Diverse Food Products Research Articles

Agricultural Food Production Diversity and Dietary Diversity among Female Small Holder Farmers in a Region of the Ecuadorian Andes Experiencing Nutrition Transition.

Some rural areas of Ecuador, including the Imbabura Province of the Andes Highlands, are experiencing a double burden of malnutrition where micronutrient deficiencies persist at the same time obesity is increasing as many traditional home-grown foods are being replaced with more commercially prepared convenience foods. Thus, the relationships among agricultural food production diversity (FPD), dietary diversity (DD), and household food insecurity (HFI) of the rural small holder farmers need further study. Therefore, we examined these associations in small holder farmers residing in this Province in the Andes Highlands (elevation > 2500 m). Non-pregnant maternal home managers (n = 558, x age = 44.1, SD = 16.5 y) were interviewed regarding the number of different agricultural food crops cultivated and domestic animals raised in their family farm plots. DD was determined using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women Score (MDD-W) based on the number of 10 different food groups consumed, and household food insecurity (HFI) was determined using the 8-item Household Food Insecurity Experience Scale. The women reported consuming an average of 53% of their total food from what they cultivated or raised. Women with higher DD [MMD-W score ≥ 5 food groups (79% of total sample)] were on farms that cultivated a greater variety of crops (x = 8.7 vs. 6.7), raised more animals (x = 17.9 vs. 12.7, p < 0.05), and reported lower HFI and significantly higher intakes of energy, protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin A (all p < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that FPD was only modestly related to DD, which together with years of education, per capita family income, and HFI accounted for 26% of DD variance. In rural areas of the Imbabura Province, small holder farmers still rely heavily on consumption of self-cultivated foods, but greater diversity of crops grown in family farm plots is only weakly associated with greater DD and lower HFI among the female caretakers.

Modification of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) residues soluble dietary fiber following twin-screw extrusion

Effect of twin-screw extrusion on soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from sweet potato residues (SPRs) were investigated using optimized conditions, at screw speed of 180 rpm, feed rate at 17 Hz, feed moisture at 40% and extrusion temperature at 150 °C. Extruded SDF, showed higher SDF levels (9.63%–29.25%), cholesterol and sodiumcholate adsorption capacity, radical scavenging capacity, and inhibition of digestive enzymes. Moreover, extrusion effectively reduced particle size and molecularweight of SDF, modulated monosaccharide ratios, and increased water retention capacity (WRC), oil retention capacity (ORC), swelling capacity (SC) and glucose absorption capacity (GAC). Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated decomposition of macromolecules of SDF to smaller fractions and formation of a porous morphology following extrusion. Furthermore, the extruded SDF increased thermal stability as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Overall, the SDF from SPRs with improved functional and physiochemical properties could be used as a functional additive in diverse food products.

Defatted coconut flour improved the bioactive components, dietary fibre, antioxidant and sensory properties of nixtamalized maize flour

Coconut residue obtained after the extraction of oil or milk is mostly used as animal feeds or discarded. However, this residue is high in dietary fibre which is known to significantly promote digestion. Therefore, in order to explore its potentials in food formulations, flour blends were produced with nixtamalized maize and defatted coconut flour which were analyzed for the dietary fibre, functional, pasting and antioxidant properties while the sensory acceptability of masa from the flour blends was evaluated. The outcomes revealed that protein, fat and fibre increased while carbohydrate decreased as coconut flour inclusion increased. Bulk density decreased and water and oil absorption capacity of the flour blends increased. The soluble and insoluble dietary fibre was significantly increased as well as the bioactive constituents and antioxidant properties. Sensory evaluation showed that 10% incorporation of coconut flour was comparable to the control and preferred by the consumers. Conclusively, defatted coconut flour significantly enhanced the dietary fibre, functional and antioxidant properties of the flour blends which suggests their application in diverse food products. • Defatted coconut flour enhanced the total dietary fibre of the flour blends. • Flour blends exhibited high radical scavenging activities. • Flour blends are potential source of bioactive components. • Protein-malnutrition can be addressed by nixtamalized maize-defatted coconut flour blends.

