| 1 |
Author(s):
Jerry Ampofo-Asiama, Deborah Teiko Debrah, Bright Quaye, Bernard Abakah, Emma Thompson Owusu, Awesome Richard Quansah, Bennet Antwi, Kwame Asante Ampoforo, Wilberforce Acquah.
Page No : 1-8
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Phytochemical and Physicochemical Properties of Some Underutilized Tropical Fruits
Abstract
This study investigated the phytochemical (ascorbate, phenolic and flavonoids levels, and antioxidant activity) and physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, brix and colour) properties of six underutilized fruits: Averrhoa carambola, Borassus flabellifer. Carica papaya, Garcinia xanthochymus, Terminalia catappa and Vitus doniana. The pH and titratable acidity of the juice expressed from these fruits range between 2.9-5.6 and 0.3-0.78 %, respectively. B. flabellifer had the highest brix of 18.2, while V. doniana had the lowest brix of 5.40. With respect to ascorbate, phenolic and flavonoid levels, C. papaya, V. doniana and G. xanthochymus had the highest levels of 91.80 mg/100 g, 94.67 mg GAE/100 g and 83.75 mg RE/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the fruits determined as IC50 was highest in V. doniana and the least in G. xanthochymus.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Roland Gbarabe, Moroyei Ebilade, Sabina Alatari Ngodigha.
Page No : 9-21
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Assessment of Information Important to Artisanal Fishers in Selected Coastal areas in Niger Delta
Abstract
The study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2018 to assess information important to artisanal fishers in selected coastal areas in Niger Delta. Data from well-structured questionnaire were collected from 477 artisanal fishers out of 820 registered artisanal fishers and subjected to descriptive and liket scale analysis. Based on an average of 2.5 out of 4-point scale, 17 out of the 24 information types were timely, 15 were adequate and 20 were relevant. Information most important to artisanal fishers in the study area were: types of materials for boat making and effects of mesh size used in fishing. Most important information based on timeliness were: modern technique in boat and engine maintenance (3.973), negative effects of middle-men (3.588), effect of different mesh size (3.511), effects of fishing methods (3.441), dangers of rough sea (3.396), effects of bad fishing practice (3.389) and types of materials for boat making (3.199). Information that were most adequate were: effects of use of explosives (3.685), effect of different mesh size (3.531), types of materials for boat making (3.410) and access to modern fishing activities (3.124). The least relevant information was: processing and storage (1.962), use of different types of fishing gears (2.061), water trend or movement (2.382) and use of non-motorized vessels (2.412). On the average the information types were timely (2.604), slightly adequate (2.487) and relevant (3.169). Addressing and implementing these important information types from the findings can improve the fisheries industry in the Niger Delta.
| 3 |
Author(s):
A.A Sadiq, B.A Faruk.
Page No : 22-37
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Impact Evaluation of Sediment Deposition on Arable Lands of Yola and Environs of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Sediment depositions on farmlands are among the contemporary hydrogeo-phyiscal process affecting arable lands in most flood prone areas of the world which is receiving ardent attention of research. Arable lands in Yola are seriously receiving continuous sediment depositions which have affected the farming activities. Thus, the study saddled to evaluate the impact sediment deposition on arable lands of Yola and environs. The research consists of three phases. Used of structured questionnaires administered to the farmers, second phase involved direct on-field measurement of depth and width of sediment deposition and the third phase consist of textural class determination of soil samples in the laboratory. The results obtained from the five selected areas shown that Yolde pate, Wuro-chekke and Anguwan Tabo farm locations loamy clay sediments were deposited to an average depth ranges from 25cm-75cm over period of 10-19 years covering about 15-60 hectares of land where irrigation farming are intensively carried out which has positive impact on their farming activities. Conversely, Mbamba and Bole farm locations were assessed having coarse sandy sediment depositions over fertile clayey soil to an average depth of 35-40 cm for a period of 5-7 years wrapping a range of 2-9 hectares of fertile land with a negative impact of 60 % damaged of their productivity. For the infertile deposit of sediment on farm land, it is therefore recommending the potential management practices (chisel and moldboard ploughs), preventive management (improving infiltration rate and minimizing runoff) and conservation practices (dikes, levees, channels constructions) respectively.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Victoria Akon Deng, Pius Mbuya Nina.
Page No : 38-51
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Assessment of Indigenous Knowledge on Forest Foods Consumption and Herbal Medicine Use in Buikwe District
Abstract
This study investigated the local communities’ application of ecological knowledge in the selection and use of forest products for food and medicine in Buikwe district. In Uganda, utilization of indigenous knowledge systems regarding plants to promote food security and health and wellbeing of the human population is widespread. This aims to generate information about the way members of the same communities use different forest products for food and medicine, as well as the role each household member plays at various stages in forest products’ distribution chain. We used interview method to collect data on key variables, including forest products harvested, frequency of visits to the forest, persons involved and household demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed for descriptive measures of central tendency and spread and information presented in tabular format. The results revealed that households with more than 5 members were more involved in the harvesting of forest products compared to their counterparts with less than 5 members at 71.7% and 51% respectively. Communities living adjacent to the park admitted that they were able to save upto Ush 50,000 a month when the use forest products, whereas some member made extra income from the sales of forest products. The findings have implications for policy regarding management practices that would achieve the greatest conservation goals without compromising economic value of Mabira Forest Reserve to the local communities.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Dibia-Emmanuel Nkasimobu Comfort, Olumati Precious Ndidi.
Page No : 52-62
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Development of Unique Recipes from Lima Beans, its Nutrient Composition and Organoleptic Properties of Developed Products
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to develop queen’s cakes from dehulled and undehulled lima bean, porridge and pudding using lima bean as a means of diversify the utilization of lima bean. To achieve this, three specific objectives were formulated. The study adopted an experimental research design. Three research questions guided the study. Three cooking methods were used for preparation queen’s cakes, porridge and pudding (moimoi). The cooking methods includes; baking, boiling and steaming Proximate composition of the food products were determined (moisture content, ash content, fat content, protein content, fibre and carbohydrate). The flour samples were also subjected to sensory evaluation. A nine-point hedonic scale was used. Results were analyzed statistically by the analysis of variance and differences between means separated. Results for the proximate composition showed that, sample. Sample BLB had the highest moisture content and this may reduce the shelf life of the food product. There was no significant difference in the ash content of all the samples. Sample NLE had the highest protein content compared to other samples. Result for fat revealed that, sample NLE had the highest value for fibre. Sample DLB had the highest value for carbohydrate. Result for sensory evaluation revealed that, sample DLB, BLB and SLB had equal preference for colour. However, sample NLE had the least value for colour. Result for taste, texture and aroma followed this pattern because, significantly the samples do not differ. However, sample SLB was highest in aroma. Based on the finding of this study it was recommended that for improved protein and fibre intake, undehulled lima bean should be encouraged. Baking method of cooking is recommended for shelf life extension of lima bean products; Lima bean should be dehulled before utilization for improved sensory properties and food products developed from lima bean can be very useful in food product development. Further research work should be geared towards developing more food products using lima bean.
