Agrobiodiversity endangered by sugarcane farming in Mumias and Nzoia Sugarbelts of Western Kenya

Strategies adopted to address ongoing food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition, particularly in developing countries, narrow the food supply base by using technological options that neglect indigenous and traditional food crop systems. These crops are commonly being labeled as “poor people's food” by South African consumers. The question that arises is whether this categorization is justified and what interventions are needed to unlock the potential of these crops in improving household food security levels. Survey data of 600 African households in the North West Province of South Africa was used for the analysis of the consumption patterns of several traditional and indigenous food crops. The results show that the link between income and the consumption of these food crops is more nuanced.

Food security is a major concern in developing countries and requires urgent attention and collaborative effort from all stakeholders. As the human population continues to increase, the demand for food becomes far greater than the supply can meet. There is a need to cultivate more indigenous food crops and to diversify into new products by using processing and preservation techniques to ensure that more people have access to good quality, nutritious foods. It is therefore essential that agro-allied industries in African countries receive encouragement to improve the application of technology for processing raw food crops, increasing their shelf life, improving nutritional values and packaging, and maintaining high quality standards. This paper emphasizes the potential benefits for three staple African foods – maize, cassava and sorghum. The application of science to transform the properties of these foods and relevant technologies, such as extrusion cooking, can add value to their use in the immediate future and will help in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.

In Kenya, sugarcane farming was introduced in 1902 milled by jaggeries before the introduction of Miwani sugar factory in 1922 and Ramisi in 1927. In western Kenya, sugarcane farming was introduced in 1972, with the establishment of Mumias sugar company which produced its first sugar in 1973. Nzoia sugar company was then established in 1978 with its first production in 1979. Thereafter, private sugar companies were established in the area including: West Kenya sugar company, Butali sugar company, Busia sugar company and Ole Pito sugar. The expansion of sugarcane farming to the former western province targeted accelerating the socio-economic development in the area, in the quest to redress the region’s economic imbalances through promoting indigenous entrepreneurship. Out of the total fourteen sugar factories in the country, six are currently domiciled and operating in the former western province. Despite the heavy presence of the sugar factories in the region, which marks a significant milestone in the industrialization direction, both farmers and sugar factories’ self-sufficiency is an elusive dream. This is the situation despite the region’s availability of both adequate and productive land for sugarcane farming and the heavy presence of adequate sugarcane milling capacity. This has prompted the study into what is necessitating the farmers’ rapid desertion of sugarcane farming (the sugarcane withdrawal syndrome) in the former western province. The study concluded that the rapid desertion of sugarcane farming by farmers in western Kenya is attributable to the reality that transportation of their produce (sugarcane) whether private or contacted, exorbitantly depleted their net returns leaving the sugarcane farmers a frustrated lot with no option than to ditch sugarcane farming for alternative productions. Keywords: Transportation, sugarcane, harvesting, remunerations and deductions.

The purpose of this paper was to assess the effect of emerging trade patterns in women’s indigenous food crops on food security from 1902 to 1980. This study was conducted in three sub-counties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The research employed a historical research design based on qualitative procedures. The design enabled the researcher to explain, describe and give a historical analysis of the findings. This being a historical study, non-probability sampling procedures were used such as purposive and snowball sampling techniques to gather relevant information. A sample size threshold of 54 respondents was interviewed and the main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively using documentary content analysis, description and narration of the historical events. Data was also corroborated and both context and content analysis were done to ensure the reliability and validity of the information. Interpretation was done within the framework of Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. The study established that the women’s local food crops trade system has not been static. The colonial capitalist economic practices brought about profound changes in the economic and social fabric of Nyeri County and significantly undermined the women’s local trade. This resulted in both positive and negative influences on the dimensions of food security in the study area. It was established that the indigenous food crops that women exchanged in the local markets were well adapted to local conditions, sustainably available and provided essential nutrients necessary for the health and well-being of the community. The findings of this study illustrate the pivotal role of Agikuyu women in local trade systems and a substantial contribution to food security in Nyeri County. The study concludes that the Ministry of Trade should come up with deliberate measures that will integrate women’s local trade into the country’s economic policies and practices and also consider the valuable contribution of women's local trade in mitigating food shortage and ensuring eradication of extreme poverty and hunger

