Journal of Food Technology Research

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers on production and consumption of the biofortified NUA 45 sugar beans in Makoni District, Zimbabwe

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers regarding the production and consumption of the biofortified NUA 54 sugar beans in Makoni district, Zimbabwe. Staple food crops typically have low micronutrient levels, leading to potential deficiencies among individuals whose diets lack diversity. Biofortification is a scientific strategy that enhances the micronutrient content of staple crops through selective breeding. A notable example is the development of iron-biofortified beans, which address nutritional deficiencies and improve dietary iron intake. This study aimed to evaluate farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the Makoni district of Zimbabwe concerning the production and consumption of biofortified NUA 45 sugar beans. A total of 299 respondents were interviewed through household surveys, and four focus group discussions were conducted to gather comprehensive data on these aspects. The findings demonstrate that farmers in the Makoni district possess a high level of knowledge regarding biofortified crops. Moreover, there is significant acceptance, extensive production, and notable consumption of NUA 45 sugar beans among these farmers. The growing recognition and popularity of biofortified crops, such as NUA 45 sugar beans, potentially contribute to enhanced nutrition and food security in the region. Understanding what farmers know, how they feel, and what they do about NUA 45 sugar beans can help fill in gaps in our knowledge, encourage the use of biofortified beans as a way to combat malnutrition, and assist Extension Services in creating training and support programs that are specific to the needs of farmers.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of populations regarding the consumption of camel meat in the Sahel of Niger

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Camel meat, a food with high nutritional value, is still subject to socio-cultural considerations within certain Nigerien communities. Thus, this study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the consumption of this meat was carried out to rule out these socio-cultural considerations. To do this, a sample of 236 households, distributed according to the weight of urban households, was the subject of a cross-sectional survey in three (3) large cities in Niger (Niamey, Tahoua, and Agadez). The results reveal that camel meat is not highly appreciated for its organoleptic quality and certain beliefs and customary taboos. Indeed, this meat is perceived by pregnant Nigerien women (71.9%) as a food that “prolongs the pregnancy by one year.” Additionally, knowledge and attitudes towards camel meat are based on its perception. However, two categories of consumers have been identified: occasional and regular. These two categories of consumers perceive camel meat in their diet differently. Thus, 43% of consumers attribute nutritional and therapeutic virtues to camel meat, while 32.6% of consumers consider that camel meat is similar to other red meats. Furthermore, 3.3% of consumers advocate the Islamic benefits of camel meat to justify its consumption. However, it was noted that 14.1% of consumers reject camel meat because they are not accustomed to it, and 7% of consumers reject camel meat due to its poor organoleptic quality. Thus, the perceptions observed by consumers about camel meat are much more cultural than real. In short, this study can contribute to changing social behavior towards camel meat.

Nanotechnologies for increasing the productivity and quality of potatoes in a changing climate

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of a pre-sowing treatment of potato tubers with metal nanoparticles (NPs) for plant protection against phytopathogens in a changing climate. The research was conducted over a period of three years under conditions of increasing average air temperature and decreasing rainfall, which were conducive to the development of potato diseases. The study involved the development of nanobiopreparations containing Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, Mg, Mn, and B nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer. Three-year observations showed that the optimal composition of the preparation contains (Zn 10-2% + Cu 10-8% + Fe 10-6% + Mo 10-8%) NPs. The potato tubers were pre-treated with NPs in polymer, resulting in a 52% decrease in the prevalence of A. solani and a 4.6-fold reduction in the degree of plant damage in 2018. In 2019, both indicators exhibited a 2-fold decrease. In 2021, a 20% decrease in the prevalence of A. solani was observed, along with a 40% reduction in the degree of plant damage when compared to the control. The pre-sowing treatment of potato tubers with NPs in the polymer composition increased crop yield and commercial tubers. The results obtained from this study indicate the practical significance of nanotechnology in potato production.