Effect of thermal and high-pressure processing on the thermo-rheological and functional properties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) flours

The effect of hydrothermal (HT) (boiling for 15 or 120 min) and high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (150, 300, 450, and 600 MPa for 5, 10 or 15 min) processing on the rheological, pasting, thermal and functional properties of bean flours was investigated. HT and HHP treatments differently affected these properties. HT120 led to maximum values of elastic and viscous moduli (G′, G″), and gel strength of bean flours. HHP enhanced G′, G″ and gel strength as the pressure and holding time increased. The viscoelastic properties of HT120 and HHP600/5-treated bean flours correlated with the increased viscosity of these samples. The pasting profiles and thermograms indicated a full, partial, and limited starch gelatinization in HT120, HHP600/5 and HHP ≤450 MPa samples, respectively. Enthalpy values showed that HT120 caused a higher degree of protein denaturation than HHP, with protein denaturation increasing as pressurization and time increased. This had an impact on protein solubility and emulsifying activity of flours which were significantly diminished by HT15/HT120, but maintained or slightly decreased by HHP. Nevertheless, HHP-treated samples showed enhanced emulsifying stability with increased pressure and holding time. These results demonstrate that HHP has the technological potential to manufacture bean flours with a range of functionalities into diverse food products.

Visco-thermal and structural characterization of water chestnut flour.

In order to increase flour recovery, resistant starch content and to lower the glycemic index and glycemic load, the water chestnuts were subjected to pre-optimized conditions of pre-conditioning. The low glycemic index water chestnut flour (F1) obtained thereafter was analyzed for different functional, viscous, thermal and structural properties. F1 exhibited improved functional properties due to gelatinization of starch followed by retrogradation during pre-conditioning which confirms its feasibility for development of diverse food products in comparison to commercially available market flour (F2). Pasting properties-peak viscosity, hold viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity and set back viscosity (SBV) were found significantly (p < 0.01) higher in case of F1 than F2. Higher peak viscosity of F1 can be accorded to its higher swelling capacity than F2. Further, higher SBV of F1 suggests its susceptibility towards retrogradation and gel formation. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that gelatinization temperature, endothermic peak width, onset, peak and conclusion temperatures were significantly (p < 0.01) lower, whereas enthalpy of gelatinization and peak height index were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in case of F1 as compared to F2. Lower gelatinization transition temperatures of F1 could be attributed to its more water absorption ability than F2 which suggests its potential as a thickening agent in foods. ATR-FTIR studies revealed high absorbance ratio at 1047/1022cm-1 in F1 as compared to F2 which confirmed the presence of packed double helices within the starch crystalline regions in F1 sample. Scanning electron microscopy showed the smooth, plumper and fused granules in F1 whereas disintegrated granules were observed in F2.

Interplay of trade and food system resilience: Gains on supply diversity over time at the cost of trade independency

Rapidly increasing international food trade has drastically altered the global food system over the past decades. Using national scale indicators, we assess two of the resilience principles that directly reflect the effects of global trade on food systems – namely, maintaining diversity and redundancy, and managing connectivity. We perform our analysis for four nutritional components: dietary energy, proteins, fat, and quantity of vegetables & fruits – the key pillars of the WHO dietary recommendations. Our results indicate that, between 1987 and 2013, food supply diversity increased significantly for most of the world's population at the cost of an elevated dependency upon food imports. Food production diversity, particularly in terms of dietary energy and vegetables & fruits, increased for a large proportion of the world population, with the exception being major exporting countries, where it decreased. Of particular note is our finding that, despite a growing number of people being heavily dependent upon imports, the number of import partners decreased more often than it increased, except for the case of vegetables & fruits. This combination of increased dependency on imports and a reduced number of import partners indicates a potential vulnerability to disruptions in linked food systems. Additionally, it is alarming that we found many countries where the studied resilience aspects systematically declined, elevating their exposure to future shocks in the food system.

Grown to be Blue-Antioxidant Properties and Health Effects of Colored Vegetables. Part II: Leafy, Fruit, and Other Vegetables.

