| 1 |
Author(s):
Dr. Mary Nkongho Tanyitiku.
Page No : 1-14
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Microbiological contamination of fermented cassava products sold in local markets, Yaounde (Cameroon)
Abstract
Locally processed cassava is a desirable staple food in Cameroon; however, microbiological hazards during processing, handling and/or consumption have been significantly ignored. This study investigated the microbiological quality of five fermented cassava products locally called Kum-kum, Garri, Water-fufu, Bobolo and Mintoumba, which are widely consumed and sold in local markets across Yaounde. A total of 200 samples (n=40 per food product) were analysed using microbial culture techniques. In addition, three parameters, moisture content, water activity, and pH were measured as indicators of each product shelf-life. The results showed that all food types were slightly acidic, ranging between 4.1 (Water-fufu) and 6.3 (Garri). Moisture and water activity were highest in Water-fufu (58.52% and 0.94) and lowest in Kum-kum (3.35% and 0.51) respectively. The presence of E. coli and coliforms (5.61log10 CFU/g to 8.67log10 CFU/g) indicated potential faecal contamination and improper product storage. Specifically, the mean total viable bacteria, yeast and mould count indicated unsatisfactory levels for human consumption and ranged from 5.33log10 CFU/g (Mintoumba) to 7.22log10 CFU/g (Water-fufu), and 4.23log10 CFU/g (Garri) to 6.59log10 CFU/g (Kum-kum) respectively. In terms of foodborne pathogens, all cassava products contained at least one pathogen of public health significance. Water-fufu significantly contained Bacillus cereus (33%), Vibrio cholerae (28%), Salmonella spp. (23%) and Campylobacter spp. (13%), and Staphylococci and Listeria monocytogenes were most prevalent in Kum-kum at 21% and 13% respectively. The results showed the short shelf-life characteristics of fermented cassava products consumed in Cameroon, and importantly, indicated a significant route of human exposure to enteric pathogens.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Adenike A. O. Ogunshe.
Page No : 15-24
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Maize Pharmacy of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata var. Rugosa)
Abstract
Sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata var. Rugosa) is unique in sweet-taste, and pleasant flavour, hence the need to increase its usefulness and commercial values by enhancing its shelf-life and control of post-harvest losses. This preliminary study therefore simulated the traditional, natural, non-alcoholic, field-corn fermentation method for freshly-harvested yellow sweet corn into ògì, a fermented gruel or porridge food. Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae predominated the naturally fermented ògì sample from sweet maize, with pH of 5.0–5.3. Observable characteristics of yellow sweet maize-fermented ògì were similar to those of yellow, field corn-fermented ògì. Present study is the first to report fermentation of sweet corn to ògì, indicative of sweet maize as a high potential plant substrate for health-promoting and nutritious fermented human diet, especially as prebiotics and probiotics, for lactating nursing mothers, convalescents, aged, and as weaning-food for infants or complementary food for children and adults.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Chinonye Oluchi Ezenwaka, Emmanuel Green Ekine.