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the change in the Agikuyu women’s local trade on indigenous food crops in Nyeri County from 1902 to 1980 This study was conducted in three sub-counties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources .The research employed a historical research design based on qualitative procedures. The design enabled the researcher to explain, describe and give a historical analysis of the findings. This being a historical study, non-probability sampling procedures were used such as purposive and snowball sampling techniques to gather relevant information. A sample size threshold of 54 respondents was interviewed the main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively using documentary content analysis, description and narration of the historical events. Data was also corroborated and both context and content analysis were done to ensure reliability and validity of the information. Interpretation was done within the framework of Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. The study established that the women’s local food crops trade system has not been static the colonial capitalist economic practices brought about profound changes in the economic and social fabric in Nyeri County and significantly undermined the women’s local trade. This resulted to both positive and negative influence to the dimensions of food security in the study area. It was established that the indigenous food crops that women exchanged in the local markets were well adapted to local conditions, sustainably available and provided essential nutrients necessary for the health and well-being of the community. The findings of this study illustrate the pivotal role of Agikuyu women in local trade systems and its substantial contribution to food security in Nyeri County. The study concludes that the ministry of trade should come up with deliberate measures that will integrate women’s local trade into the country’s economic policies and practices and also consider the valuable contribution of women local trade in mitigating food shortage and ensuring eradication of extreme poverty and hunger

The level of food security in South Africa is largely being influenced by income inequalities and food prices with a large part of the population that has access to food but do not have the financial means to obtain it. Despite ever increasing food inflation, South Africa is still adopting policies and strategies which may contribute towards even higher levels of food inflation and consequently food insecurity in the near future. These include amongst others the National Bio-Fuel Industrial Strategy. Previous studies suggest that indigenous and traditional food crops play a substantial role in ensuring food security in several African countries. The question that arises is whether these alternative food crops do not hold the answer towards balancing the trade-off between fuel and food in South Africa. In order to answer that question, a literature review was conducted to understand the inter-linkages between food and bio-fuel as well as to understand the role that indigenous and traditional food crops are currently playing in Africa. To analyse the current status and potential of indigenous and traditional food crops in South Africa, a topical survey amongst 600 African households in the North-West Province was conducted. Contrary to other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, the survey showed that current production and consumption of indigenous and traditional foods crops in South Africa is modest. This is mainly due to ignorance and unavailability of these specific crops. Despite this, the potential of these crops is evident in the South African context due to affordability, positive perceptions, and land availability near poor rural and peri-urban communities. Hence, indigenous and traditional food crops hold significant opportunities for South Africa to pursue bio-fuel production without compromising food security. To achieve this, specific interventions are needed to stimulate the production and consumption of indigenous and traditional food crops.

Several studies have reported the relationship of deforestation with increased incidence of infectious diseases, mainly due to the deregulation caused in these environments. The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: a) is increased loss of vegetation related to dengue cases in the Brazilian Cerrado? b) how do different regions of the tropical savanna biome present distinct patterns for total dengue cases and vegetation loss? c) what is the projection of a future scenario of deforestation and an increased number of dengue cases in 2030? Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between loss of native vegetation in the Cerrado and dengue infection. In this paper, we quantify the entire deforested area and dengue infection cases from 2001 to 2019. For data analyses, we used Poisson generalized linear model, descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, non-parametric statistics, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models to predict loss of vegetation and fever dengue cases for the next decade. Cluster analysis revealed the formation of four clusters among the states. Our results showed significant increases in loss of native vegetation in all states, with the exception of Piauí. As for dengue cases, there were increases in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso. Based on projections for 2030, Minas Gerais will register about 4,000 dengue cases per 100,000 inhabitants, São Paulo 750 dengue cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and Mato Grosso 500 dengue cases per 100,000 inhabitants. To reduce these projections, Brazil will need to control deforestation and implement public health, environmental and social policies, requiring a joint effort from all spheres of society.

Grain amaranth remains a neglected and underutilized indigenous food crop (IFC) despite its diverse accessions in sub-Saharan Africa. This is in comparison with a few cereal crops providing carbohydrates and other nutrients, especially in southern Africa. Grain amaranth, a pseudocereal crop, is resilient to climate variability or change that has plagued southern Africa with frequent droughts, food and nutrition insecurity. The region experiences semi-arid to arid conditions and poor soil fertility which severely affect cereal crop production. These challenges demand an increase in cereal crops that are adaptable to local environments and amenable to processing methods to preserve food for the lean periods. One such IFC is grain amaranth which is adapted to many conditions and has a potential to be utilized in food, cosmetic, computer and pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this review was to describe the status of grain amaranth in terms of research and development with respect to production, nutritional benefits, processing and/or preservation, utilization and seed systems. Southern Africa was the focus of this review due to the prevalence of acute human hunger in this region and limitations in cereal crop production. The results show that grain amaranth on-farm or commercial production and seed systems are scarce in southern Africa. Field trials have shown wide grain yield variations between accessions although this provides an opportunity to select high yielding accessions. There are a few studies on drought tolerance to select accessions exhibiting this trait. Available processing methods show potential to add value to amaranth grain products and enable preservation, but this has not been fully exploited to benefit end users. A good seed system is needed to foster quality assurance and seed accessibility to potential growers. Increasing investments in research and development with farmers’ participation in the entire value chain would promote wider grain amaranth cultivation, processing and subsequent utilization. There is a need to test and develop grain amaranth accessions that are resilient to arid and frequent drought conditions and amenable to processing and preservation to improve cereal crop base, food and nutrition security in southern Africa.

