Article
Agronomy
Zephania Nyirenda, Christone Nyondo, Wellingtone Jogo, Guy Hareau, Julius Okello, Marcel Gatto
Summary: The International Potato Center (CIP) has implemented interventions to develop the seed system for biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties in Malawi. The study reveals that the critical nodes of the OFSP seed system are underdeveloped, but interventions by CIP have contributed significantly to capacity building. It recommends integrating formal and informal seed systems and creating demand for OFSPs among consumers.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Derick Malavi, Daniel Mbogo, Mukani Moyo, Lucy Mwaura, Jan Low, Tawanda Muzhingi
Summary: Partial substitution of wheat flour with orange-fleshed sweet potato puree increases vitamin A intake among consumers. The addition of sweet potato puree significantly increases the nutritional composition, color, and microbial keeping quality of bread. The inclusion of 40% and 50% sweet potato puree provides over 50% of the dietary requirement of vitamin A for children aged 4-8 years.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Amparo Rosero, Ivan Pastrana, Remberto Martinez, Jose-Luis Perez, Laura Espitia, Hernando Araujo, John Belalcazar, Leiter Granda, Angelica Jaramillo, Sonia Gallego-Castillo
Summary: Vitamin A deficiency is linked to preventable childhood infections and blindness. Orange-fleshed sweet potato is a good source of provitamin A, but its nutritional content can be affected by environmental conditions. The study found that high temperature and low rainfall negatively impacted the nutritional quality of sweet potatoes, while sensory evaluation showed that orange-fleshed varieties were well-received by consumers.
ANNALS OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Bruno da Rocha Toroco, Edgard Henrique Costa Silva, Murilo Henrique Souza Leal, Guilherme Jose Almeida Oliveira, Andre Dutra Silva Junior, Gabriel Francisco de Paula Gomes, Juliano Tadeu Vilela de Resende, Andre Ricardo Zeist
Summary: Brazilian sweet potato has an important socioeconomic role, but many genotypes used in Western Sao Paulo state do not meet the demands of national and international markets. Few orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) genotypes are available in Brazil, despite the potential for growth. An OFSP breeding program was initiated in 2019 to develop superior genotypes that meet the needs of growers and consumers. Experimental genotypes UBD-C-14, UBD-U2-05, UBD-U1-25, UBD-F-34, and UBD-U2-19 showed promising results for yield and quality parameters across multiple planting dates.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca Olajumoke Oloniyo, Olufunmilayo Sade Omoba, Olugbenga Olufemi Awolu
Summary: The study compared the biochemical and antioxidant properties of cream-fleshed and orange-fleshed sweet potato, finding that the orange-fleshed sweet potato performed better in most indicators and showed higher antioxidant properties, making it more suitable for combating micronutrient deficiency and food insecurity in Africa.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Julius Juma Okello, Felix Mwala Shiundu, Janet Mwende, Carl Johan Lagerkvist, Rose Adhiambo Nyikal, Penina Muoki, John Mburu, Jan Low, Guy Hareau, Simon Heck
Summary: The 2018 study conducted in six Tusky's supermarkets in Nairobi, Kenya, used Just-About-Right, Penalty and Mean-End-Chain analyses to examine the quality and psychosocial factors influencing the purchase of a novel bread made from orange-fleshed sweet potato. The research found that sensory and psychosocial factors were key drivers of purchasing decisions, with some sensory characteristics of the bread misaligned with consumer expectations. Additionally, it revealed differences in evaluations of the bread's characteristics and motivations for purchase between men and women, while good sensory attributes and knowledge of the bread's nutritional value were identified as crucial factors driving purchases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Giselle de Lima Paixao e Silva, Juliana Aparecida Correia Bento, Luciano Morais Liao, Manoel Soares Soares Junior, Marcio Caliari
Summary: This study aimed to modify starch by spontaneous fermentation of orange-fleshed sweet potato, resulting in advantageous changes such as increased amylose content, luminosity, gel hardness, and decreased water solubility and absorption indexes. The SEM and spectroscopy analyses revealed the consumption of non-starchy materials and depressions on the granule surface during fermentation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Suman Dutta, Vignesh Muthusamy, Firoz Hossain, Aanchal Baveja, Krishnan P. Abhijith, Supradip Saha, Rajkumar U. Zunjare, Devendra K. Yadava
Summary: The research revealed that biofortified maize hybrids based on crtRB1 undergo significant PVAC loss during storage, but some promising hybrids with higher retention rates offer opportunities for further study and development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yanqiang Yao, Rong Zhang, Ruixue Jia, Yuanyuan Deng, Zhangying Wang
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in flavor and chemical composition of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) before and after cooking. It was found that the starch content decreased and the soluble sugar content increased after cooking. Baked OFSP had the highest sugar content and the best aroma due to the production of various volatiles. Steamed OFSP retained more carotenoids, but all carotenoids were reduced after cooking. Additionally, a large proportion of metabolites were well preserved after cooking. Overall, this understanding of chemical profile changes in OFSP after cooking provides a theoretical basis for its processing and application.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daniel Mbogo, Tawanda Muzhingi, Srinivas Janaswamy
Summary: The study shows that OFSP-wheat composite breads are rich in beta-carotene and have the potential to be used as novel functional foods to address vitamin A deficiency issues and improve human health. The bioaccessible beta-carotene content and altered starch digestion in the OFSP wheat breads highlight their usefulness in addressing VAD and glycemic issues.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