The current trend for substituting synthetic compounds with natural ones in the design and production of functional and healthy foods has increased the research interest about natural colorants. Although coloring agents from plant origin are already used in the food and beverage industry, the market and consumer demands for novel and diverse food products are increasing and new plant sources are explored. Fresh vegetables are considered a good source of such compounds, especially when considering the great color diversity that exists among the various species or even the cultivars within the same species. In the present review we aim to present the most common species of colored vegetables, focusing on leafy and fruit vegetables, as well as on vegetables where other plant parts are commercially used, with special attention to blue color. The compounds that are responsible for the uncommon colors will be also presented and their beneficial health effects and antioxidant properties will be unraveled.

Effects of microbial fermentation and microwave treatment on the composition, structural characteristics, and functional properties of modified okara dietary fiber

The effects of mixed fermentation by lactic acid bacteria and Neurospora crassa, and microwave treatment on the composition, structure, and functional properties of okara dietary fiber (DF) were studied. The results of SEM and EDX showed that the honeycomb structure was more obvious and the content of elemental components was changed after fermentation and microwave treatment. The result of TGA-DSC showed that the thermal stability of the sample improved following microwave treatment. The FT-IR results showed that fermentation and microwave treatment effect the functional groups of cellulose and hemicellulose in a manner consistent with the composition of the samples, and the crystal structures of the samples were slightly damaged after modification. There was no obvious change in the adsorption effect of cholesterol and sodium cholate following mixed fermentation and microwave treatment. However, the inhibition ratio of fermented DF on α-amylase activity increased from 9.55% to 15.04%, while that of microwave-treated DF changed from 9.55% to 20.92%. The glucose dialysis retardation of fermented DF doubled at 30 min. Overall, both methods improve the availability of DF in okara. Modified DF from okara can be used as a functional ingredient in diverse food products.

Dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe optimal dietary practice is a critical requisite for maternal nutrition. However, the majority of Ethiopian pregnant women have inadequate nutrient intakes. These may be due to their poor dietary habits. Identifying factors affecting the dietary practices of pregnant women is crucial to design appropriate interventions. In this country, the dietary practices of pregnant women and determinants are not well studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 712 pregnant women from May to August 2018. Quantitative data complemented with a qualitative method. Pregnant women were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 7.2.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for analysis. Data were described using frequencies and mean. A logistic regression analysis was done.Three focus group discussions and 17 key-informant interviews were conducted for the qualitative data. Focus group discussion participants were mothers, husbands, and health professionals. Typical case and homogeneous sampling techniques were used for the key-informant interviews and focus group discussions, respectively. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data.ResultsOnly 19.9% of respondents had appropriate dietary practices. On the multivariable logistic regression analyses, being food secure [AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: (1.1, 4.5)], having high edible crop production [AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: (1.2, 3.2)] and a favorable attitude [AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: (1.1, 2.6)] were significantly associated with the appropriate dietary practices of pregnant women. In the qualitative study, lack of knowledge on maternal diet, cultural prohibition, and knowledge gap of the professionals were barriers that interfere with dietary practices during pregnancy.ConclusionPregnant women in the study area are found to have suboptimal dietary practices. Therefore, health professionals should give regular nutrition counseling using cards and role models for promoting diversified food production and consumption.

Bionanocellulose – Properties, Acquisition And Perspectives Of Application In The Food Industry

Abstract The food industry is one area of industrial activities that requires the frequent implementation of technological and product innovations. Foodstuffs obtained both in technologically advanced factories, as well as in small manufacturing enterprises, are increasingly produced using innovative food additives, which include natural polysaccharide ingredients. One of these substances is bionanocellulose – microbially produced cellulose (most commonly by the genus Komagataeibacter xylinus, formerly known as Gluconacetobacter xylinus). Bionanocellulose is a polymer with exceptionally valuable functional properties resulting from its unique molecular structure (formed by the chemically ultra-pure β-1,4-glucan). The main features of bionanocellulose are high hygroscopicity, flexibility and mechanical strength. Various physical and chemical forms of bionanocellulose (produced both during surface and submerged cultivation) are increasingly used in the production of food products. The need to produce highly diversified (e.g., usable or sensory) food products as well as the increasing difficulties associated with access to conventional sources of external coal, necessitate the search of alternative culture media for the production of bionanocellulose. The aim of the work is to describe the use of alternative carbon sources for the microbiological synthesis of bionanocellulose and its application in the food industry. Introduction. 2. Structure and physico-mechanical characteristics of bionanocellulose. 3. The process of synthesis of bionanocellulose and its importance for microorganisms. 4. Microorganisms used for the production of bionanocellulose. 5. Raw materials used in the synthesis of bionanocellulose. 6. Techniques of culturing microorganisms that produce bionanocellulose. 7. Possible applications of bionanocellulose in the food industry. 8. Conclusions

Prediction of Terpenoid Toxicity Based on a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Model.

