Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato Research Articles

Unlocking the potential of biofortified crops: economic determinants of orange flesh sweet potato adoption among smallholder farmers in Ghana

Unlocking the potential of biofortified crops: economic determinants of orange flesh sweet potato adoption among smallholder farmers in Ghana

Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Migori County Kenya

Sweet potatoes (<i>Ipomea batatas </i>L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was analyzed using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82% significant variables were; size of the land, availability of planting vines, access to hired labour, gender of the household decision maker, farming experience, household size, land ownership status, participation in training programs and extension services, and proximity to markets, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.

Orange-flesh sweet potato powder as a promising partial substitution rice flour to produce high quality and low glycemic index vermicelli

This study aims to improve the quality of vermicelli products by replacing a portion of rice flour with orange-fleshed sweet potato powder at four ratios ranging from 10 % (F1) to 25 % (F4) (5 % interval), while the control sample used 100 % rice flour (F0). The products were analyzed for quality and sensory characteristics. The analysis of five vermicelli production formulas revealed that the product made from formula F3, which contains OFSP powder and rice flour at a ratio of 20:80 %, had a relatively high amount of β-carotene (9.29 μg/g), a bright color (L∗ = 67.15, b∗ = 29.45), and a suitable hardness (46.79 g-force). The F3 sample had better cooking quality than the F0 sample, which was proved by the percentages of weight increase, volume increase, and dry matter loss of 59.88 %, 56.89 %, and 7.08 %, respectively. The estimated PRAL score of the product prepared from formula F3 was −1.45 (PRAL<0), indicating that the vermicelli product is alkaline, which can support and improve human health. A quantity of 100 g of vermicelli contains 25.15 g of carbohydrates, 3.17 g of protein, 1.48 g of lipids, 4.26 g of resistant starch, 2.43 g of fiber, and 1.66 g of ash. The reduction in estimated glycemic index (eGI) was also found, reaching a value of 51.24 for the F3 sample, whereas the eGI of F0 was 58.24 (medium-high range). Furthermore, microstructural image analysis (from a scanning electron microscope) of sample F3 indicated that OFSP powder addition could result in a better gel network structure than occurs in conventional vermicelli. The findings from this study will be a steppingstone to processing various popular food products with enhanced nutrients. This activity can also be developed on a larger production scale, improving the quality of life for communities, especially in areas with chronic vitamin A deficiency.

Effect of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)-Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) composite flour on quality properties of pasta.

Non-wheat flours are gaining attention as substitutes for wheat flour, offering the potential to optimize local resource utilization and alleviate the demand for wheat. The study investigates the use of non-wheat flours, particularly a blend of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) and Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranean), as a partial replacement for wheat flour in pasta production. The aim is to improve the utilization of local resources, reduce the reliance on wheat, and enhance the nutritional quality of pasta. The production of OFSP and BG flour took place at Agricultural Research Council Roodeplaat Campus. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test. The research found that pasta made from composite flour significantly influenced its composition and cooking characteristics when compared to 100% wheat pasta. The most nutritionally enriched pasta was achieved with a blend of 50% wheat, 25% OFSP, and 25% BG, featuring higher protein, ash, and fiber content. Consumers preferred pasta made from a composite flour of 70% wheat, 15% OFSP, and 15% BG. This research suggests the potential for producing pasta using OFSP and BG composite flour as a viable option. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The practical application of the research on orange-fleshed sweet potatoes-Bambara groundnut-based pasta has the potential to improve nutrition, stimulate local economies, enhance agricultural sustainability, and promote food security in regions where vitamin A deficiency is a concern and wheat importation is high.

The effect of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato gold phytomining

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining has commonly used the mercury amalgamation method for gold ore extraction. The processing waste or tailings often contain gold and other metals. This study examined the effects of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) gold phytomining. The pot experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture greenhouse at Padjadjaran University in Indonesia. The sweet potato MZ119 clone (an orange-fleshed sweet potato) was planted on a polybag (40 x 40 cm) consisting of 10 kg of planting media, which was a mixture of gold mine tailing and soil. The design used was a completely randomized design factorial with three replications. The first factor was ratios of gold mine tailing consisting of three levels, namely 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% (w/w). The second factor was doses of organic manure, namely without cow manure, 250 g pot-1, 500 g pot-1, and 750 g pot-1. The results demonstrated that the application of cow dung and the gold mine tailings ratio (w/w) had a significant (p = 0.05) effect on plants' dry weight biomass, gold accumulation, and gold phytomining by sweet potato. The highest gold mass yield of 0.066 mg gold plant-1 was achieved by a 50% (w/w) gold mine tailing ratio and 750 g pot-1 cow manure treatment.