Page No : 25-31
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Investigations on Nematode Community Dynamics on Pepper Monoculture Vegetations in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Cultivation of Pepper, a vegetable fruit crop of prominence in Otuoke, is often hampered by parasitic nematode infestation. This negatively affects its economic impact on the rural domestic market. Farmers in Otuoke often ascribe reduced yield to inadequate farming strategy, as they are ignorant of nematode dynamics and resulting damages. This study sought to assay soil and roots of pepper plants for the determination of nematode community dynamics with a view of winging-in rural affordable management option for the agronomical parasites. The soil was collected using a hand trowel and roots were gotten using a knife and the extraction of the parasites was achieved by the use of the modified sieve plate method. The actual assemblage of nematodes was 397 from 11 genera, 205 (51.6%) occurred in farm A and 192 (48.4%) were seen in farm B. Dynamics on nematode diversity and occurrence were seen among species between farms. Meloidogyne species (17.9%) display variable populations between Farms A (19.5%) and B (16.1%). Tylenchorhynchus (11.3%) had a higher number in farm A (14.1%) and unlike in farm B (8.3%). However, Gracilachus (3.0%) and Scutellonema (7.3%)) species were reportedly found in Farm A while Tylenchus (6.5%) Hemicyclophora (5.3%) Pratylenchus (10.1%) and Rotylenchus species (10.1%) were peculiar to farm B. The result suggests that extensive fluctuations in nematode assemblage are possible even in fields with similar characteristics. Nematode occurrence on the root tissue of pepper plants in this study implies danger to quality productivity. Therefore, farmers should adopt poultry filters as manure for the cultivation of crops in the area. Farmers should also adopt exposing agricultural land to direct sunshine for a minimum of three weeks after clearing before tillage. The heat will help inhibit nematode profusion and check population abundance in soil for proper cultivation of crops.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Ochepo G. O..
Page No : 32-42
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The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the feed intake, nutrient intake, and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and various levels of ensiled urea treated groundnut shell meal supplementary diet. A total of twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams aged between 7 and 8 months with an average body weight of 11.50 kg were used for this experiment. Five treatment groups were established, with varying levels of UTGSM supplementary diet (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Parameters such as organic matter, crude protein, fiber, ether extract, ash, NFE (nitrogen-free extract), concentrate, and forage intake were measured. Average total weight gain and average daily weight gain were also determined. The results showed significant variations in nutrient intake among the treatment groups. The results showed that animals on T5 with 20% UTGSM inclusion in their supplementary diet had the highest feed intake, nutrients intake and growth performance compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that 20% level of UTGSM inclusion could replace maize offal 100% in the supplementary diet of Yankasa rams to improved feed and nutrients intake, and growth performance. It was recommended that livestock producers can incorporate up to 20% of UTGSM into small ruminants feed in order to reduce the cost of production especially during the dry season.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Gaddafi Sani, Salisu U. S ., M. G. Garba (Ph.D.), Garba I. A. , Murtala U..
Page No : 43-50
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Haematological and Serum Biochemical Responses of Yankasa Rams Supplemented Cinnamon Powder
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of cinnamon supplements on Yankasa Rams' growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematology and serum biochemical profile. A total number of sixteen (16) Yankasa grower rams with an average live weight of 20kg each was randomly allotted into four dietary treatments comprised of four replicates consisting of four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD), where data obtained in this study were analyzed using General Linear Model of Statistical Analysis Software and Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The haematological variables demonstrated that packed cell volume was significantly (P0.05) differences in all other serum biochemistry with the supplementation of cinnamon. Cinnamon supplementation plays a vital role in improving the haematological profile. No significant considerable changes were observed in the serum biochemical profile as a result of cinnamon supplements in Yankasa rams. It is therefore recommended that cinnamon powder can be incorporated into ruminant animal diet up to 15g/kg without detrimental effect in animal health status. However further studies were encouraged.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Hauwa Ladi Yusuf, Amin Odeera Igwegbe, Shamsudeen Sanusi Nasarwa.
Page No : 51-63
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Moisture Sorption Studies using the GAB Model of a Beef Based Dambun Nama (A Ground Meat Product) Stored over a Period of Six Months
Abstract
Water adsorption isotherms of Dambun Nama, a ground beef product, were determined over a storage period of six months, at an average ambient temperature of 33.8oC and an accelerated temperature of 50oC, using the static gravimetric method. The study was aimed at establishing the moisture sorption profile of a traditional meat product Dambun Nama common in Northern Nigeria, produced from beef and stored over a period of six months. The sample was produced using a standardized method; it was sterilized, packaged in six airtight glass containers and stored at ambient temperature as the sample stock for the analyses over a period of six months. Data was generated from the sorption studies based on the isopiestic transfer method using concentrated sulphuric acid solutions. The isotherms are generally shaped like the type 4 isotherms for food products. Between 33.8oC and 50oC adsorption, the monolayer moisture content ranged from 0.036 to 0.048 gH2O/g solids, and between 0.037 to 0.049 gH2O/g solids for desorption. There was a general increase in the GAB constants K and C. The correlation coefficient (R) values obtained for adsorption ranged from 0.941 to 0.959, and for desorption, the values ranged from 0.940 to 0.957, indicating that the GAB model was suitable in describing the moisture sorption profile of Dambun Nama within the prescribed water activity ranges and storage period.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Godwin U. Akpan , Sule Nicholas Ayegba.
