Nutritional Yield of African Indigenous Vegetables in Water-Deficient and Water-Sufficient Conditions

Jen Wen Luoh,Rachael C Symonds,Caroline B Begg,Dolores Ledesma,Ray-Yu Yang

doi:10.4236/fns.2014.59091

Abstract

Water scarcity in certain regions of sub-Saharan Africa impacts agricultural production while prolonging dry seasons, and contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the nutritional yield (edible yield × nutritional content) of indigenous leafy vegetables commonly consumed in Africa under water-stressed conditions. Two species of amaranth, two species of African nightshade, and two varieties of Ethiopian kale were examined under environment-controlled water-sufficient and water-deficient conditions. Fresh and dry stem and leaf weights significantly decreased in the three crop groups under the water-deficient treatment. Nutritional values for carotenoids, tocopherols, calcium and zinc showed significant differences at the content level among treatments. Among the 6 crops evaluated, the amaranth species named Amaranthus hypochondriacus and the African nightshade species named Solanum scabrum had the lowest nutrient losses in drought conditions.

Highlights

Water scarcity in parts of sub-Saharan Africa is spreading due to a decline in annual rainfall levels and overuseHow to cite this paper: Luoh, J.W., et al (2014) Nutritional Yield of African Indigenous Vegetables in Water-Deficient and Water-Sufficient Conditions
Increased demand for water from growing populations and the effects of climate change intensify the impact of water scarcity experienced in semi-arid and arid regions of Africa [2]
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that by the end of the century, Africa as a whole will have an increase of 5% to 8% in dryland and up to 50% reduction in agricultural production in some countries [2]

Summary

Introduction

Water scarcity in parts of sub-Saharan Africa is spreading due to a decline in annual rainfall levels and overuseHow to cite this paper: Luoh, J.W., et al (2014) Nutritional Yield of African Indigenous Vegetables in Water-Deficient and Water-Sufficient Conditions. Water scarcity in parts of sub-Saharan Africa is spreading due to a decline in annual rainfall levels and overuse. Increased demand for water from growing populations and the effects of climate change intensify the impact of water scarcity experienced in semi-arid and arid regions of Africa [2]. Domestic water usage is only one factor contributing to declining water levels. The production of industrial and agricultural goods traded internationally consumes water. Inadequate local, regional and national water supplies directly affect the amount of available drinking water and food. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that by the end of the century, Africa as a whole will have an increase of 5% to 8% in dryland and up to 50% reduction in agricultural production in some countries [2]

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