The Impact of Nitrogen Levels on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important fertilizers in agriculture because it promotes the growth of plants and the uptake of other plant nutrients. This nutrient plays a significant role in determining the yield and nutrient composition of sweet potato root tubers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimum application rate of N in sweet potatoes to maximize yields and increase growth efficiency. Four levels of N (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) were applied as treatments. A randomized complete block design was used, and each treatment was replicated five times. Vine length, leaf length, stem thickness, and chlorophyll content were measured weekly, and the storage root yield was determined at the end of the experiment. The results showed a significant effect of the N treatments on plant growth, chlorophyll content, vine length, leaf area index and storage root yield. The chlorophyll content and vine length increased with an increase in the N rate. However, an inverse relationship was observed between storage root yield and N rates; the highest yield was recorded for the 50 kg/ha N treatment and the lowest yield was recorded for the 200 kg/ha N applied. Therefore, a rate of 50 to 100 kg/ha N is recommended for the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

Quality Assessment and Sensory Evaluation of Complementary Food from Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (OFSP), Soybean, and Tropical Almond Seed Composite Flour

Childhood malnutrition especially vitamin A deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition are widely prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries due to the high cost of commercial infant food. Complementary food from OFSP, Soybean and Tropical Almond Seed Flour was produced to improve the nutritional content of locally made infant food. The study evaluated the quality and sensory attributes of complementary food. A commercial sample was used as a reference standard. The sample formulations were in the ratios; 100:0:0, 90:5:5, 80:15:5, 70:25:5. The anti-nutrient composition ranged thus: alkaloid (0.122-0.961%), trypsin inhibitor (0.003-0.455%), tannin (0.036-0.321%), oxalate (0.017-0.049%). The total essential and total non-essential amino acid composition respectively ranged thus in the samples; 14.12-59.55 g/100g of protein and 30.21-41.65 g/100g of protein. Sensory evaluation results showed that all the complementary food samples were generally accepted by the panellists. The composite flour herein produced significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the nutritional, amino acid, and sensory attributes of the complementary food in contrast to the control sample.

Quality Evaluation of Flour and Crackers Made from Acha and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Composite Flour Supplemented with Fermented Cowpea Flour

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of supplementing 60% acha and 40% orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) composite flour with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% fermented cowpea flour on the functional properties of the flour blends and on the proximate composition, mineral content, antinutrients, and sensory characteristics of the crackers made from the blends. The 100% composite of acha and orange-fleshed sweet potato flours served as the control sample. The results obtained showed that all the parameters evaluated varied with the proportion of fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The bulk density increased significantly while the water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, pH, wettability, and gelatinization temperature decreased significantly with the increase in fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The moisture and carbohydrate content of the crackers progressively decreased from 8.83% - 8.08% and from 68.34% - 54.33% respectively with increase in cowpea flour supplementation. The ash, fibre, fat and protein contents of the crackers progressively increased from 1.90 - 2.43%, 0.40 – 0.70%, 14.46 – 18.45% and 6.07 – 16.01% respectively with increase in fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The potassium content of the crackers decreased from 87.51 – 68.66 mg/100g while the calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc contents of the crackers increased progressively from 59.16 - 96.61 mg/100g, 12.60 – 36.69 mg/100g, 0.62 – 0.78 mg/100g and 0.78 – 1.08 mg/100g respectively with increase in fermented cowpea flour supplementation. The oxalate and phytate contents of the crackers decreased progressively, while the tannin content increased with increasing fermentation of cowpea flour supplementation. It is evident from the study that acceptable crackers of high nutritional value could be produced from a composite of 60% acha and 40% orange-fleshed sweet potato flour supplemented with 30% fermented cowpea flour. This would increase the utilization of these locally grown crops and reduce wheat importation into the country.

