ABSTRACT
Aflatoxin, a type of mycotoxin, is mostly produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. It is responsible for the loss of billions of dollars to the world economy, by contaminating different crops such as cotton, groundnut, maize, and chilies, and causing immense effects on the health of humans and animals. More than eighteen different types of aflatoxins have been reported to date, and among them, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 are the most prevalent and lethal. Early detection of fungal infection plays a key role in the control of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, different methods, including culture, chromatographic techniques, and molecular assays, are used to determine aflatoxin contamination in crops and food products. Many countries have set a maximum limit of aflatoxin contamination (2–20 ppb) in their food and agriculture commodities for human or animal consumption, and the use of different methods to combat this menace is essential. Fungal infection mostly takes place during the pre- and post-harvest stage of crops, and most of the methods to control aflatoxin are employed for the latter phase. Studies have shown that if correct measures are adopted during the crop development phase, aflatoxin contamination can be reduced by a significant level. Currently, the use of bio-pesticides is the intervention employed in many countries, whereby atoxigenic strains competitively reduce the burden of toxigenic strains in the field, thereby helping to mitigate this problem. This updated review on aflatoxins sheds light on the sources of contamination, and the on occurrence, impact, detection techniques, and management strategies, with a special emphasis on bio-pesticides to control aflatoxins.
ABSTRACT
High incidence of drought and donor fatigue in Zimbabwe calls for more sustainable measures of ensuring food security. This study analyzed the impact of nutritional gardens in the two droughtprone districts of Mudzi and Mutoko. In line with attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted to be achieved by 2030, nutritional gardens were identified as a sustainable way to mitigate climate change and address the 'hidden hunger' challenge. Primary data was collected using a baseline framework adopting a triangulation methodology of questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) across 100 households and key informant stakeholders. Data for 48 households was usable. Results indicated that majority are low-income earners. There are high levels of deforestation and siltation, low water table and low harvest due to frequent droughts. Main crops are drought resistant crops such as millet, sorghum and legumes like groundnuts. Gardens present great potential for food and nutrition supplement and income from the sale of horticultural products. COVID-19 increased vulnerability of all stakeholders across the whole value-chain. The study recommends more drought-resistant varieties, horticultural products, solar powered boreholes and value-adding processes like peanut butter and yoghurt production to optimize local resources.
ABSTRACT
The focus of this study was to produce composite flour with nutritional and functional potentials from underutilized and inexpensive crops, which can be used in food formulations as a substitute to composite flours from commonly used and expensive crops. The proximate, mineral, and amino acid compositions, resistant starch content and in vitro starch digestibility of breadfruit-bambara groundnut (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 respectively) composite flours were investigated using standard methods. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. Inclusion of bambara groundnut in the composite flours significantly (p<0.05) increased protein (5.06-16.96%), ash (1.54-2.71%), fat (1.06-1.96%), potassium (727.82-797.73 mg/100g), phosphorus (143.36-177.32 mg/100g), magnesium (92.71-117.05 mg/100g) and resistant starch (11.45-21.98%) contents, while it significantly (p<0.05) reduced fibre (4.65-5.39%), carbohydrate (65.3379.69%), sodium (48. 64-71.25 mg/100g), and calcium (57.65-64.50 mg/100g) contents, as well as in vitro starch digestibility (40.41-58.75%). All the essential amino acids were present;they constituted 34.69 - 37.94% of the total amino acid. The predicted protein efficiency ratio ranged from 2.14 to 2.82. This study suggests that breadfruit-bambara groundnut composite flours may find usefulness in different food formulations and may exhibit lower postprandial hyperglycemia which is important for obese and diabetic patients.