Page No : 64-85
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A Study on Physicochemical, Microbiological and Biochemical Properties of Wetland Soils in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
The physicochemical, microbiological and biochemical characteristics of wetland soils in the Eket Local Government Area were studied between March 2019 to February 2021. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm and analyzed for physicochemical, Microbiological and Biochemical properties. Laboratory data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The results showed that sand particles dominated the particle size distribution, of the entire wetland soils, while silt and clay were very low. Chemical analysis revealed that the mean pH obtained was 6.2 ± 0.2, 6.45 ± 0.07, and 6.60 ± 0.14 for Ntak Inyang, Etebi, and Ekpene Obo wetland soils respectively. Similarly, the highest organic matter was obtained in Ekpene Obo (6.96 ± 0.74%) followed by Ntak Inyang (6.58 ± 2.69%), while Etebi had the least (4.89 ± 1.77%). The highest total nitrogen was obtained in Ekpene Obo (0.17 ± 0.02%), followed by Ntak Inyang (0.16 ± 0.07%) and Etebi having the least with (0.12 ± 0.04%). Ntak Inyang wetland soils had the highest biomass carbon (1.58 ± 00 µg-1) followed by Etebi (1.37 ± 0.44 µg-1), and Ekpene Obo the least (1.01 ± 00 µg-1). The highest biomass of Nitrogen was obtained in soils of Ekpene Obo (0.4 ± 0.01 µg-1) followed by Ntak Inyang (0.02 ± 0.02 µg-1) while soils of Etebi had the least (0.03 ± 0.01 µg-1). The Pearson correlation matrix showed that moisture content had a strong and negative relationship with bulk density (r = -0.69), while base saturation correlates positively with total nitrogen (r=0.681). Urease had a strong, and positive relationship with catalase (r=0.734), whereas bacteria relate negatively with total N (r=-0.801), and B.S (r=-0.781), but positively with catalase (r=-0.698). The negative correlation observed in most of the soil properties is a result of the low decomposition of organic matter in wetland soils, because anaerobic bacteria operate at a much slower energy level than aerobic bacteria, decomposition proceeds much more slowly in anaerobic and oxygen-limited environments such as wetlands.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Adewole Samuel Adegoke, Abiona, Oluseye Oladapo, Akande, Emmanuel Adedapo, Oke, Moruf Olanrewaju, Adewole, Oluwaseun Adetayo, Ologunde, Michael Olufisayo.
Page No : 86-101
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Modelling of Proximate of Proximate Composition of Amaranth, Sorghum, Pumpkin and Sunflower Flour Blends using Response Surface Methodology
Abstract
Blends of cereals and legumes have gained attention especially in complementary nutrition. Optimization of the production of composite flour from defatted amaranth, sorghum, defatted pumpkin and defatted sunflower flour using D-optimal mixture design of Design Expert software with the levels for amaranth (40-60 %), sorghum (10-30 %), pumpkin (20-40 %), and sunflower flour (3-10 %), respectively was carried out. The responses were proximate composition. Run 5 and 14 recorded the highest crude protein (4.08 %) and total ash content (5.71 %) while run 7 and 10 had highest fibre content (4.08 %.), respectively. The model terms were significant (p0.05) for the proximate composition of the blends with R2 value of 0.93, 0.92, 0.96, 0.90, 0.91, and 0.90 respectively for moisture, protein, fat, ash, fibre, and carbohydrate. The optimal blend from the numerical optimization through the desirability function approach were 42.46% amaranth, 10.00% sorghum, 40.00% pumpkin, and 7.54%. In conclusion, composite flour from amaranth, sorghum, pumpkin and sunflower flour have acceptable proximate composition in terms of nutritional quality necessary for the production of nutrient-dense food products capable of addressing issues of malnutrition.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Rajab Ramadhan Juma, Varisanga M. D., Gimbi A. A..