Effect of harvesting time on root yield and nutritional composition of orange-fleshed sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] varieties in East Hararghe

In eastern Ethiopia, sweet potato is a vital food and nutrition security crop; moreover, orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties are rich in beta-carotene content and have the potential to alleviate chronic Vitamin A malnutrition in the region. However, the unavailability of adaptable varieties and lack of information on production and post-harvest handling practices have limited its production and utilization in eastern Ethiopia. The research was conducted to identify the proper harvesting stage of OFSP varieties for optimum yield and nutritional compositions at Rare and Babile research stations of Haramaya University during the main rainy season of 2022. Three varieties (Alamura, Kabode, and Bakule) and four harvesting periods (120, 150, 180, and 210 days after planting (DAP) in factorial combinations were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected for growth, yield, and physicochemical composition-related parameters. Combined analysis of variance revealed the interaction effect of harvesting time and varieties had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on yield, yield-related parameters, and physicochemical components. Alamura variety produced comparable above-ground biomass (28.99 t ha−1) and the highest marketable root yield of 36.40 t ha−1 at 150 DAP, with dry matter content of 33.01 and 30.58 % at 150 and 120 DAP, respectively. Harvesting Alamura at 150 DAP also had the highest ꞵ-carotene, zinc, and iron contents of 11809 μg/100 g, 3.79, and 14.47 mg/100 g, respectively. It was concluded that growing the Alamura variety and harvesting at 150 DAP was better for obtaining higher root yield with good nutritional compositions in the study area.

Nutritional and Techno-Functional Properties of Noodles with Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes and Bio-fortified Beans

Noodles are popular globally and their consumption is on the rise. Conventional noodles are often lacking in nutrients. Substituting part of wheat flour with nutrient-rich ingredients can improve their nutritional value, though it may alter product properties. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of noodles made with partial substitution of wheat flour with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) and bio-fortified beans (BFB). Nutrient-enhanced noodles were produced using an optimized processing protocol developed previously with response surface methodology (RSM). The protocol included substituting wheat flour with 21.5% OFSP and 5.5% BFB. The noodle processing conditions were dough thickness (2 mm), drying temperature (80°C) and time (143 mins). The control sample of noodles were made using plain wheat flour. Proximate analysis, carotenoids, minerals (iron and zinc), cooking properties and colour were determined. The control sample of noodles were made using plain wheat flour. Results were subjected to a t-test using SPSS and the difference in means was considered significant at p&lt;0.05. The nutrient-enhanced noodles showed significantly higher levels of ash, protein, dietary fiber, iron, zinc, and beta-carotene than the control. They also exhibited higher cooking loss (8.98 versus 6.22%) and cooking yield (219.88 versus 184.73%). The noodles samples varied in colour values (L*a*b*) and visual appearance with the control exhibiting a higher L* value, lower a* value, and lighter appearance. The study suggests that substituting wheat flour with OFSP and BFB in noodle production enhances the nutritional value and impacts on physical properties. Therefore, incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients e.g. OFSP and BFB could create convenient and nutritious foods.

Formulations of Yellow Maize-based Ogi flour fortified with Orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) flours: Effect on the bioactive constituents, colour and pasting properties

Yellow maize (YM) formulations fortified with orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and African yam bean (AYB) flours for ogi production, namely, YAO1 (100 %YM); YAO2 (70YM:10AYB:20OFSP); YAO3 (70YM:15AYB:15OFSP); and YAO4 (70YM:20AYB:10OFSP), respectively were made in order to determine their bioactive constituents, colour and pasting properties. From the results, YAO2 flour was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 13-cis-βC (5.7 µg/100 g), 9-cis-βC (0.50 µg/100 g), trans-βC (24.17 µg/100 g), total βC (30.36 µg/100 g), α-carotene (1.54 µg/100 g), total carotenoids (44.34 µg/100 g), total polyphenols (9.45 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (172.12 mg QCE/g), and ABTS (µmol TE/100 g) than other formulations. On the other hand, YAO4 flour had significantly (p < 0.05) higher FRAP value. With the exception of YM L* (lightness) (92.57), colour parameters a* (redness) (2.36), b* (yellowness) (34.72) and ∆E (colour differences) (31.98) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in YAO2 flour than other formulations. The pasting viscosities of YM exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for peak (288.62 RVU), Trough (168.38 RVU), Breakdown (120.25 RVU), Final (293.04 RVU), Setback (124.67 RVU), and pasting time (4.77 min) than other formulations. This study revealed that YAO2 and YAO3 flours provided the richest sources of bioactive constituents, lowest pasting properties and acceptable flours which will endear them to good quality ogi production and enhanced biological benefits to consumers.

