Food security (48)
Papers preferred under this subtheme would be those discussing research outputs, innovations or transformative actions that inform opportunities and challenges in attaining the zero hunger goal targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal no. 2. These include Increasing Agricultural Productivity and Incomes, Sustainable Animal and Crop Production Systems; Sustainable Utilization of Genetic Diversity, Safe and Nutritious Foods; Malnutrition Interventions; Food Science and Technology; Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness.
Impact of Water-related Collective Action on Rural Household Welfare in the Upper Ewaso Ng’iro North Catchment Area: The Application of the Endogenous Switching Regression
Written by S. N. Mwaura1*, I. M. Kariuki2, S. Kiprop3, A. S. Muluvi3, B. Kiteme4, P. Mshenga2Key among government strategies to promote efficient and participatory water management in Kenya is through empowering local communities to manage water resources through Water Resource Users’ Associations (WRUAs) which is a collective action initiative.
Effect of Tractor Wheel Traffic Compaction on Selected Soil Physical Properties
Written by F. W. Okinda1*, D. M. Nyaanga1, S. Nyakach2The increasing use of different sizes of agricultural machines have led to amplified levels of soil compaction. Knowledge on the dynamics of different soil properties as a result of wheel traffic is crucial for formulation and adoption of proper soil and water conservation methods for improved crop production with increasing population.
Role of Probiotics in Reduction of Cyanide, Tannins and Phytates in Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Leaves: A Review
Written by R. A. Okoth*, J. W. Matofari and J. M. NdukoCassava is grown mostly for its tubers while the leaves are considered a byproduct. Cassava leaves constitute a very significant source of dietary protein, minerals and vitamins. However, they contain antinutrients and cyanide, notably the linamarin, which pose the risk of intoxication to the consumers when the leaves are not processed properly.
Current Status of Food Poisoning and Foodborne Illness in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Way Forward: A Review
Written by J. Matofari, C. Syeunda* and K. OtienoIn Sub Sahara Africa, food contamination continues to wreak havoc. In this region, ready-to-eat foods are majorly sold by street food vendors where hygiene becomes a major challenge given the inadequate supply of portable water. Large numbers of unlicensed vendors operating their businesses in hard to reach areas, mostly after-work hours, thwart the efforts by the public health inspectors to ensure safe food for the public.
Antibiotic Resistance of Foodborne Pathogens in Ready-to-eat Meat Products: A Review of the Current Status
Written by R. Chepkwony*, J. M. Nduko and J. W. MatofariReady–To-Eat (RTE) meat products are consumed in the same state as it is sold without further preparation to ensure safety to the consumer. These foods normally include ingredients that may or may not be cooked and some are regarded as potentially hazardous therefore can support proliferation of food pathogens and should be kept at certain temperatures to reduce the growth of pathogens that may be present in the food.
“One Acre Model” Effect on Maize Productivity among Smallholder Maize-Bean Farmers in Kimilili Sub-County, Kenya
Written by V. K. Chepkwego1*, G. A. Obare1 and J. Olwande1This study aims to examine the effect of the one-acre model on maize productivity in Kimilili Sub-County, Kenya. One acre fund is a non-governmental organization operating in western Kenya offering comprehensive credit-in-kind bundle of seeds, fertilizer, training and market facilitation.
Green Leafy Vegetables’ Self-Provisioning among Urban Consumers in Nakuru County: What is the Motive?
Written by M. N. Mwangi*, M. Ngigi and J. LagatGreen leafy vegetables’ self-provisioning is an informal means of vegetables production with the major part of it used for own-consumption. In Kenya, self-provisioning is taking place in both urban and peri-urban areas. However, the motives of engaging in this practice, and of the choice of commodities to focus in, are not clear. Existing studies have provided mixed reasons for engaging in self-provisioning such as; economic hardships, improving household food security, source of employment, cultural reasons or leisure/hobby.
The Effect of Land Fragmentation on Returns to Factors of Production in Selected Agro-Ecological Zones in Embu County, Kenya
Written by S. N. Ndirangu1, S. G. Mbogoh2 and O. L. E. Mbatia2Declining farm size as a result of continuing land fragmentation as population increases is a major policy concern in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and Kenya in particular. The government efforts to address land fragmentation in Kenya have been hampered by lack of adequate and reliable research-based information to guide policy formulation on land management and its impact on food security.
Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Bioactive Compounds in Cape Gooseberry Physalis peruviana Fruits: A Review
Written by 1M. Ong’awa, 2L. Wasilwa, 2V. Kirigua, 3V. Ochieng, 4P. Omolo and 5H. OdhiamboCape gooseberry, Physalis peruviana, is a nutritionally important underutilized fruit with great therapeutic potential attributed to its rich macro and micronutrient content. It is laden with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that contribute to its medicinal value as an antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-hypertensive agent. P. peruviana is promoted for inclusion in human diets for a disease-free healthy life and general well-being.
Old is Gold: Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica) an Ancient Seed in Today’s Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Review
Written by M. M. WambuiChia seed (Salvia hispanica) has been known for over 5,500 years and was used as a food for the Mayas and Aztec tribes. It is now fast gaining popularity worldwide due to the health benefits associated with it at a time where there is an increasing desire to change to healthier lifestyles. This is due to the increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases.
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Optimization of Protein Content and Dietary Fibre in a Composite Flour Blend containing Rice (Oryza sativa), Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and Bamboo (Yushania alpina) Shoots
Written by W. WanjalaInitiatives on tackling food insecurity among global emerging economies are being focused on enriching native staple foods with locally available nutritious underutilized crops. The objective of this study was to optimize protein content and dietary fibre in rice (Oryza sativa) flour using Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and Bamboo shoots (Yushania alpina).
Insects as Sustainable Source of Human Food: A Review
Written by K. O. Otieno*, P. S. Muliro and M. N. OmwambaEntomophagy, consumption of insects, is an age old practice with more than 2100 insect species categorized as edible and relished by more than 2 billion people globally. Despite having been a common practice in Africa, Asia and Latin America, entomophagy has only recently gained more attention in the wake of looming food scarcity due to the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity
Functional Characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum in African Fermented Foods: A Review
Written by M. M. Katiku*, J. W. Matofari and J. M. NdukoFermented foods have been associated with probiotic bacteria hence, are considered as functional foods since they provide health beneficial effects to the body. Functional foods are gaining popularity in the world, as people are becoming aware of their eating habits.
Technology of Milk Whey Proteins and their Emerging Products: A Review
Written by T. W. Ndungu* and P. S. MuliroMilk proteins are categorized as caseins and whey proteins, based on their differences in solubility at a pH of 4.6, an isoelectric point. Casein and whey proteins constitute approximately 2.6% and 0.7%, respectively, of bovine milk. Casein exists in fresh milk in the form of a “micelle” structure, which is a complex aggregate of proteins (α-, β-, and κ-casein) and colloidal calcium phosphate.