Page No : 102-113
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Assessment Of the Factors that Limit Rabbit Production Under an Intensive Production System in Zanzibar
Abstract
A study was conducted to assess the factors that limit rabbit production under an intensive production system in Zanzibar. A total of 390 farmers from three districts each has 130 respondents were interviewed in a cross-sectional survey. The results revealed that 48.2% of farmers had kept rabbits and 51.8% did not, while 53.2% of the farmers kept medium breeds and 46.8% of them kept small breeds of rabbits. In terms of management systems was significant (ρ≤ 0.038) in the feeding system was 60.2% of farmers used an intensive system and 39.8% employed semi-intensive systems, whereas a higher number of farmers 88.6% of main diets fed the rabbits with green grass than 11.4% utilized kitchen wastes. In the observed marketing of rabbits and their products, the proportion of respondents who had sold rabbit parts was significantly higher (ρ≤ 0.007), that is 73.0% had sold rabbits than 27.0% who did not sell any rabbit parts. However, it was not statistically significant concerning the types of rabbit products sold and marketing challenges at ρ≤ 0.836 and ρ≤ 0.475 respectively. The disease infection was reported by 58.9% of farmers their rabbits were affected by the disease and 41.1% of them did not. However, no statistical significance was associated with the causes of disease infection at ρ≤ 0.299. Likewise, rabbit production in Zanzibar is at an immaturity stage and is constrained with many drawbacks. Therefore, proper animal husbandry practices and extension service delivery are recommended.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Amina Ahmed, Usha Bajwa.
Page No : 114-125
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Development of Whey Beverages from Paneer Preparation Using Fruit Coagulants: A Comparative Study on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties
Abstract
Whey is a by-product of milk generated during the preparation of coagulated milk products. However, whey disposal results in serious environmental pollution due to its high biological oxygen demand. Therefore, whey generated from the preparation of Indian soft cheese (paneer) by coagulating heated milk with 2% citric acid solution (control) lemon or Indian gooseberry (amla) extracts was collected and mixed with sugar, colour, and flavour were used to develop whey beverages. The whey and whey beverages were analysed for physicochemical and sensory properties. Whey from lemon extract contained higher total solids, fat and protein content than citric acid and amla extract. The ascorbic acid content was higher in amla (56.5 mg/100g) than in lemon whey (6.76 mg/100g) and was not detected in control. The total phenols (GAE mg/100g) and tannins (mg/100g) respectively were higher in amla (550; 394.45) than in lemon (69.23; 4.08) and citric acid (5.86; 0.00). The antioxidant activity was higher in whey from lemon extract (88.77%) than amla (81.38%) and citric acid (14.39%). The whey beverages from both fruit extracts were highly acceptable. Therefore, whey generated from paneer preparation can be used to make beverages with improved health benefits, hence minimising environmental pollution.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Akande Adewunmi Adekoyejo, Olayele Joseph Ogunnusi, Ogunsipe Muyiwa Hilarious, Toye Christopher Oladipupo, Folayan Esther Bibitayo, Oluonye Victoria Chinenyenwa.