Exploring the Role of Farmer-Led Jumpstarting Project on Adoption of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Nigeria: Implications on Productivity and Poverty

To promote the adoption of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) among the farmers, OFSP was introduced to the farmers through a program tagged “Jumpstarting Project” (JP), a West African project initiative of Harvestplus and its partners, which was implemented in Osun and Kwara States, in Nigeria. Using household-level data in Nigeria, this paper examined how the intervention of a farmer-led multiplication–dissemination Jumpstarting Project has sustained the adoption of OFSP after years of its implementation and the consequent impact of adoption on productivity and welfare of the farmers. Our main empirical findings are as follows. First, the implementation of the Jumpstarting Project in project communities of Osun and Kwara States shows that the adoption of OFSP has increased and has been sustained over the years. Furthermore, the result of the propensity score matching confirms possible spillover between project communities and control groups. Second, estimation from the endogenous treatment effect indicates that the estimated average treatment effects on the treated indicates a yield gain for the adopters of OFSP. Third, the result of the average treatment effects on the treated from the endogenous switching probit model shows that the probability of being poor in the households that adopted OFSP would be 5.3% more if these households did not adopt OFSP. Our results suggest that immediate replication and scaling up of the Jumpstarting Project in other states in Nigeria should be implemented. This study demonstrates that to ensure the diffusion and adoption of improved technologies such as OFSP, intervention projects that promote the adoption of these technologies have a greater role to play.

Complementary Foods Formulated from Orange-flesh Sweet Potato, Soybean, and Date Palm Flour Blends Improves the Proximate, Rheological and Sensory Properties of Children’s Formulas

This study evaluated the proximate, rheological and sensory properties of complementary foods produced from orange flesh sweet potato, soybean and date palm flour blends. Complementary foods were produced from orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP), soybean and date palm flour blends. The samples were formulated by material balancing with all samples having 16% protein/ 100g. The samples were coded as CON, CFA, CFB, CFC, CFD and CFE with sample CON being the control. The samples were subjected to rheological and sensory analysis using standard method. Their proximate composition were; moisture (2.51-7.38%), ash (2.27-3.02%), fibre (2.11-4.22%), fat (9.13-10.11%), protein (15.12-16.11%), and carbohydrate (63.06-65.01%). Rheological properties of the gruels were as follows; consistency index (m) (90.57-186.21 Nsn/m2), Flow behaviour index (n) (0.256-0.411), Coefficient of regression (r2) (0.9765-0.9928) and Standard error (0.318-0.405). The sensory attributes gave the following results; appearance (7.77- 8.07), aroma (7.20-8.63), taste (6.80- 8.23), mouth feel (6.87- 8.27), and overall acceptability (6.80- 8.33) and these results when interpreted on appoint hedonic scale. Higher scores generally indicated better sensory attributes and overall acceptability of the food formulation which was observed in sample CFB and CON. There were significant differences between most of the bread samples at (p&lt; 0.05).

Primerjalna ocena hranilne in nehranilne kakovosti je odkrila, da ima sladki krompir z belim založnim parenhimom boljše lastnosti kot tisti z oranžnim

Recent introduction of beta-carotene rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) has resulted to consumers’ low demands for traditional white-fleshed sweet potatoes (TWFSP), without due consideration of their nutritional qualities. This study appraised the nutritional compositions of OFSP and TWFSP. They were analyzed for mineral content, antinutrients, and phytochemicals at National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The field experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with three replicates. TWFSP showed higher concentrations of minerals, anti-nutrients and phytochemicals than OFSP. In TWFSP, potassium ranged from 1879.20 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B3V3’) to 1960.30 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B2V2’) while in OFSP it varied from 1162.60 ± 0.02 mg kg-1 (‘B26T26’) to 1800.20 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B10T10’). The antinutrients and phytochemicals results showed that flavonoids in TWFSP ranged from 0.30 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B1V1’) to 970.50 ± 0.02 mg TAE kg-1 (B3V3) while it varied from 0.20 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B4T4’) to 670.30 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B8T8’) in OFSP. Heritability estimates were high for all antinutrients and minerals while genetic advance was high only for potassium (42.206) and phosphorus (10.288) traits. Variation between phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation was negligible, with the former higher for most minerals and antinutrients. TWFSP were found richer than OFSP, and suggests improvement by selection.