R. O. Baah, K. G. Duodu, M. N. Emmambux
Summary: The study found that increasing the proportion of OFSP flour in maize flour extruded pasta increased cooking loss but decreased cooking time and water absorption capacity. The dietary fiber in OFSP flour loosened the compact structure of the pasta, disrupting the protein-starch matrix of maize and resulting in higher cooking loss and sticky pasta. Extruded pasta had shorter cooking time due to pre-gelatinized starch and exhibited better water absorption and heat dissemination during cooking.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rebecca Olajumoke Oloniyo, Olufunmilayo Sade Omoba, Olugbenga Olufemi Awolu
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effect of soy concentrate on the protein and rheological properties of orange-fleshed sweet potato composite flour and the physical and sensory qualities of the bread produced. Results showed that soy concentrate increased protein content and improved rheological properties for gluten free bread production.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Gloria Peace Lamaro, Yemane Tsehaye, Atkilt Girma, Andrea Vannini, Riccardo Fedeli, Stefano Loppi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the agro-climatic environment of Northern Ethiopia on the content of essential mineral elements of selected orange-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes, the potential contribution of each genotype's essential mineral elements to the recommended dietary allowance, and the potential risk to human health from the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in the tuberous roots of the studied genotypes. The results showed consistent interspecific variations in the content of essential mineral elements among the studied orange-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes, as well as important intraspecific differences, which could depend on the variations in soil mineral and organic matter content, rainfall, temperature, as well as interactions between genotype and environment. The investigated genotypes, especially Kulfo, Ininda, Gloria, and Amelia, can provide an amount of several essential mineral elements high enough to meet 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for all age groups <= 8 years. The mean content of potentially toxic elements in tuberous roots and their daily intake values were within the recommended permissible levels; likewise, no health risk was associated with the consumption of these genotypes for Cr, As, and Pb. However, Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni is > 1, consumption imposes health risks based on daily accumulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agung Karuniawan, Haris Maulana, Debby Ustari, Sitaresmi Dewayani, Eso Solihin, M. Amir Solihin, Suseno Amien, Mahfud Arifin
Summary: This study evaluated the stability and yield of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato genotypes across three agroecosystems in West Java, Indonesia, and identified F1-038 and F1-069 as the most stable and high-yielding varieties for recommendation.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Richard Atinpoore Atuna, Matthew Atongbiik Achaglinkame, Trudy Abla Sitsofe Accorley, Francis Kweku Amagloh
Summary: The study investigated the physicochemical and functional properties of gari processed by partially substituting cassava with orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). The sensory evaluation showed that the composite gari had similar properties and preferences to that of cassava-only gari. The addition of OFSP increased the beta-carotene content, reduced residual cyanogenic compounds, and could potentially address vitamin A deficiency in Ghana.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Vivienne P. Groner, Owen Nicholas, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Rob Slotow, H. Resit Akcakaya, Georgina M. Mace, Richard G. Pearson
Summary: Medicinal plants are important for people's well-being, but their availability is becoming increasingly threatened. This study shows that climate change, land cover change, and harvesting all contribute to the decline in suitable habitat and abundance of medicinal plants. Prioritizing the protection of suitable habitat and ensuring sustainable harvesting is crucial for their conservation.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. L. Dirwai, A. Senzanje, T. Mabhaudhi
Summary: This study developed an empirical soil wetting geometry model for Moistube Irrigation (MTI) lateral irrigation, showing that soil texture influences water movement and the model's performance is satisfactory for different soil types. Further experimentation under varying scenarios is needed for validation and robustness.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Matilda Azong Cho, Mutanga Onisimo, Tafazwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: This paper explores how a combined collaborative management and PGIS approach can enhance local communities' participation in rangeland management. Through focus group discussions, local ecological knowledge mapping, and key informant interviews, it was found that this approach empowers local actors, encourages rangeland governance practices, and transfers responsibility to local communities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Sithabile Hlahla, Mulala Danny Simatele, Trevor Hill, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: Changes in climate are exacerbating existing gender inequalities and increasing women's vulnerability in South Africa. This study examines the impacts of climate change on marginalized women and their adaptive responses in urban areas. The findings highlight the negative effects of climate change on women's livelihoods and well-being. A lack of proactive and gender-sensitive climate change policies hinders women's meaningful participation and adaptation efforts.