ABSTRACTDespite many factors weighing in South Africa’s favor on the agricultural front, including having official “food secure” status, millions of households have insufficient access to nutritionally safe food. This is largely a function of poverty, which is particularly pervasive in the rural areas. While the government’s largely unsuccessful agricultural development programs have focused on large-scale commercial crops, such as wheat and maize, indigenous and traditional food crops could play a significant role. In this article, multiple criteria analysis is used to identify indigenous and traditional food crops that have the greatest potential to enhance food security in South Africa. The different indigenous and traditional food crops options were rank according to set criteria that were derived from the definition for food security as adopted in the article. Accessibility, affordability and nutrition formed the basis of the definition as subsequently the criteria used to rank the alternatives. Results from the analysis revealed that sorghum, sweet potatoes, and amaranth are among the indigenous and traditional food crops with the greatest potential.Abbreviations: AgriSETA: Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority; CAM: conflict analysis method; DAFF: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; IFSS: integrated food security strategy; ITFCs: indigenous and traditional food crops; FAO: Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations; MCA: multiple criteria analysis; NWP: North West Province; PIR-sensitivity test: preference, indifference, and incomparability test; PSPPD: Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development

This study examined the challenges and their effects on sugarcane farming in the Malava sub-county, Kakamega County. The study objectives were to: assess cane transportation problems and establish challenges related to the marketing of sugarcane farmers in the Malava Sub-county. It was undertaken in Malava Sub-county, where sugarcane is the economic backbone and the region’s key cash crop owing to the favourable geographical conditions in Western Kenya. Despite Malava Sub-county’s vast experience in sugarcane farming, production has gone down. Furthermore, such a study is yet to be done in Malava. The study purposed to find out the reasons for inefficiency and insufficiency in sugar production. A descriptive research design was used. Purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select sugarcane farmers from the seven wards; Manda/Shivanga, Butali/Chegulo, Chemuche, East Kabras, West Kabras, and South Kabras, Shirugu/Mugai and the sugar factory stakeholders in the two sugar factories; Butali and Kabras in Malava Sub-county. Malava Sub-county has an estimated population of 65,323 sugarcane farmers. From this population, a sample of 384 was used, based on Mugenda and Mugenda’s formula (2003): n=z2pq/d2, for a target population which is greater than 10,000. Primary data was collected by the use of questionnaires, interview schedules, Focus Group Discussions, and observation guides. Secondary data was collected through a literature search in online journals, theses and publications related to the study topic. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics aided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The presentation of data was done using tables and graphs. A pilot study in Lwandeti and Chevaywa wards in Lugari Subcounty was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the data collection instruments, and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8 was good evidence of reliability. Research findings showed that 70% (269) of the respondents accepted that the transportation charges were high compared to other costs of production, 60% (230) of the cane farmers sampled said that there was a ready market for mature sugarcane, while 40% (154) responded negatively and 100% of the farmers indicated that they never witnessed the weighing of their cane. Finally, 79.95% (307) of the farmers accepted that the equipment for the operation of cane farming was mainly the locally available ones for instance, Jembes, Pangas, and ox ploughs; and 83% (319) of farmers failed to uproot old cane due to lack of money to hire the tractors and high technology equipment. Small-scale farmers in the Malava sub-county have low productivity due to these factors. This study recommends that sugar millers cover transportation costs, provide licenses on schedule, introduce mobile weighbridges to allow farmers to observe the weighing of their cane, and the government provide loans for small-scale farmers to acquire village tractors

Analysis of heavy metals in top soil samples from Nzoia sugarcane farms in Western Kenya found elevated levels of heavy metals in the soils with mean concentrations (mg kg⁻¹ dry weight) of 142.38, 59.12, 73.35, 116.27, 409.84 (dry season) and 144.22, 50.29, 72.14, 158.81, 368.83 (wet season) for Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe, respectively, compared with a control soil sample from an adjacent field where fertilizers are not applied having mean concentrations of 117.27, 61.87, 63.68, 123.49, 282.93 (dry season) 108.00, 50.68, 66.10, 114.23, 167.01 (wet season), respectively. The heavy metal loads in the sugarcane farms were above international standards. The levels of the same metals in the fertilizers used in the sugarcane farms were within acceptable international standards. A risk assessment of the continued use of phosphate fertilizer (DAP) in the farms based on a 50-year period, did not exceed international threshold. The soil pH values (6.18 dry season and 5.66 wet season) were low compared to the control (7.46 dry season and 7.10 wet season) a situation that could accelerate heavy metal solubility and mobility in the farm soil. Lowering of soil pH was attributed mainly to fertilizer application and partly to increased organic matter content as shown by the high mean total organic carbon content values of 8.63% (dry season) and 8.43 (wet season) in comparison with a control soil meant total organic carbon content value of 4.76% (dry season) and 5.02 (wet season).

