East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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The Effects of high calorie, protein, calcium and iron Dietary intervention on nutritional status and body composition of long distance athletes- Ngong’ training Camp, Kenya
No full textIn recent times a number of athletes have used prohibited substances such as anabolic steroids to enhance their performance and have ended up being suspended from international competitions. This shows a growing need for foods for sports’ enhancement that work and that are affordable. The objective of the study was to develop a food supplement from local foods that was high in energy, protein, calcium and iron and test its’ efficacy in improving nutritional status of the athletes. It was designed to comprise of food supplement development, baseline assessment and dietary intervention with the first two months serving as control where only sports’ nutrition education was offered. Consequently, pre-intervention assessment was conducted on all the study participants. This was followed by a subsequent two months’ supplementation period, after which post-intervention assessment was done to determine efficacy of the product in improving nutritional and body composition status of the athletes. Athletes involved in the study included 13 men and 11 women randomly selected from a population of 36 athletes. Apart from hemoglobin levels, Anthropometric assessments included weight, height and body mass index (BMI) whereas body composition assessment included; fat free mass, percentage body fat, percentage body water and bone mass. In this study, women showed significant improvement in both % body fat and body water, whereas men had significant improvement in mean Body Mass Index and Fat Free Mass. Both men and women groups showed significant improvement in the mean hemoglobin levels at the end of the study. The study concluded that there was a need to ensure adequate nutrition for optimal nutritional status of long-distance athletes
The potential contribution and challenges of edible grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) to food and nutrition security in Uganda- a literature review
Get PDFInsects are being considered a sustainable protein food source for the future to forestall the impending world protein shortage, exacerbated by population growth and climate change. The edible grasshopper Ruspolia differens, a high protein insect traditionally consumed in East Africa- particularly in Central Uganda presents an opportunity for local solutions to food and nutritional security. This literature review consolidates research information, mainly derived from peer reviewed articles on online databases, on potential distribution, demand, importance, food safety hazards and, handling and research efforts that support safety of consumption. Key documented findings are that Ruspolia differens is highly nutritious and a source of livelihood. Their geographical distribution is expected to widen, increasing availability and access. Food safety hazards from their handling include high counts of bacterial species, yeasts and molds, heavy metals, and a potential for inherent allergens yet the demand and supply chains are expanding. Consequently, a strategy involving all stakeholders is required to support food safety along the value chain. Understanding the contribution of Ruspolia differens and minimising obstacles to its exploitation should be a research priority in order to promote the adoption, value addition, and development of insect-derived products aimed at nontraditional insect-eating communities and those who are severely food insecure
The Physiochemical and sensory characteristics of a supplementary food for malnourished underfive children, a case of maize, millet and peanut
No full textMalnutrition in children remains a major public health challenge in developing countries. The local un-availability of the necessary ingredients and lack of knowledge on how to prepare food for malnourished children are among the primary causes of child malnutrition. The study sought to determine the use of locally available food material (maize, millet and peanut) in formulating a food product to address the rampant protein- energy malnutrition of children in Kenya. The linear programming model of the nutrisurvey computer software was used in generating six treatments of a supplementary food as follows: Sample A=27%millet, 36%maize, 28% peanut and 9% oil, B=30%millet, 33%maize, 30% peanut and 7% oil, C=32%millet, 19%maize, 38% peanut and 11% oil, D=35%millet, 11%maize, 42% peanut and 12% oil, E= 35%millet, 30%maize, 26% peanut and 9% oil and F=40%millet, 20%maize, 30% peanut and 10% oil . Physico-chemical and sensory attributes of the supplementary food were determined using standard procedures. The moisture, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total ash, iron, calcium and zinc of 100 g of the products A,B,C,D,E and F were found to have ranges from: 3.9 ±0.3g to 5.2 ±0.3g, 424.0kcal 485.0kcal, 9 ±1.1 to 14.1 ±1.1g, 23.9 ±0.2 to 35.9 ±0.1g, 28.7 ±0.7 to 52.4 ±1.4g, 7.9 ±1.8 to 18.0 ±1.0g, 1.6 ±0.01 to 2.1 ±0.02g, 2.0 ±0.7 to 7.0 ±0.1g, 14.47 ±0.3 to 33.4 ±0.3g, 2.6.0 ±0.0 to 4.4 ±0.1g respectively. The formulations chemical attributes were in the range that meets the RDA’s requirements for children under five in 2 to 3 serving of 100g of the products and thus, it’s supplementation to other foods given to the child could be effective in the treatment of malnourished children after the clinical trial
