Dissertations / Theses: 'African indigenous leafy vegetables'

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Mahlangu, Sandile Alexandra. "Production and commercialisation potential of indigenous leafy vegetables : case study of Capricorn District in the Limpopo Province, South Africa." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1332.

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Thesis (MSc. (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014
There are few plant species commercialised significantly globally and food requirements are mainly met by only few species. However, there is an enormous number of under-utilised species that play a vital role in the livelihood of rural households. These species are referred to as indigenous crops. Indigenous crops are adaptable to local agro-ecological conditions even where there is unreliable rainfall, which is the case in many parts of the country, require a minimum production management, mature early, and are easy to harvest and preserve and require less capital investments. Despite all these, in South Africa indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) were not commercialised and most researchers did not pay much attention to do research on possibilities of commercialising these crops. Thus this study investigated the economic potential of commercialising indigenous leafy vegetables in the rural South African context in general and in the study area in particular. The objectives of the study were (1) to identify the socio-economic characteristics of ILVs producers in rural areas of Capricorn district, (2), to investigate constraints faced by farmers in commercialising ILVs in rural areas of Capricorn district, (3), to determine the productivity of indigenous leafy vegetables in rural areas of Capricorn district, and (4), to assess different types of marketing channels of ILVs in rural areas of Capricorn district. The study used Stochastic Frontier Production Function to determine the productivity and to assess the socio-economic characteristics of producers of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables. Bubble chart was used to assess the marketing channels whilst consumer data was captured into a statistical package. The results indicated that there are several significant socio-economic factors that affect ILV production and there are also factors which constraint farmers from commercialising ILVs. Productivity of ILVs in the study area varied a lot among farmers; some farmers had a high productivity but most farmers had a low productivity. The results indicated that out of the factors included in the analysis significant production factors were; amount of labour used, cost of hiring tractor service and land devoted to ILVs and inefficiency factors were; gender, age, household size, farming experience, farm size, v hired labour, primary occupation and land ownership. ILV farmers had no formal marketing channels; they sold their product direct to consumers or through hawkers. Therefore, the study recommends the integration of science/modern technology and indigenous knowledge, to improve the productivity of ILVs. Since farmers were not technically efficient, therefore it is important to run workshops that will help them improve their production and marketing skills and how to market their products. Or create booklets that have information on how to efficiently produce ILVs. There should also be awareness campaign on the benefit of ILVs in both rural and urban communities. The study also recommends a multi-disciplinary approach in developing the crop; more stakeholders should be involved so as to make the crop appealing. Finally the study recommends the commercialisation of these crops due to the fact that they have the potential and are demanded in most parts of South Africa.

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Wafula, Eliud Nalianya [Verfasser], and Sascha [Akademischer Betreuer] Rohn. "Effects of Postharvest-Processing Technologies on the Safety and Quality of African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables / Eliud Nalianya Wafula ; Betreuer: Sascha Rohn." Hamburg : Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg, 2017. http://d-nb.info/1143868668/34.

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Anele, Mayekiso. "Production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILVs) and their contribution to household food security: evidence from Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/712.

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This study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate farmers` perceptions of, and commonly cultivated ILVs, factors that influence the participation of smallholder famers in the production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and its contribution to household food security]. With regard to farmers` perceptions of ILVs, descriptive results reveal that a majority of the people from the study area share positive perceptions with respect to ILVs. Regression estimates for determinants of participation indicate that the production of ILVs is primarily conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than the socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework (extension, credit, market and social networks) in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on the documentation and benefits of ILVs, supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs, will further promote production. With reference to the contribution of ILVs to food security, descriptive results indicate that participation in the production of ILVs leads to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS. Regression estimates further revealed that participation positively contributes to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS, suggesting that households who participate in the production of ILVs are more likely to be food secure than non-participants. Therefore, participation in the production of ILVs has significant potential to address household food security.

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MISCI, CHIARA. "La fermentazione delle verdure a foglia indigene africane per promuovere la food safety (igiene e salubrità degli alimenti) e la food security (sicurezza degli alimenti)." Doctoral thesis, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 2022. http://hdl.handle.net/10280/115772.

