Authors:Mahua Ghosh, Avery Sengupta Abstract: There is a focus on oleogels nowadays with low saturated fatty acids and zero trans fatty acids to substitute solid fats in various food formulations. The other advantage of using oleogels that it can retain the health benefits of the individual oils especially the micronutrients as the processing does not involve high temperature. The present study used a blend of rice bran oil and sesame oil, both the oils are rich in micronutrients, together with starch obtained from sal meal and lecithin as gelling agent to produce oleogels. The novelty of the study includes the use of naturally derived starch moiety from sal meal as gelling agent which otherwise remains unutilized instead of commercially available starch. The gelator concentration was varied from 3-12% and the six oleogels produced were characterized for their suitability as solid fats. Microscopic characteristic, test for gelation, degree of hardness, XRD analysis and storage stability studies were carried out. Results showed that oleogels prepared with 8 and 10% gelator displayed the most desirable properties compared to other oleogels. The gels were kept for three months to study the physical stability also. The retention of micronutrient was also studied. Therefore it could be concluded that a novel oleogel can be formulated with two micronutrient rich edible oils and with gelling agents like sal starch and lecithin. PubDate: 2022-02-15 Issue No:Vol. 10, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:William Muzorewa, Munyaradzi Chitakira Abstract: Increasing climate variability continues to threaten livelihoods in southern Africa where communities face the challenges of addressing context specific complexities associated with rain-fed agriculture. Zimbabwe is equally vulnerable but the country is going through a transformation in agriculture through the implementation of climate smart agriculture practices that endeavour to enhance adaptation, resilience and increase productivity. The study was undertaken in Mutare district, Zimbabwe with the aim of exploring the role of climate smart agriculture practices that are applied to construct sustainable livelihoods. The study employed a triangulation and validation of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques that involved household surveys and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics was applied to give a meaningful narrative of the data. The results revealed traditional and innovative agriculture production methods that are based on least soil disturbance, preservation of ground cover and crop diversification. Small livestock farming was lauded as basic strategy that ameliorate immediate family needs whilst large livestock farming was revealed as symbol of status and source of funds to mitigate important family events such as deaths or weddings of close relative. Forestry farming was established as a reliable source of income that is earned from the sale of timber, woodcrafts and fodder for livestock, among others. The paper further established that changes in climatic conditions that result in droughts, thunderstorms, leaching of crops and infestation of pests are the major challenges that reduce the implementation of climate smart agriculture practices that support robust sustainable livelihoods. The paper recommends continued financial and technical support from government and non-governmental organizations to promote climate smart agriculture practices that support sustainable livelihood outcomes and mitigate the detrimental effects of climate variability and change. PubDate: 2022-02-15 Issue No:Vol. 10, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Anthony Oyeogbe Abstract: Organic carbon is a major indicator of soil health, which can contribute to a sustainable agroecosystem. In Africa, mismanagement of agricultural soils has depleted the organic carbon pool. The decline in soil organic carbon has important implications for food security and environmental sustainability. This study examined the impact of monoculture and perennial systems on soil carbon sequestration after fifteen years of cropping in a tropical rainforest of Nigeria. Agronomic management in the monocultures of maize and cassava included farmyard manuring, mineral fertilizers and tillage practices, while the leaf falls from the avocado and plantain trees remained as soil mulch in the perennial systems. A total of 640 soil samples obtained in the first 15 cm depth from the monoculture and perennial systems were analyzed for particle size distribution, bulk density, and soil organic carbon. Results indicated that clay particles in soil increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the perennial systems than those of monocultures, whereas the bulk density decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) under perennial systems (averaged 1.31 Mg m-3) compared to monocultures (averaged 1.60 Mg m-3). The soil carbon content (averaged 1.47 %) and carbon stock (28.77 Mg C ha−1) of the perennials