The The occurrence of helminths and coccidia in zebu calves among pastoralists in Isiolo County Kenya
No full textIn Kenya, helminthosis and coccidiosis in cattle, is reported to be the second highest cause of death in zebu calves up to 12 months old, estimated at 12% mortality rate. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth and coccidia infections among zebu calves in Isiolo County in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted in between November and December, 2020 in Isiolo North and South Constituencies. Garbatulla and Burat Wards in Isiolo North and Kinna Ward in Isiolo South were purposively selected due to high number of large cattle herds compared to other areas. A total of 411 calves from 34 cattle herds aged between 3 weeks and 12 months were randomly selected for the study. Faecal samples were obtained from the rectum or immediately after defaecation for laboratory analysis, in a veterinary laboratory located in Kinna Ward in Isiolo south Constituency that is virtually meant for research. Faecal egg counts and coccidian oocyst were identified and estimated using the McMaster faecal floatation technique. The prevalence was determined by dividing positive number by the total number tested and the converted to percentage form. The overall prevalence of helminth and coccidia infections was estimated at 66.9% (275/411). Concurrent helminth and coccidia prevalence were slightly low, estimated at 16.5% (68/411). Coccidia infection was the most prevalent type of infection estimated at 45.7% (188/411) while the prevalence of helminths was 38.4% (158/411). Strongyle infection was predominant among other helminths detected with a prevalence of 29.4% (121/411) followed by Strongyloides 6.5% (27/411), Monezia 2.7% (4/411), Toxocara 1% (4/411) and Trichuris 0.2% (1/411). The results of this study indicated that prevalence of helminth and coccidia infections in calves is high dominated by strongyles and coccidia
Isolation and elucidation of antibacterial compounds from roots and stems of Synadenium glaucescens Pax
Get PDFExtracts of Synadenium glaucescens Pax are reported to contain biologically active compounds against bacterial and viral infections. This study aimed at isolating pure compounds from its bioactive extracts as well as evaluating their antibacterial efficacy. A phytochemical investigation of the root and stem barks involved total maceration in methanol (MeOH). The root barks extract was then partitioned by Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) in a solvent gradient system to afford three fractions of Hexane (Hex), Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and finally MeOH for the least, moderate, and most polar compounds respectively. The MeOH extract of stem barks was also partitioned in the same way by using two solvents: dichloromethane (DCM) and MeOH. All fractions were finally dried on a rotary evaporator at < 60 OC of the water bath. Isolation of pure compound from the EtOAc and DCM led to isolation of four compounds namely, hexacosane (G1), β-sitosterol (G2), octacosyl ferulate (G3) and hexacosanoic acid (G4). Their structures were analyzed and confirmed through NMR, GC-MS and in comparison, with literature. Antibacterial assay for G1, G3 and G4 against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, and E. faecalis was achieved by broth serial microdilution. Compounds, G3 demonstrated strong activity against S. aureus (MIC = 0.125 mg/mL) and weak activity against the rest strains (MIC = 2 mg/ mL). Also, the test results indicated G1 had weak activity against all tested strains (MIC = 2 mg/mL or above). While G4 demonstrated a moderate activity (1.0 mg/mL) against E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis and weak against P. aeruginosa (MIC > 2 mg/mL). These findings support traditional use and promise for antibacterial drug agents from S. glaucescens Pax
Determine Communication channels used by smallholder farmers to access climate services in Musanze district
