Improving the food health and nutritional quality of populations through the production, development and consumption of crab (Cardisoma armatun) in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Nutritional deficiencies in animal proteins and the absence of food hygiene are increasingly observed among low-income populations in West African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire. In order to contribute to the resolution of this situation which affects food security, this study proposes to promote the production and consumption of Cabe (Cardisoma armatum) by the Ivorian populations. Thus, one hundred male and female juveniles of C. armatum were captured in the Ebrié lagoon. After purification and reproduction, they were subjected to chemical and biochemical analyses. At the end of this study, about 2537 individuals of Cardisoma armatum respecting health and nutritional standards are produced per semester. The assay of minerals reveals, among other things, a respective phosphorus, sodium and iodine content of 343 mg; 402mg; and 100 µg per 100 g of crab. Riboflavin (B2) and panthoneic acid (B5) are remarkable with respectively 0.9 and 1 mg per 100 g of crab. Thus the populations who have adhered to this new nutritional practice, in addition to seeing their health improve, see their financial resources increase through the production and marketing of crabs.