Page No : 126-133
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Re-Alimentation of Growing Pigs in Quantitative Feed Restriction
Abstract
This study objective is to investigate the growth performance and cost implication of pigs during a period of quantitative feed restriction. Twenty-four (24) mixed sexes (Large white x Landrace) of weaner pigs with an initial live-weight of 8.39 ± 0.01 kg were grouped into four treatments for 126 days in a completely randomized design experiment. Each treatment was further subdivided into three replicates of two pigs each. Diets were fed to the pigs at 5%, 4%, 3% of their live weight, and ad libitum feeding regimen. Daily feed intake and weekly weight gains were recorded while the feed conversion ratio and cost implications of pigs were calculated. The results of performance of pigs showed that there was a significant (P0.05) in pigs on ad libitum and restricted feeding. Cost of feed ₦/kg and cost of feed ₦/kg weight gain were not influenced (P>0.05) while cost of feed consumed decreased significantly (P<0.05) in pigs fed 3% body weight when compared with pigs on ad libitum feeding. For minimum cost and optimal growth of pigs, pig farmers are advised to employ feeding regimens in pig production.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Moriken Sangaré, Jérôme Bony, Christine Chèné, Romdhane Karoui.
Page No : 134-157
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Formulation of Chicken Sausages Enriched with Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) Powder and Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Flour during the Fermentation Stage
Abstract
The study evaluated the combined effect of clove and sesame flour during the fermentation stage. The impact of the incorporation of sesame flour in S1 batch (sausages with 80% chicken fillet, 17% veal fat, 2 % sesame flour, and 1% cloves) and S2 batch (sausages with 80% chicken fillet, 16% veal fat and 2% sesame flour, and 2% cloves) compared to Control batch (80% chicken fillet, 18% veal fat, and 2% sesame flour) on the physico-chemical, colour and molecular structure during the fermentation stage. Results showed that the incorporation of clove in the chicken dry sausages significantly increased the moisture and protein contents since it passed from 14.82 on day 1 in the Control at 30.23 ± 0.90 % for S2 on day 1, respectively. The results obtained also showed that clove is a source of antioxidant, since the oxidation indicator parameters decreased with the level of addition of clove. The results demonstrated the potential of using fluorescence spectroscopy for monitoring the quality of sausages, since principal component analysis and factorial discriminant analysis (applied to fluorescence spectra allowed to discriminate between samples according to the level of clove addition (97.22% of correct classification).
| 13 |
Author(s):
Godwill I. Wilcox.
Page No : 158-168
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Effect of Crude Oil Spillage and Constraints Associated with Artisanal Fishing in Oil-Spilled Areas of Bayelsa State.
Abstract
This study considered the effect of crude oil spillage and constraints associated with artisanal fishing in oil-spilled areas of Bayelsa State. The study's goals were to find out the respondents' socioeconomic status, determine how the spill of crude oil affected artisanal fishing, and pinpoint the obstacles to artisanal fishing output in particular oil-spilled areas. A simple random selection technique was employed to select 100 respondents, from whom a questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data that was collected. Men made up the majority of respondents (77%), according to the study's main findings. In the region where crude oil spilled, 55% of the artisanal fishermen were between the ages of 45 and 55. Married respondents made up 84% of the sample, and 60% had finished secondary school. The respondents had a mean of 25.4 years of experience and an average household size of 6. The main obstacles to artisanal fishing in the areas affected by the spill of crude oil were the following: water pollution, rising consumption, lack of government support, issues with marketing, spoiled fish, funding and credit issues, absence of extension services, climate change and flooding, poor processing facilities, high labour costs, health issues, and a scarcity of fishing baits. This study makes several recommendations, including better processing facilities, increased access to bank loans at lower interest rates for farmers, expanded and strengthened extension services, and the establishment of policies by the government, private citizens, and corporate entities that will boost output and improve the profitability of artisanal fishing.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Ibrahim Sani Ibrahim, Ango Adamu Kamba (Ph.D.), Bello Faruq Umar (Prof.).
