity seemed to follow the trend of the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of these materials. The CEC (meq/100 g) of CC, MC, KC, VA, AC, RA, and R were 7.0, 15.4, 18.8, 25.4, 27.2, 27.2, and 38.9, respectively. On average 96.3%, 42.7%, 80.8%, and 32.1% of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 were adsorbed, respectively. The binding capacity of the clays and ashes relative to Mycobind® was about 100% for AC and RA, 50% for KC, MC, and VA, and 33.3% for CC. The AC and RA seem to be promising resources in binding aflatoxins in solution.

Fatty Acid Composition of Dried Fruits of Sclerocarya birrea, Diospyros blancoi and Landolphia kirkii.

Wild fruits are commonly consumed in the rural communities of South Africa. The information on their nutritionally important fatty acids is, however, limited. Three wild fruit species, Diospyros blancoi, Landolphia kirkii and Sclerocarya birrea from Limpopo Province were selected for evaluation of fatty acid content. Fatty acids composition of dried fruits of Diospyros blancoi (Db), Landolphia kirkii (Lk) and ripe and/or overripe Sclerocarya birrea (Sb) were evaluated by a gas chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometer (GC-TOF-MS). Hexadecanoic acid (C16:0) was found in highest abundance in L. kirkii (57.73-73.55%), followed by S. birrea (55.92-71.31%) and D. blancoi (46.31-62.05%), respectively. Octadecanoic acid (C18:0) was of second highest abundance, with 24.71-100% in D. blancoi, L. kirkii (31.03-41.60%) and S. birrea (9.11-17.0%). The 9-octadecenoic acid (C18:1n-9) was the major unsaturated fatty acid in both S. birrea (5.33-18.82%), D. blancoi (8.22-8.92%), and L. kirkii (3.84-8.63%). The 9,-12-octadecadienoic acid (C18:2n-6) was the major unsaturated fatty acid in D. blancoi (22.34%). The 9,-12,-15-octadecatrienoic acid (C18:3n-3) was found in L. kirkii (3.51%) and S. birrea (2.79%). From the results, saturated fatty acids were the most dominant, whereas mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids were the minor constituents. Therefore, presence of nutritionally important essential fatty acids from S. birrea, D. blancoi and L. kirkii has been shown.

Chemical Composition of Ethanolic Extracts of Some Wild Mushrooms from Tanzania and Their Medicinal Potentials.

The ethanolic extracts of 5 edible and inedible wild mushrooms collected from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 75 chemical compounds were obtained, mainly fatty acids, carotenoids, alkaloids, phenols, terpernes, steroids, pyranoside, saccharides, and amino acids. Chemical compounds were identified from the ethanolic extract of Russula cellulata, R. kivuensis, Lactarius densifolius, L. gymnocarpoides, and Lactarius sp. In addition, mass spectra of 4 major groups of compounds were also determined. This study confirms the presence of some important bioactive compounds, such as essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic), amino acids, and carotenoids. The reported chemical profiles give an insight into the use of wild mushrooms as a potential source of bioactive compounds for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Improving surface functional properties of tofu whey-derived peptides by chemical modification with fatty acids.

Effect of acylation with saturated fatty acids on surface functional properties of tofu whey-derived peptides was investigated. Tofu whey (TW) and soy proteins (7S, 11S, and acid-precipitated soy protein [APP]) were hydrolyzed by Protease M 'Amano' G, and resulting peptide mixtures were acylated with esterified fatty acids of different chain length (6C to 18C) to form a covalent linkage between the carboxyl group of fatty acid and the free amino groups of peptide. Acylation significantly (P < 0.05) increased emulsifying properties of 7S, 11S, and APP peptides independent of fatty acid chain length. Acylation decreased water binding capacity although oil binding capacity of acylated tofu whey ultra filtered fraction (UFTW < 3 kDa), 7S- and 11S-peptides were improved compared to native peptides. 7S peptides acylated with long chain fatty acids had shown significant higher surface hydrophobicity as in contrast with acylated UFTW < 3 kDa and APP peptides. Fluorescence spectra studies revealed structural conformation of acylated soy peptides as compared to native peptides. This study shows that chemical modification with fatty acids can further affect functional properties of soy proteins.

Enhanced antiviral activity of soybean ß-conglycinin-derived peptides by acylation with saturated fatty acids.

Peptide mixtures prepared from soybean ß-conglycinin (7S-peptides) were acylated with saturated fatty acids of different chain length (6C-18C) in order to improve their antiviral activity against Feline calicivirus (FCV) strain F9 which is a typical norovirus surrogate. Among the fatty acids varieties, it was revealed that 7S-peptides acylated with myristic and palmitic acids potently inhibited FCV replication. Myristorylation and palmitoylation of 7S-peptides kept host cells viability at 91.51% and 98.90%, respectively. The infectivity of FCV on Crandell-Reese feline kidney cells was further determined after exposure of initial titer of 10(6.47) TCID50/mL. Myristoylated and palmitoylated 7S-peptides significantly (P < 0.006) reduced FCV infectivity as compared to native 7S-peptides. Native 7S-peptides showed 25% FCV inhibitory activity while myristoylated and palmitoylated 7S-peptides exhibited 98.59% and 99.98% reduction in FCV infectivity, respectively. Myristoylated and palmitoylated 7S-peptides demonstrated higher anti-FCV activity in a wide range of concentration with complete reduction at 25 µg/mL. Surface hydrophobicity was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after attachment of long hydrocarbon fatty acids to 7S-peptides as supported by changes in fluorescence intensity. Enzymatic hydrolysis together with acylation will give an insight into surface and physiological functional lipopeptides derived from soy ß-conglycinin.