Get PDFThere is a significant threat on the African continent caused by climate change and limited practical options for adaptation and mitigation. Food security is becoming a serious problem and the agricultural sector which is the backbone of the Rwandan economy is severely impacted by climate shocks. The Musanze district\u27s smallholder farmers access and use climate services to lessen the effects of extreme events of weather and climate. The conceptual structure is one method used by Rwanda Meteorological Agency to provide farmers with climatic services. Farmers employ a variety of modes to acquire climate services from the service providers for the purposes of planning, adaptation, and mitigation. Researchers, development partners, Ministries/Agencies, and others get climate products, which are then made available to farmers to support them make informed decisions. The survey was also carried out by engaging smallholder farmers using open-ended questions from key-format interviews, providing thorough information on how climate services are very vital and essential to the farmers. The findings indicated that the most commonly used products in planning and decision-making of agricultural activities are monthly bulletins, impact-based early warning information, daily weather forecasts and seasonal forecasts. The age, farmer’s income and the availability of equipment’s for accessing climate services contributed greatly to the readiness to use climate information. The availability of climatic services contributed to better selection of seeds and timing of pests and disease prevention. The most widely used modes of accessing climate services were radio, television, social media, and short messaging services. The objective of the study is to determine communication channels used by smallholder farmers to access climate services
The correlation between equatorial electrojet and equatorial ionisation anomaly over the East African region during the solar minimum period 2008-2009
Get PDFThis study analyzed the correlation between the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and the occurrence of equatorial ionisation anomaly (EIA) over the East African region. The study was carried out during both geomagnetically quiet and disturbed conditions when Kp index values were < 2+ and > 5+, respectively. The EEJ data were obtained using a pair of magnetometers located at Adis Ababa (geographic 9.04°N, 38.77°E, geomagnetic 0.17°N, 110.47°E) and Adigrat (geographic 14.281°N, 39.46°E, geomagnetic 6.0°N, 111.06°E), both in Ethiopia while the EIA data were derived from the total electron content (TEC) data that were obtained using a set of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers within the East African region. The data used were for the years 2008 and 2009. The TEC data over the crest of EIA were divided by those over the trough to quantify EIA strength over the region. The EEJ intensity was estimated from the difference in the horizontal component of the geomagnetic field observed by the pair of magnetometers. The results during quiet geomagnetic conditions showed that peak values of EEJ which range from 48nT - 110nT occurred between 10:00 and 14:00 LT. The EIA’s peak which varies from 1.20 to 1.45 occurs between 20:00 to 22:00 LT. The correlation coefficients were found to vary from moderate (0.58) to strongest (0.74). During geomagnetically disturbed conditions, the correlation coefficient ranges from 0.28 to 0.45. The increased eastward electric field and photo-ionization on TEC are responsible for the strong link between EEJ and EIA. This study reveals the trend in the variation of the strength of EEJ and EIA over the East African region which can be used as a basis for developing regional models to forecast or nowcast scintillations and the ionospheric space weather prediction over this region
Effect of tillage and weed control practices on weed density, cassava growth and yield at Mkuranga district, Tanzania
Get PDFPoor and improper weeding in cassava production has been reported to cause cassava yield losses ranging from 40% to 90%. A study was carried out in 2019/2020 planting season at Kiimbwanindi village, Mkuranga, Tanzania to identify common weeds available in the selected cassava field and then the effect of different integrated weed control options was studied. Till only and till + Ridge, pre-emergence herbicides (Primagram Gold a.i 290 g/L S-metolachlor + 370 g/L atrazine and Oxfen a.i Oxyfluorfen 24% EC), post emergence herbicides (Force up a.i 480 g/L of Glyphosate-Isopropylamine salt) and back pack weeder with modified tines were tested on Cassava variety Kiroba in a factorial experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data on weed species, weed density, cassava height, girth and fresh root yield and soil were collected. By using Thomas methodology, perennial weeds Cyperus rotundus, Reissantia sp, Mucuna pruriens and Commelina benghalensis found to be the mostly and abundantly occurred weed species. The combination of tillage practices and pre-emergence herbicides application increased number of days’ weeds took to reemerge. The integrated weed control options significantly affected cassava fresh root weight and biomass, p = 0.019 and p = 0.026, respectively. The correlation analysis showed a non-significant positive relationship between cassava stem height and cassava fresh root weight (r = 0.389, p > 0.05), and cassava stem girth and cassava fresh root weight (r = 0.055, p > 0.05). The study concluded that, the combination of till + ridges, application of pre-emergence herbicide (S-metolachlor + atrazine) and post emergence herbicides (glyphosate) can effectively control weeds and provided favorable environment for cassava growth and root formation as compared to other treatment options