Terpenoids, including monoterpenoids (C10), norisoprenoids (C13), and sesquiterpenoids (C15), constitute a large group of plant-derived naturally occurring secondary metabolites with highly diverse chemical structures. A quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model to predict terpenoid toxicity and to evaluate the influence of their chemical structures was developed in this study by assessing in real time the toxicity of 27 terpenoid standards using the Gram-negative bioluminescent Vibrio fischeri. Under the test conditions, at a concentration of 1 µM, the terpenoids showed a toxicity level lower than 5%, with the exception of geraniol, citral, (S)-citronellal, geranic acid, (±)-α-terpinyl acetate, and geranyl acetone. Moreover, the standards tested displayed a toxicity level higher than 30% at concentrations of 50–100 µM, with the exception of (+)-valencene, eucalyptol, (+)-borneol, guaiazulene, β-caryophellene, and linalool oxide. Regarding the functional group, terpenoid toxicity was observed in the following order: alcohol > aldehyde ~ ketone > ester > hydrocarbons. The CODESSA software was employed to develop QSAR models based on the correlation of terpenoid toxicity and a pool of descriptors related to each chemical structure. The QSAR models, based on t-test values, showed that terpenoid toxicity was mainly attributed to geometric (e.g., asphericity) and electronic (e.g., maximum partial charge for a carbon (C) atom (Zefirov’s partial charge (PC)) descriptors. Statistically, the most significant overall correlation was the four-parameter equation with a training coefficient and test coefficient correlation higher than 0.810 and 0.535, respectively, and a square coefficient of cross-validation (Q2) higher than 0.689. According to the obtained data, the QSAR models are suitable and rapid tools to predict terpenoid toxicity in a diversity of food products.

Multidimensional Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture Practices of Cambodian Smallholder Farmers

Agriculture is an important mainstay of the Cambodian economy and recent agriculture developments have lifted many people out of poverty. However, some key challenges remain in Cambodian rural areas. To further sustain the country&amp;rsquo;s development, new ways need to be found to drive future growth without negatively impacting its existing resources. Recent efforts led by development stakeholders have been dedicated to enhanc the sustainability of Cambodian agriculture. The local non-governmental organization MODE jointly with Louvain Cooperation focuses on helping vulnerable farmers to transition towards sustainable agriculture practices through specific training. This paper aims to assess the benefits of such an approach by using SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems), a methodology developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Core indicators of the four pillars of sustainability were evaluated through interviews with eighty farmers, equally distributed in two groups (target farmers and a control group), to assess the agricultural sustainability of their local farming system. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. The target group which was supported in their transition to sustainable practices showed a significant increase of net incomes, more diverse food production, and higher number of actions already taken or planned in order to mitigate the inherent risks of food production. The global index resulting from the combination of all core indicators revealed a significant difference between the groups, with more sustainable practices for the target farmers. However, overall the level of sustainability remained low to very low in both groups, which was partly due to the choice to work with vulnerable people defined by low productivity.

Linking global crop and livestock consumption to local production hotspots

International trade plays a critical role in global food security, with global consumption having highly localized environmental impacts. It has been difficult to gain insights into these effects due to the diversity of food production, and complexity of supply chains in international trade. We present a Spatially-explicit Multi-Regional Input-Output (SMRIO) model which couples primary crops and livestock at a high spatial resolution with a global Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model. We then identify hotspots (the most significant production regions) for primary crops and livestock driven by international consumption. We present the method and data behind this approach, and provide illustrative case studies for Indonesian palm oil and Brazilian soy and beef production. Regionally, China is the largest primary crop consumer, while the EU28 is the largest livestock consumer. Primary crops and livestock hotspots are highly unequal, and the embodied primary crops and livestock for high-income countries are distributed over larger areas when compared to lower-income countries since high-income countries have more numerous trade links. Identified hotspots could allow for increased cooperation between consumers (high-income countries) and producers (lower-income countries) to improve sustainability programs for global food security.

Physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility and structural attributes of okara‐enriched functional pasta

Soy okara is a by‐product of soybean processing which offers immense potential to be incorporated into the diverse food products due to its high nutritional and biological significance. The current research aimed to examine the impact of varying soy okara contents (10%–50%) on physicochemical attributes, in vitro protein digestibility, and glycaemic index (GI) of microwave processed durum wheat semolina pasta. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity improved when 50% of soy okara was added (158.37 ± 0.40 to 232.90 ± 0.85 mg GAE/100 g and 10.87 ± 0.10%–56.21 ± 0.05%). The GI of enriched samples was significantly lower than control pasta (27.41 ± 0.05–12.38 ± 0.01). Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy revealed no structural changes between control and soy okara‐fortified pasta. Studies indicated that pasta enriched with soy okara has the potential to be commercialized on the industrial level to develop nutritional enriched functional pasta. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Current research reports the effect of incorporation of soy okara on physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, and structural attributes of functional pasta. Enriched pasta showed an improved antioxidant profile with the satisfactory organoleptic score. Hypoglycaemic effect of enriched pasta suggested that soy okara could be used to make the functional pasta which has potential to provide various health benefits. Findings of this work will promote the effective utilization of soy okara in pasta formulation with a high level of protein and fiber.

Potential of Yeasts as Biocontrol Agents of the Phytopathogen Causing Cacao Witches' Broom Disease: Is Microbial Warfare a Solution?

Plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens are responsible for major crop losses worldwide, with a significant socio-economic impact on the life of millions of people who depend on agriculture-exclusive economy. This is the case of the Witches’ Broom Disease (WBD) affecting cacao plant and fruit in South and Central America. The severity and extent of this disease is prospected to impact the growing global chocolate market in a few decades. WBD is caused by the basidiomycete fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa. The methods used to contain the fungus mainly rely on chemical fungicides, such as copper-based compounds or azoles. Not only are these highly ineffective, but also their utilization is increasingly restricted by the cacao industry, in part because it promotes fungal resistance, in part related to consumers’ health concerns and environmental awareness. Therefore, the disease is being currently tentatively controlled through phytosanitary pruning, although the full removal of infected plant material is impossible and the fungus maintains persistent inoculum in the soil, or using an endophytic fungal parasite of Moniliophthora perniciosa which production is not sustainable. The growth of Moniliophthora perniciosa was reported as being antagonized in vitro by some yeasts, which suggests that they could be used as biological control agents, suppressing the fungus multiplication and containing its spread. Concurrently, some yeast-based products are used in the protection of fruits from postharvest fungal spoilage, and the extension of diverse food products shelf-life. These successful applications suggest that yeasts can be regarded a serious alternative also in the pre-harvest management of WBD and other fungal plant diseases. Yeasts’ GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) nature adds to their appropriateness for field application, not raising major ecological concerns as do the present more aggressive approaches. Importantly, mitigating WBD, in a sustainable manner, would predictably have a high socioeconomic impact, contributing to diminish poverty in the cacao-producing rural communities severely affected by the disease. This review discusses the importance/advantages and the challenges that such a strategy would have for WBD containment, and presents the available information on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying fungi antagonism by yeasts.

Propiedades y opciones para valorizar el lactosuero de la quesería artesanal

El lactosuero posee una gran cantidad de los componentes de la leche, sin embargo, una alta proporción del volumen generado se sigue tirando, provocando pérdida de nutrientes y problemas de contaminación. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue proveer información sobre las propiedades nutricionales, funcionales y biológicas del lactosuero, generado por la industria quesera artesanal, así como evidencias científicas recientes que sustentan, bajo distintos enfoques tecnológicos, el potencial de aprovechamiento, mediante su transformación o recuperación para adicionarle valor. Las oportunidades en la valorización del lactosuero, a través de la elaboración de diversos productos lácteos, como el requesón (queso de suero), bebidas fermentadas o con frutas, bebidas para deportistas, bebidas alcohólicas, mantequilla de suero, dulces, helados y paletas, reflejan el nicho de oportunidades para hacer la industria quesera artesanal más redituable. El cambio de paradigmas en los productores artesanales, en percibir al lactosuero como una fuente de co-productos para su recuperación, transformación y reincorporación a sus procesos, acorde a las capacidades tecnológicas de dicha industria, y no como un subproducto, reduciría las pérdidas de componentes de alto valor (e.g., proteína, lípidos y azúcares), trayendo consigo efectos benéficos, tanto ambientales como económicos.