Sugarcane farming is a commercial monocultural land use practice which often lead to reduction in agrobiodiversity. The study was carried out in Mumias Division of Western Kenya where 68% of the land is under commercial sugarcane cultivation while 32% is left for subsistence agriculture and other land uses. The objectives of the study were: to identify the indigenous vegetable grown in Mumias Division before the introduction of commercial sugarcane farming and to assess the effects of commercial sugarcane farming on indigenous vegetable in Mumias Division. With the introduction of commercial sugarcane farming in the 1970s, the land under subsistence agriculture declined thus affecting vegetable species diversity in the study area in the following ways: vine spinach became extinct, the number of farmers growing indigenous vegetable from 1970s to 2000s decline by between 4 and 57%. African kale was the least cultivated crop. The number of farmers growing sugarcane increased by 60% in 1970s and 6% in 1980s. The results imply that sugarcane farming is one of the major contributors to vegetable species diversity erosion. Other reasons for diversity erosion in the region included decline in livestock, expensive seeds, change in tests and preference and pests and diseases. Key words: Agro- biodiversity, Monoculture, Indigenous Vegetables.

The semi-arid and dry regions of South Africa experience shortages of water resources, which poses major challenges to livelihoods exacerbated by climate change. Despite the importance of indigenous food crops in optimizing water conservation, limited research has been conducted on effective strategies for promoting indigenous crops. This paper explores the potential of indigenous crops in optimizing water conservation in South Africa. This review paper adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to ensure transparency, rigor, and reproducibility. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This review found that indigenous crops, such as sorghum and cowpeas, have innate traits that enable them to flourish in environments where water resources are limited. According to the findings of this study, these indigenous crops are resilient to drought and optimize water use efficiency. This review recommends the creation of a national database for indigenous climate-resilient food crops, which can act as an information hub for research and development. In maximizing the water use efficiency of indigenous crops, sustainable water management techniques remain critical. The results of this study have important implications for sustainable agriculture and water conservation in South Africa.

The purpose of this paper was to establish the role of pre-colonial Agikuyu women’s local trade on indigenous food Crops in enhancing food security in Nyeri County before 1902. The research was guided by two theories Marxist feminist theory and articulation theory. This study was conducted in three sub-counties: Kieni East, Mathira East, and Nyeri Central. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources such as key informants, archival data and document analysis. A sample size threshold of 54 respondents was interviewed. The main research instruments were the interview guide and focus group discussion. Data for this study was analyzed qualitatively using documentary content analysis, description and narration of the historical events. Data was also corroborated and both context and content analysis were done to ensure reliability and validity of the information. The study established that in pre-colonial period women formed the backbone of Nyeri County's food security through their local exchange system leveraging their deep understanding on well-established trade networks of indigenous food crops that helped to mitigate food shortage. The established that the indigenous food crops that women exchanged in the local markets were well adapted to local conditions, sustainably available and provided essential nutrients necessary for the health and well-being of the community. The findings of this study illustrate the pivotal role of Agikuyu women in local trade systems and its substantial contribution to food security in Nyeri County. The study concludes that the ministry of trade should come up with deliberate measures that will integrate women’s local trade into the country’s economic policies and practices and also consider the valuable contribution of women local trade in mitigating food shortage and ensuring eradication of extreme poverty and hunger

Diet is a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of obesity, and various foods have the potential to aid in obesity management by modulating different pathways involved in the disease's pathology. We performed a systematic review of literature, using CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on the antiobesity potential of foods crops and functional food products, and their mechanisms of action and clinical evidence. Sixty‐four articles were identified, of which 41 investigated food crops, while 23 investigated functional products. Food crops, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, seaweeds, legumes, herbs, spices, and cocoa seeds, have antiobesity effects through mechanisms such as altering the metabolism of glucolipids by inhibiting enzymes like α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, stimulating the bioenergetics of thermogenic fat, modulating gut microbiota, and inhibiting lipogenesis and storage. In addition, developed functional teas, beverages, and yoghurt have antiobesity effects through similar or different mechanisms, such as enhancing energy expenditure and satiety, suppressing adipogenesis and lipolysis, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, and altering hormonal secretion. This review reemphasized the significance of food in the control of obesity, and highlights the distinct methods these explored foods exert their antiobesity effects. In conclusion, foods are safe and effective means of combating obesity without the side effects of conventional drugs, which can help inform dietary choices, assist professionals in providing more accurate advice, and also lead to better understanding of food and its effect on overall health of the public. This approach will eradicate global diseases, especially if more underutilized and indigenous food crops are extensively researched.