Unlocking the potential for yellow maize production and utilization in Homa-bay County, Kenya
Get PDFYellow maize is popular in Western Kenya especially in Homa-Bay County. However, it’s faced with myriad of challenges that has greatly limited its production and utilization. This study investigated yellow maize production, post-harvest handling and utilization practices and constraints while exploring opportunities. The study was conducted from September-November 2020 in three wards of Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa-Bay County by conducting a cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire administered to 385 farmers. Results showed that yellow maize production was an important food security crop and source of livelihood for farmers. Yellow maize was continuously cultivated as a sole crop or intercropped with legumes in less than 1ha land sizes using locally sourced seed with low levels of farm inputs resulting in low yields of less than 1 t/ha. Yellow maize was preferred due to its early maturity (3 months), taste, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The main constraints included total lack of good quality seed, low soil fertility (71%), striga weed infestation (60%), low marketability (46%), pest/diseases prone (34%) and adverse weather (33%). About 68% sun dried their maize, with the dried grains stored in polypropylene bags (87%) kept mainly on raised platforms in their houses (90%) for approximately 3 months/year. Most of the respondents (95%) preferred to consume yellow maize compared to white maize mainly in form of ugali (stiff porridge) (97%) consumed twice daily (77%). The yellow maize potential is under-exploited and enhancing its productivity through research, improved seed system, soil amendments and awareness creation could lead to production increase and be among the pathways that can be used to develop the region and contribute to food and nutrition security in the country
Optimization of biofertilizers on potato blight, performance and farm returns using biochar and manure in combination with fertilizer
Get PDFBio-fertilizers form a valuable interaction tool with soil dynamics in improving crop yield despite their inferior yield compared to inorganic fertilizers. However, optimizing bio-fertilizers using carrier material and combination with inorganic fertilizer while minimizing detrimental effects associated with chemicals is not fully comprehended. Field experiment was conducted to study effects of Mycorrhizae and Trichoderma optimization using manure and biochar (carrier) in combination with Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) applied at 50 %, 75% and 100% (500 kg ha-1) the recommended rate on late blight, growth, yield and farm income. A survey was also conducted to establish fertilizer usage by potato farmers. The most widely used fertilizer was DAP. Plots without fertilizer recorded the highest late blight severity (RAUDPC of 0.45), lowest height (39.37 cm), stem count (2.81) and yield (0.29 t ha-1) followed by plots with 50% DAP. Yield observed from DAP rates differed significantly (P≤0.05). However, there was no significant difference among combinations of biofertilizer with 75% and 100% of DAP. Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae increased yield by 74%, 70% and 71% respectively relative to control. Manure on average improved Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae effects on late blight, stem count and yield by 55%, 56% and 76% respectively while biochar improved by 50%, 51% and 75% respectively. Combination of DAP (75% and 100% rates) and biofertilizer had significant increase in net farm returns. Conversely, higher marginal rate of return was observed in plots with mycorrhizae and manure as carrier. Improved yield and net income from biofertilizer plots could be attributed to their low costs and less bulky. Manure as carrier material provided additional nutrients support, stable environment and more micro-organism resulting in microbial consortium build up. The study concluded that bio-fertilizers combined with carrier material in combination with chemical fertilizers improved yield and farm net income, thereby could be an alternative to conventiona