Fertilidade do solo e estoques de carbono e nitrogênio sob sistemas agroflorestais no Cerrado mineiro

Os sistemas agroflorestais são utilizados para diversificar a produção de alimentos, proporcionar aumento na biodiversidade da fauna e da flora e conservação do carbono e nutrientes no solo. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a fertilidade e os estoques de carbono (C) e nitrogênio (N) do solo após dez anos de implantação de sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) no Cerrado mineiro. O estudo foi realizado no Assentamento Agroextrativista Americana, localizado no município de Grão Mogol, mesorregião norte do Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram selecionados três SAFSs e duas áreas de vegetação nativa (VN) adjacentes, utilizadas como referência para o estudo, as quais foram agrupados em função da classe de solo: Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo e Cambissolo Háplico. A amostragem do solo foi realizada em março de 2013, dez anos após a implantação dos SAFs, em que amostras compostas foram retiradas das camadas 0-5 e 0-20 cm de profundidade para avaliação dos teores de nutrientes e densidade aparente, e na primeira camada os estoques de C e N do solo. Os SAFs que foram implantados com manejo baseado em desrama e manutenção da diversidade florística contribuíram com e melhoria da qualidade do solo e manutenção da fertilidade e estoques de C em níveis semelhantes à vegetação nativa. Já o SAF que foi implantado com a prévia supressão da vegetação nativa reduziu a diversidade arbórea e, consequentemente, os estoques de C ao longo do tempo. Porém, o manejo com culturas anuais e uso de leguminosas contribuiu para a melhoria da fertilidade do solo e incremento dos teores e estoques de N.

A comparative study of the household food access by farmers in farmer field and life schools in gatanga constituency, Murang’a county, Kenya

Many programs have been initiated to assist farmers diversify food production. The Farmer Field and Life Schools (FFLS), an agricultural extension methodology, is an example. Dietary assessment methods are used for nutrition assessments. This study compared household food consumption patterns, by using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) of households who participated in the FFLS at baseline and after intervention and Non-FFLS households in the Gatanga Constituency in Murang’a County. The study was based on a United Nations Joint Program implemented from 2009 to 2013. A comparative cross-sectional design was used in this study to compare FFLS at baseline, after intervention and Non-FFLS households. 112 households (56 for cases and 56 for comparative group) participated in this study. The baseline survey with 390 households was in 2009. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. Paired and independent T-Tests were used to determine the difference in the household dietary diversity score between FFLS at baseline and after intervention, and post intervention FFLS and Non-FFLS, respectively. Results show that 42.8% (n=56) of the FFLS households and 28.5% of non-FFLS household respondents were over 50 years of age. 49% of FLS and 11% non FFLS households have incomes ranging from 0-5,000 Ksh. per month, with 41% of FFLS and 32% non FFLS having incomes ranging from Ksh. 5,001- 10,000 1 . Mean for Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) at baseline was 8.16 and Non-FFLS was 8.45. Minimum food groups consumed across all groups were cereals, milk and milk products, oils and fats. Comparing FFLSat baseline and post intervention, the percentage of households consuming all food groups increased with exception of fruits and meat. There was a significant difference (p=0.007 against p<0.0005) in the HDDS when FFLS groups post intervention were compared with their baseline. There was no significant difference (p=0.176, against p<0.0005) in the HDDS between FFLS post intervention and non-FFLS households. Compared with the baseline information, FFLS participants who were of low economic status improved their HDDS. Targeting of vulnerable households to participate in such programs has the potential of improving their HDDS compared with the regular HDDS population. Integration of nutrition in agricultural programs with strong extension systems like the - has great potential to improve access and consumption of diversified foods for vulnerable households. Keywords: Agriculture, Nutrition, Farmer Field and Life Schools (FFLS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev . 2019; 19(3): 14622-14637