Page No : 169-186
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Factors Influencing Adoption of Faro 58 Rice Package (NERICA 7) by Small Holder Farmers of Katsina State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study investigates the multifaceted factors that enhance the adoption of the FARO 58 rice package, specifically focusing on the NERICA 7 variety, among smallholder farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria. The FARO 58 rice package, known for its adaptability to diverse agro-ecological zones and improved yield potential, serves as a crucial element in enhancing food security and livelihoods within the region. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample size of 220 respondents based on a sample frame of 2,630 farmers. Data obtained for the study were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study indicated that the average proportion of the respondents fall within the medium adoption category (0.34-0.66), 42.3% fall within the high adoption category (0.67-1.0), while only a small fraction of the respondents (6.4%) fall within the low adoption category. This could enable smallholder rice farmers to take advantage of access to agricultural information and technology adoption. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that farmers’ socio-economic factors had a significant influence on their adoption of the FARO 58 rice production package in the study area.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Ifeoma Monica Nwawuike.
Page No : 187-198
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Nutrient Assessment of Rain-Fed Lowland and Upland Rice Production Systems in Okigwe, South-Eastern Nigeria.
Abstract
The study was carried out to assess the nutrient status of the two major rice production systems (rain-fed lowland and upland) and the relationship among the nutrient contents of the soil in Okigwe area of Imo State Nigeria. Soil samples from 15 cm depth were collected from 10 farms in the area. 5 farms from rain-fed lowland and 5 from upland rice production system. The soil samples were prepared and analyzed for macro and micro nutrients together with the particle size distribution. The results from the nutrient concentration in both rain-fed lowland and upland soils showed that pH favoured conditions for more availability of nutrients as seen in upland soils. The t-test results indicates significant variation in % Clay (0.01*), % TS (0.008**), pH (0.0005**), TN (0.038*), available P (0.01*), Exchangeable Ca (0.03*) and Extractable B (0.02*). Correlation results showed TN as the major determinant of the other soil nutrients in both rain-fed lowland and upland rice production systems. In rain-fed lowland production system, TN correlated negatively and strongly with % TS (-0.81) and Cu (-0.70) with a weak negative association with Na (-0.57), K (-0.55), Mg (-0.50), available P (-0.57) and Fe (-0.64). In upland rice production system, TN also had a lot of negative association with many soil nutrients though some are weakly correlated while some are of strong association. They include Ca (-0.93), Mg (-0.65), Cu (-0.86), Mn (-0.69) and Zn (-0.76) with a positive associations on Na (0.83) and pH (0.69). Despite TN being perceived as the major determinant nutrients, OM in upland soils had more positive association with other nutrients compared to that in the lowland soils. Hence, any management practices which will enhance nutrient status should be encouraged to help boost and sustain rice yield in both rain-fed lowland and upland rice production systems.
| 16 |
Author(s):
Anne Peter Edima-Nyah , Effiong B. N., Ndah L. S., Ntukidem V. E., Ekanem M. C., Ogbonna C. A..
Page No : 199-218
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Chemical Composition, Microbiological and Sensory Qualities of Banana Based Complementary Diets Fortified with African Breadfruit Seed and Carrot Flours.
Abstract
Ratios of cooking banana, African breadfruit seed and carrot flour blends in 90:0:10 as Diet 1, 85:5:10 as Diet 2, 80:10:10 as Diet 3, 75:15:10 as Diet 4 and 70:20:10 as Diet 5, were used for formulation of complementary diets. The flour blends for Diet production showed bulk density and gelatinization temperature decreased from 0.98 to 0.65 g/ml and 85.67 to 78.10 oC respectively, while swelling and water absorption capacity increased from 268.33 to 295.00 % and 208.33 to 243.33 % respectively, with increase in African breadfruit seed flour in the composite blends. Phytate (1.25 11.03 mg/100g) and trypsin inhibitor activities (1.05 1.17 TIU/100g) increased with increasing African breadfruit flour supplementations. Proximate composition of diets showed increased protein (2.16 18.47 %), fat (1.81 2.23 %), ash (2.42 2.96 %) and decrease carbohydrate (73.14 89.80 %). Iron and calcium content of Diets increased from 14.11 19.23 mg/100g and 28.24 43.23 mg/100g, while magnesium decreased from 6.24 8.25 mg/100g respectively with increasing African breadfruit flour. Vitamin A and C decreased from 13.09 to 9.16 and 0.98 0.75 mg/100g respectively. Microbial quality of all Diets developed were within the acceptable limit of 103 cfu/g for both total bacterial (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC). Diet 3 (80:10:10) was most accepted in sensory qualities.