WEATHER CLIMATE AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tsitsi Bangira, Onisimo Mutanga, Mbulisi Sibanda, Timothy Dube, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: One-third of the Earth's land is grasslands used mainly for forage, and efforts are being made to develop tools to estimate grassland productivity (GP) in relation to climate change. Grassland productivity is an important indicator of ecosystem functioning and is commonly assessed using proxies such as aboveground biomass, leaf area index, and chlorophyll content. Remote sensing techniques, particularly high-resolution sensors, play a crucial role in calculating these proxies. A systematic review of published articles showed a growing demand for high-resolution sensors and computational image-processing techniques for accurate GP prediction at different scales. Future research should focus on integrating optical and radar data, selecting appropriate techniques for GP prediction, and reducing uncertainties associated with different algorithms.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qhelile Ntombikayise Bhebhe, Mjabuliseni S. C. Ngidi, Muthulisi Siwela, Temitope O. Ojo, Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: This study investigated the contribution of trees and green spaces to household food security in eThekwini. The results showed that only 29% of respondents were food secure, while 36% were mildly food insecure, 27% were moderately food insecure, and 8% were severely food insecure. The study also found that cultivated green spaces, wealth index, gender, education level of the head of households, and grants had a negative correlation with household food insecurity, while non-cultivated green spaces, local trees, age, marital status, number of dependents, and monthly income positively correlated with food insecurity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anita Masenyama, Onisimo Mutanga, Timothy Dube, Mbulisi Sibanda, Omosalewa Odebiri, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: Indicators of grass water content (GWC) have a significant impact on eco-hydrological processes. In this study, Sentinel-2 MSI bands, spectral derivatives combined with topographic and climatic variables, were used to estimate GWC indicators within communal grasslands. The results showed that the use of combined spectral and topo-climatic variables, coupled with random forest (RF) in the Google Earth Engine (GEE), improved the prediction accuracies of GWC variables across wet and dry seasons.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Geography
Matilda Azong Cho, O. Mutanga, T. Mabhaudhi
Summary: Rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of pastoral communities. However, these rangelands are exposed to threats from natural, social, economic, and political processes, which affect their ability to provide socioeconomic and environmental support. Existing literature mainly focuses on assessing threats to the biophysical environment, while the social dimension of rangeland threats is often overlooked. This research used participatory rural appraisal and PGIS techniques to assess rangeland threats and management actions from a local perspective, revealing that local communities prioritize threats to their social and economic needs. The findings emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary and inclusive participation in rangeland governance.
SOUTH AFRICAN GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Susan Tsvuura, Maxwell Mudhara, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: Understanding the perceptions of benefits and threats from trees is crucial for community livelihoods. The study in South Africa explored the influence of socio-economic factors, gender, and land tenure on perceptions of tree growing. Findings showed that involvement in a tree restoration project positively influenced households and they viewed trees as contributing to their livelihoods. It is necessary to design strategies that promote inclusivity and awareness of ecosystem services to all households and genders.
PLANTS PEOPLE PLANET
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mishkah Abrahams, Mbulisi Sibanda, Timothy Dube, Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the literature on the remote sensing of the spatial distribution and health of neglected and underutilised crop species (NUS). The findings showed slow progress in using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mapping NUS, particularly in the Global South, due to high costs and restrictive regulations.
Review
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Israel Edem Agbehadji, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Joel Botai, Muthoni Masinde
Summary: This paper assesses the challenges and opportunities of existing early warning systems in cloud computing through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. The findings indicate that few early warning systems utilize cloud computing infrastructure and many rely on non-cloud online application systems. Some early warning systems have harnessed computational techniques and combined multiple principles of the early warning system framework. The study suggests that redesigning early warning systems to fit the cloud computing service infrastructure is crucial for achieving global usage of climate-related early warning systems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siphiwokuhle Buthelezi, Onisimo Mutanga, Mbulisi Sibanda, John Odindi, Alistair D. Clulow, Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: Maize is a valuable food crop in sub-Saharan Africa and plays a critical role in the local, national, and regional economies. However, the lack of appropriate technologies hinders the collection of accurate information on smallholder farm maize production. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery and vegetation indices (VIs) provides a promising solution to determine maize leaf area index (LAI) at a farm scale. The study found that UAV-derived VIs, especially those in the blue, red edge, and NIR sections, can reliably predict maize LAI across the growing season.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shaeden Gokool, Maqsooda Mahomed, Richard Kunz, Alistair Clulow, Mbulisi Sibanda, Vivek Naiken, Kershani Chetty, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: In this study, a scoping review and bibliometric analysis were conducted to examine the applications of UAV technologies in precision agriculture within smallholder farms. The results showed that UAVs have been primarily used for monitoring crop growth and development, guiding fertilizer management, and crop mapping. However, they also have the potential to facilitate other agricultural practices.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wendy Geza, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi, Maxwell Mudhara, Rob Slotow, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Summary: Developing countries in Africa are tackling high youth unemployment rates. Agriculture is seen as a promising sector for creating employment opportunities for young people, but there are challenges to their participation in the agriculture value chain. Understanding youth aspirations, perceptions, and empowerment dynamics is crucial for promoting their involvement in agriculture.
COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Nosipho Dlamini, A. Senzanje, T. Mabhaudhi
Summary: This study evaluates and optimizes the current climate change policy plans in the Buffalo River catchment, South Africa. Using the water-energy-food nexus approach, the study provides insights into the sustainability of the development plans and recommends optimized policy plans for future water resource management in the catchment.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