The evaluation of nutritional composition and functional and pasting properties of wheat flour-coconut flour blends

The feasibility of partially replacing wheat flour with coconut flour in baked products was investigated. Matured coconut (Cocos nucifera) endocarp was grated for the extraction of milk, dried, milled,and pulverized. Five blends of composite flour were prepared by combining wheat flour with 10% to 50% of partially defatted coconut flour,respectively. The 100% wheat flour served as control. The samples were analysed for proximate, mineral, functional,and pasting properties using standard procedures. The proximate analysis indicated 5.52 % moisture, 23.6% protein, 11.14% fibre, 5.4% fat, 5.21% ash,and 49.1% carbohydrate for coconut flour. The ranges of the proximate composition forthe flour blends were:moisture (4.79-5.55%), protein (14.9 -19.1%), fibre (0.44 -5.12%), fat (2.9 -5.3%), ash (0.68-2.13%), carbohydrate (62.7-76.2%),and energy (315.26-335.28 kCal). The values for moisture, protein, fat, fibre,and ash increased with the increasing levels of coconut substitution,except for carbohydrate and energy contents. There were significant differences (p≤0.05) in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron,and zinc concentrations of the samples. The range of values obtained for these parameters was1.32-2.59 mg/kg, 2.60-3.83 mg/kg, 12.10-16.89 mg/kg, 12.40-18.50 mg/kg,0.50-1.22 mg/kg and 0.30-1.23 mg/kg, respectively. The ranges of functional properties were:loosed bulk density (0.28-0.49 g/mL),packed bulk density (0.44-0.75 g/mL), pH (5.77-6.57), swelling capacity (3.89-6.56%), water absorption capacity (0.89-3.97 ml/g),oil absorption capacity (1.26-3.20 ml/g),and gelation (12.0-18.0%). The pasting characteristics showed significant differences betweenthe100% wheat flour and coconut substituted samples. The results revealed modifications in nutritional, functional,and pasting properties in blends containing fractions of partially defatted coconut flour,which suggeststheir application in diverse food products.

Farming on the fringe: Shallow groundwater dynamics and irrigation scheduling for maize and wheat in Bangladesh’s coastal delta

Further efforts are needed to combat poverty and agricultural productivity problems in the delta region of Bangladesh. Sustainable intensification of crop production through irrigation and production of cash crops such as maize and wheat might be a promising option to increase income and diversify food production. Only limited research has however been conducted on the potential of using surface water from canals as an irrigation source for maize and wheat production in the delta region. To better understand the contribution of shallow groundwater to crop production and number of irrigations needed for maize and wheat in this unique coastal environment, we conducted multi-locational trials on farmers' fields over three rabi seasons. In addition to soil moisture and salinity, we recorded the depth and salinity of the shallow water table throughout these experiments. Maize in particular requires considerable capital investment for seeds, fertilizer, irrigation and labor. Although farmers express wide interest in maize – which can be sold as a profitable cash crop into Bangladesh's expanding poultry feed industry – many of them are reluctant to invest in fertilizer because of the high entry costs. We therefore also investigated the profitability of growing maize under low and high (recommended) fertilizer regimens. Volumetric soil moisture at sowing and during the grain filling phase or at maturity indicated that there is ample supply of water in the profile. Most measurements were above the drained upper limit (DUL). We attributed this to the generally shallow water table depths, which never exceeded 2.75 m at any location, but generally stayed between 1–2 m depth throughout the season. The region’s soil texture classes (clay loams, silt loams and silty clay loams) are all conducive for capillary rise of water into the rooting zone. Consequently, irrigation had a significant effect on maize yield in the driest winter only, whereas for wheat, it had no effect. The key for a successful maize and wheat production in the delta region of Bangladesh is to ensure a good crop establishment, which can be achieved with a starter and an additional irrigation at crown root initiation for wheat and at V6-8 for maize. Maize however is not always profitable. Compared to low fertilizer rates, higher rates reduced losses in low yielding site-years and increased profits in high-yielding site years. This indicates that it is advisable for farmers not to reduce fertilizer rates. Low-risk financial credit with rationally structured interest rates that allow farmers to invest in maize could potentially offset these constraints.