| 17 |
Author(s):
Abu Mary Ladidi.
Page No : 219-230
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A Review of the Efficiency of Ocimum Gratissimum as a Vegetable Condiment.
Abstract
People from various socioeconomic backgrounds use and consume a vast variety of condiments on a regular basis. Therefore, condiments could be used as dietary transporters for micronutrients to counteract deficits in micronutrients, which is a problem in many nations, including Nigeria. Vegetables are a vital component of a balanced diet and a good source of minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, among other nutrients. Ocimum gratissimum, or scent leaf as it is affectionately known in Nigeria, is a common vegetable that is widely cultivated. This article reviewed O. gratissimum as a condiment vegetable, its unique flavor, ability to preserve food, taste, scent, ability to compliment other foods, and therapeutic benefits. The article emphasized the bioactive compounds found in O. gratissimum that have the potential to both prevent disease and maintain good health. It also brought to fore the widely acknowledged fact among researchers that condiment vegetables possess various medicinal properties that are contingent upon specific bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds are thought to exert an influence on human physiology, hence the inclusion of O. gratissimum in diet is recommended.
| 18 |
Author(s):
Okoroh Juochi P..
Page No : 231-242
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Perceived Effect of Fuel Price Hike on Farming Households in Imo State.
Abstract
The study assessed the perceived effect of fuel price hike among farming households in Imo State. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of farming households in Imo State; ascertained farming households’ awareness of fuel price hike; identified the perceived causes of fuel price hike; ascertained the perceived effect of fuel price hike on farming activities among farming households in Imo State and identified the coping strategies used among farming households to cushion the effect of fuel price hike in Imo State. A multi-stage sampling was adopted in selecting 120 farming households for the study. Primary data were used for the study using structured questionnaire. Data analysis employed percentages, means, frequencies and mean score analysis. The result on the awareness of effect of fuel price hike among farming household showed that all the farmers were aware (100%). farming households perceived fuel subsidy removal (x̄=3.7), instability in government policies (x̄ =3.5), high cost of importation of refined fuel (x̄ =3.4), Non functional of local refineries (x̄ =3.3) among others as the causes of fuel price hike. Farming households perceived increased cost of transportation for farm inputs (x̄ =3.9), Increased cost of production/farming activities like ploughing, clearing etc(x̄=3.9) Increased price of farm produce (x̄ =4.0), Increased food prices (x̄=4.0), decreased agricultural productivity (x̄=3.4), Limited access to agricultural machinery and equipment,( x̄ =3.3), increased in transportation of farm produce to the market (x̄ =3.4) as the effects of fuel price hike. The highest ranking coping strategies used by farming households were trekking some distances to reduce cost of transportation (Ranked 1st) Minimized spending habits due to fuel price increase (2nd) Explored the use of alternative energy sources e.g solar panels for irrigation, charcoal, fire wood (3rd). Explore the possibility of collective purchasing or bulk buying with other to reduce individual’s cost (4th) skipping meal (5th). Educational level, household size and access to credit were the significant socioeconomic variables influencing farming households’ perceived effect of fuel price hike. The study therefore recommends that Nigerians crude oil should be refined domestically so that importation of refined fuel can be banned which will reduce the cost of refining and pump price