was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those in the monocultures (averaged 0.87 % and 20.86 Mg C ha−1, respectively). Here, we conclude that permanent soil mulching with plant litters under perennial systems can increase the carbon sequestration, while the seasonal cultivation and tillage under the monoculture system decrease the soil carbon stock. Organic mulching is a regenerative and sustainable agronomic practice that can restore the carbon pool while improving soil health and crop productivity in Africa agroecosystems. PubDate: 2022-02-15 Issue No:Vol. 10, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Rachael Ayo-Lawal, O.E. Ilevbare, K.O. Omotoso, E.A. Omimakinde, O. Ukwuoma Abstract: Nigeria, a fast-growing country has been food insecure prior to Covid-19 pandemic. Local agricultural production cannot satisfy the food and nutrition needs of its ever-growing population. This state was aggravated by the covid-19 pandemic lockdown, which was adopted by the Government to stem the spread of the virus. To cushion the effects of the lockdown, social assistance of diverse forms, from varying sources were supplied. This study assesses the effect of the lockdown order on household food security level and what coping strategies were adopted. Also, it examined the kinds of social assistance received and how such mitigated food insecurity status in households that benefitted. We used a secondary dataset from the Nigeria COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey. The data was collected by the National Bureau of Statistics in March, June, and July targeting periods before, during, and when the lockdown was gradually eased respectively. Our results revealed that majority of households experienced different forms of shock during the lockdown, most notably increase in food prices, and disruption of farm activities. Furthermore, only few households received social assistance majorly from state governments and religious bodies, such assistance had a positive effect on household food security during the lockdown period. PubDate: 2022-02-15 Issue No:Vol. 10, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Dina Shabayek, Rimbawan Rimbawan, Slamet Budijanto Abstract: Obesity has become one of the world's most important public health issues. This research aimed to produce healthy breakfast flakes made from red beans flour and brown rice flour to reduce obesity. Determination of the selected flakes product based on the hedonic test result which includes four formulas (F1, F2, F3, F4) with five attributes. Based on the results of the analysis of organoleptic data, formula F4 had the highest hedonic score, and there were significant differences in the attributes of taste, and texture (p< 0.05). Flakes F4 contains 373.81 kcal per 100 g of energy whereas nutrients (moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and dietary fiber) were 9.68 (% w/b). 6.43 (% w/b), 23.57 (% w/b), 52.67 (% w/b), 7.65(% w/b) and 14.53 (%w/b) respectively. Furthermore, Fe, Ca, Na, and K content was 3.98 mg, 137.10 mg, 1381.64 mg, and 793.15 mg, respectively. The ratio between ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids in flakes F4 was 0.53 thus, it may provide nutritional benefits. Based on these results, F4 flakes can be claimed as high food fiber, protein, and a source of Fe and K. Hence, F4 flakes are likely to be beneficial and may help reduce obesity. PubDate: 2022-02-15 Issue No:Vol. 10, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Eisa pourramzan Abstract: One of the most important economic activity in rural areas of Iran, especially in the north of the Country is agriculture. In the present study, considering the importance of hazelnut crop in the rural life of Amlash County, the economic and social effects of hazelnut cultivation on villages and farmers were investigated. This was descriptive-analytical research that the required information was obtained through documentary sources and field studies. The statistical population includes all hazelnut growers in 38 villages of the mountainous area, Amlash County. The sample size was determined 384 items using the Morgan standard table and was distributed among the operators using the random-quota sampling method. The results showed that the economic effects of hazelnut cultivation in the indicators of economic welfare (with an average of (3.76), economic security (3.81), and employment quality (3.72) were higher than the social effects of hazelnut cultivation in indicators of participation (with the average of 3.27) and social capital (3.40) in the study area. Expanding the area under hazelnut cultivation, government support by providing low-interest banking facilities and appropriate repayment terms, product insurance, and the construction of conversion and complementary industries are some of the most important ways to develop this activity and increase its economic and social effects in villages of Amlash County. PubDate: 2022-02-15 Issue No:Vol. 10, No. 1 (2022)
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