PROXIMATE AND MINERAL QUALITIES OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET-POTATOES FLOUR FORTIFIED WITH BAMBARA NUT FLOUR

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a versatile and nutritious staple crop widely cultivated in diverse regions around the world. They are valued for their adaptability to different climatic conditions and their ability to thrive in various soil types. Historically, sweet potatoes have played a crucial role in food security and nutrition, particularly in regions where they serve as a primary source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients (Niederberger, 2017). Nutritionally, sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (including vitamin A, C, and B vitamins), minerals (such as potassium and manganese), and antioxidants. The tubers of sweet potatoes are known for their vibrant colors, which can range from white and yellow to orange and purple, indicating varying levels of phytonutrients Villordon, et al., 2020). Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are a specific variety of sweet potatoes distinguished by their deep orange flesh, which is indicative of high beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and overall health. OFSP have emerged as a powerful tool in combating vitamin A deficiency, a prevalent public health issue in many developing regions where access to vitamin A-rich foods is limited. Research has shown that regular consumption of OFSP can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of vitamin A deficiency-related illnesses, particularly in children and pregnant women. The biofortification of sweet potatoes to enhance their beta-carotene content, leading to the development of OFSP varieties, represents a sustainable and cost-effective approach to addressing malnutrition. Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea) is an underutilised legume native to West Africa and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is valued for its nutritional composition, characterised by high protein content (ranging from 15% to 25%), essential amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Traditionally, bambara nut has been a staple food in many African communities, providing a valuable source of protein and other nutrients. Beyond its nutritional profile, bambara nut exhibits potential benefits as a food ingredient due to its functional properties, including good water absorption capacity and emulsifying properties. Incorporating bambara nut flour into food products has the potential to enhance their nutritional quality and contribute to food security in regions where protein deficiency is a concern. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) have gained attention worldwide due to their nutritional value, particularly their high beta-carotene content, which addresses vitamin A deficiency, a significant public health concern (Low et al., 2017). Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea), a legume native to sub-Saharan Africa, is recognized for its rich protein and mineral content (Ajeigbe et al., 2019). Combining OFSP flour with Bambara nut flour presents an opportunity to create a nutritious composite flour that could contribute to addressing malnutrition challenges, especially in regions where both vitamin A and protein deficiencies are prevalent. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are a valuable source of nutrients, particularly vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and overall well-being (Low et al., 2017). The promotion of OFSP consumption has been a key strategy in addressing vitamin A deficiency, especially in regions where this deficiency is prevalent. Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to diverse and nutritious foods is limited (Low et al., 2017). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vitamin A deficiency contributes to increased risk of blindness, compromised immune function, and higher mortality rates among children and pregnant women. Biofortification, the process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value, has emerged as a sustainable approach to combatting malnutrition (Bouis & Saltzman, 2017). Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, through conventional breeding techniques, have been biofortified to enhance their beta-carotene content, thus providing a natural and affordable source of vitamin A (Low et al., 2017). Fortification strategies offer a promising approach to enhance the nutritional quality of staple foods and address hidden hunger (Bouis & Saltzman, 2017). Fortifying OFSP flour with Bambara nut flour presents an innovative way to combine two nutrient-rich ingredients, potentially synergizing their nutritional benefits. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of fortifying staple foods with nutrient-dense ingredients (Bouis & Saltzman, 2017). However, research specifically focusing on fortifying OFSP flour with Bambara nut flour and assessing its nutritional qualities is limited. Understanding the proximate and mineral qualities of OFSP flour fortified with Bambara nut flour is essential for informing food processing industries, policymakers, and nutritionists about the potential of this composite flour to address malnutrition. Moreover, exploring the nutritional composition of the fortified flour can provide valuable insights into its suitability for various food applications, such as baking, snack production, and supplementary feeding programs for vulnerable populations. Leveraging the nutritional synergy between OFSP and Bambara nut, fortified flour products have the potential to contribute to a more diverse and nutritious diet, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of malnutrition. Furthermore, promoting the utilization of OFSP and Bambara nut in food systems can enhance agricultural diversity, resilience, and sustainability, contributing to broader goals of food security and rural development. Addressing malnutrition requires multi-sectoral approaches that encompass agriculture, health, and nutrition interventions (Bouis & Saltzman, 2017). The integration of biofortified crops like OFSP and underutilized legumes like Bambara nut into food systems aligns with these holistic strategies. Research efforts aimed at exploring the nutritional potential of OFSP flour fortified with Bambara nut flour contribute to the evidence base supporting the adoption and scale-up of biofortified and nutrient-rich food products. Collaboration among researchers, policymakers, agricultural experts, and food industry stakeholders is essential for advancing the utilization of biofortified crops and promoting sustainable nutrition interventions. Addressing knowledge gaps related to the proximate and mineral qualities of fortified flour products can facilitate evidence-based decision-making and investments in nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food processing technologies. As global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and food insecurity continue to escalate, innovative solutions like fortified flour offer promising pathways to improve nutrition outcomes and build resilient food systems. This study seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on biofortification and food fortification by examining the nutritional properties of OFSP flour fortified with Bambara nut flour. By elucidating the proximate and mineral qualities of the fortified flour, this research aims to inform policy debates, investment decisions, and programming efforts aimed at promoting the production, utilization, and consumption of biofortified and fortified foods. Ultimately, the findings of this study have the potential to inform nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies, promote dietary diversity, and contribute to achieving global nutrition and sustainable development goals. Through interdisciplinary research and collaborative partnerships, the exploration of OFSP flour fortified with Bambara nut flour underscores the importance of leveraging agricultural biodiversity to address malnutrition and promote food systems resilience in a changing world.