Biofortified Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato Can Meaningfully Reduce the Burden of Vitamin A Deficiency

Biofortified Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato Can Meaningfully Reduce the Burden of Vitamin A Deficiency

Analysis of consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for orange-fleshed sweet potato in Osun state, Nigeria

This study assesses the factors that influence consumers’ preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), emphasizing the effects of information on its health benefits. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 180 respondents for study. Primary data were collected using a well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics, viz, the hedonic pricing and probit models. The results show that factors such as gender, root size, availability and storability influence consumers’ preference for OFSP. The results further revealed that the root size negatively influenced preference for OFSP, while availability positively influenced it. These results also indicate that preference for OFSP decreases with the length of storage. In terms of willingness to pay for OFSP, the result of the hedonic pricing model indicates that the age of the respondent and colours of the OFSP positively influence consumers’ willingness to pay for OFSP. There was a (17.1%) increase in consumers’ level of preference after information on the health benefit was provided to them and the result from comparing means (T-Test) of prices consumers are willing to pay before and after information was provided showed a negative co-efficient (-16.341), which was significant at 1% level of significance. We suggest that research should concentrate on identified OFSP characteristics to improve acceptance, while in the short run, there is a need to promote OFSP production to increase availability. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 53-61, June 2024

Enhancing Wheat Bread Nutrient Content with Orange Flesh Sweet Potato and Chickpea Flour

Bread is crucial for food security in Ethiopia, tackling protein malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency. To reduce reliance on imported wheat, supplementing wheat flour with local raw materials is essential. Therefore, this study aims to investigates blending ratio of chickpea and OFSP flour with wheat at different baking temperatures to prepare nutritionally enhanced and high-quality bread. The experiment was conducted in a full factorial design with two factors: flour blending ratio (80:10:10, 70:15:15, 60:20:20, 50:20:30 for wheat, chickpea, and OFSP respectively, and a control of 100% wheat flour) and baking temperatures (180°C, 200°C, and 220°C). The study analyzed the proximate composition of flour and bread, including moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, and β-carotene, while also evaluating the bread's physical and organoleptic properties. Data analysis was conducted using SAS software package version 9.4. The proximate composition of bread showed that substituting wheat with chickpea and orange-fleshed sweet potato increased moisture (28.84 to 35.79%), protein (10.85 to 14.59%), fat (0.85 to 2.05%), fiber (1.49 to 1.84%), ash (0.93 to 2.06%), and β-carotene (0 to 8.04 µg/g of bread). However, it decreased carbohydrate (57.66 to 51.81%) and energy content (281.64 to 257.10 Kcal/100g), due to wheat flour high source of carbohydrate and energy. On the contrary, bread loaf weight increased (123.28 to 131.29 g) due to the superior water absorption capacity of chickpea and OFSP flours compared to wheat. However, loaf volume (359.17 to 205.83 cm³) and specific volume (2.91 to 1.58 cm³/g) decreased due to reduced gluten content in wheat flour. As the proportion of chickpea and OFSP flour increased, sensory acceptability ratings on a 7-point scale decreased: color (6.19 to 2.77), texture (5.78 to 2.62), flavor (5.70 to 2.44), and overall acceptability (5.90 to 2.58) of the bread. In conclusion, blending wheat with chickpea and OFSP flour in bread formulations enhances nutritional quality, especially protein and beta-carotene. Utilizing locally underutilized raw materials is a viable alternative for the growing population.

Evaluation of the Improved Feeding Practices for the First 1000 Days Project in Ghana

BackgroundSub-optimal nutrition during the first 1000 days of life can impair the physical andcognitive development of children, as well as limit their health and wellbeing. Theimproved feeding practices for the first 1,000 days (IFP) project aimed to improve thedietary practices of women of reproductive age (pregnant and lactating) and children belowages two years in three selected districts (Kassena-Nankana West [KNW], Sekyere East[SE],and Kintampo South[KS]) in Ghana. This integrated project combined interventions onmicronutrient powder (MNP) distribution, social behaviour-change communication, andnutrition-sensitive agriculture to catalyse enhanced awareness and consumption ofnutrient-rich foods in selected communities.ObjectiveThis paper evaluates the IFP project based on measures associated with relevance,effectiveness, impact, and sustainability.MethodsUsing a mixed-methods design, data from in-depth interviews of project beneficiaries, andkey community-based actors involved in the project’s implementation were triangulatedwith routine project monitoring data, and documentation to answer the evaluationquestions. The evaluation questions and our analyses were guided by the DevelopmentAssistance Committee evaluation criteria. Interviews with key stakeholders wereconducted in June 2023. Key project data were compared between baseline and endlineassessments to ascertain the extent to which the project met its intended objectives andtargets.ResultsThe project demonstrated high relevance of the proposed project among the target groups;for example, nearly half the children were eating low quality, non-diverse diets (49% inKNW, 46% in KS and 35 in SE). The project enabled almost 14,000 children to be reachedwith MNP. While 96,000 eggs were produced, &lt;10% was consumed at home. About 35,000kilograms of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) were produced, resulting in improvedaccess to the nutrient-rich foods produced. Nutrition messages were disseminated widelyand were reported to have contributed to improved awareness of nutrition amongcaregivers. Data-based and reported evidence both indicated there was improved childdietary diversity between baseline and endline of the project; in KNW, 90% of children metminimum dietary diversity at endline compared to 75% at baseline. In KS and SE, theendline estimates of dietary diversity were 71% and 70%, up from 65% in both districts atbaseline, respectively. Multiple strategies aiming to support project sustainability thatwere built into the project design were implemented. Additional sustainability strategiesevolved during the project’s lifetime, including crossbreeding of project chickens withhardier local breeds, continued multiplication of OFSP vines, and transfer of VillageSavings and Loans Association funds accumulated from MNP sale to Village-BasedEntrepreneurs to sustain MNP supply.ConclusionsIFP project delivered interventions successfully, leading to improved awareness andpractices related to diets of women in reproductive age and young children, in projectcommunities. These strategies can be extended to women and children living in similarsettings to improve the diet quality of women and children.

Changes in Carotenoids and Polyphenols during the Growth Stages of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)

The storage roots of orange-fleshed sweet potato contain high levels of polyphenols and carotenoids. Little information is available on changes in the content and composition of these secondary metabolites during the growth stages of the root system. We investigated changes in carotenoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins in the root system of the orange-fleshed sweet potato ‘Tamaakane’ from the post-planting stage. Carotenoids and polyphenols accumulated immediately after root-system formation at 15 days after transplanting (DAT). The levels of carotenoids increased by 45 DAT and decreased once the storage root enlargement began, but increased rapidly thereafter. After 90 DAT, β-carotene accounted for &gt;90% of the total carotenoids, and the frequency remained stable until maturity. Total polyphenol content increased significantly towards 45 DAT and then gradually decreased as the storage roots began to thicken. No anthocyanin was detected in the root systems of ‘Tamaakane’ at any stage. The content and composition of these secondary metabolites are discussed in terms of agronomic aspects, as they might contribute to a strategy to protect storage roots while engaging with each other against biotic or abiotic stresses at the growth stage of the root system.

Optimization of frying time and temperature for the development of quality chips from varieties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.Lam)

Consumers seek low-fat fried products with appealing color, texture, and taste to avoid health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease associated with high-oil-content foods. Frying conditions, including time and temperature, greatly affect the moisture, texture, oil content, and color of fried foods. The objective of this study was to optimize frying time and temperature to obtain quality fried chips from three varieties of orangefleshed sweet potato roots. The study examined how frying temperature (ranging from 140 to 180°C) and time (2 to 6 mins) affect the quality of fried chips, assessing attributes like moisture content, oil content, color, and texture. Significant impacts of frying time and temperature on chip quality were found across all varieties using central composite design tests and mathematical models (p&lt;0.05). Optimal frying conditions were determined through response surface methodology analysis, which was 154.8℃ for 3.82 mins, 160.1℃ for 3.66 mins, and 162.65℃ for 3.04 mins for Kabode, Dilla, and Kulfo varieties, respectively, guiding sweet potato fried chip producers to achieve satisfactory results economically and efficiently.