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Le verdure a foglia indigene africane (AILV) fanno parte della flora del sub-Sahara e sono in grado di prosperare in condizioni di scarsità di acqua e nutrienti. Le AILV rappresentano una preziosa fonte di nutrimento, in quanto ricche di fibre, vitamine e sali minerali. Dalla coltivazione al consumo, diverse specie di microorganismi interagiscono con le AILV. I microrganismi del suolo e della fillosfera delle AILV possono influire sulla salute delle piante e del consumatore. I parametri della diversità microbica e la relativa attività enzimatica sono strettamente correlati alla fertilità del suolo. Mentre, la presenza di microrganismi contaminanti e potenzialmente patogeni nella fillosfera riduce la durata di conservazione della verdura. In questa tesi, è stata quindi delineata l'interazione tra AILV e microrganismi. La coltivazione delle AILV è risultata legata a cambiamenti nelle comunità microbiche del suolo e all'aumento delle attività enzimatiche. Inoltre, la modulazione del microbiota della fillosfera utilizzando sale e saccarosio ha innescato la proliferazione di batteri acido-lattici e fermentatori e ha limitato la proliferazione dei microrganismi di deterioramento. I risultati hanno quindi dimostrato che la coltivazione delle AILVs potrebbe limitare l'erosione del suolo se avviene seguendo buone pratiche agricole. Inoltre, la crescita dei batteri di deterioramento può venire ostacolata utilizzando la fermentazione naturale che coinvolge strumenti poco costosi e conservanti accessibili. Perciò le AILV hanno un ruolo importante nel mantenimento della biodiversità e la popolazione sub-sahariana potrebbe giovare dalla loro conservazione prolungata, in quanto fonte di nutrienti importanti.
African indigenous leafy vegetables (AILVs) are part of the sub-Saharan flora, thriving in water and nutrient scarcity. Moreover, AILVs are rich in macro- and micro-nutrients, representing a precious source of nourishment. From cultivation to consumption, microorganisms interact with AILVs, sorting different effects. AILVs’ soil and phyllosphere microorganisms can have an impact on plants and consumers’ health. Soil fertility is strictly correlated to microbial diversity and enzymatic activity. While, the presence of spoilage and potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the phyllosphere reduces the shelf-life of the commodity. In this thesis, the interaction between AILVs and microorganisms has been outlined. AILVs cultivation resulted linked to shifts in soil microbial communities and increased enzymatic activities. Moreover, the modulation of phyllosphere microbiota using salt and sucrose triggered the proliferation of lactic acid fermenting bacteria that curbed the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms. The outcomes thus underlined how AILVs cultivation coupled with good agricultural practices could limit soil erosion. Secondly, the growth of spoilage bacteria can be hindered using natural fermentation that involves inexpensive tools and affordable preservatives. Hence, AILVs have an important role in maintaining biodiversity and their preservation can ensure a nutrient food source for the sub-Saharan population.

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Matenge, Sarah Tshepho Pona. "Utilisation of traditional and indigenous foods in the North West Province of South Africa / Sarah Tshepho Pona Matenge." Thesis, North-West University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8439.

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AIM AND OBJECTIVES The main aim of this thesis was to explore the possibilities of promoting the cultivation, utilisation and consumption of indigenous and traditional plant foods (ITPF) among urban and rural communities in the North West Province of South Africa that could possibly lead to increased IK and dietary diversity. The objectives were the following: Assess consumption of TLV in the rural and urban communities. Compare nutritional status of consumers and non-consumers of TLV using data obtained from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE-SA) study. Assess the availability, cultivation and consumption patterns of ITPF. Assess indigenous knowledge (IK) within the rural and urban communities. Assess consumers’ views of ITPF in the rural and urban communities. Assess consumers’ acceptance of, preference for and consumption intent of dishes made from cowpea leaves. To compile recipes for the most important ITPF commonly consumed in the study areas in order to promote the cultivation and consumption of ITPF (see Addendum D). STUDY DESIGN Health profile study: For the health profile study, a comparative study was conducted on the baseline data of the population that participated in the PURE-SA study (1004 urban and 1006 rural participants) which follows the health transition in urban and rural subjects over a 12 year period. The baseline data for the North West Province of South Africa were collected from October to December 2005. Utilisation of ITPF study: The study on the utilisation of ITPF used a sequential explanatory study design which involved the collection of quantitative and qualitative data and analyses. The consumer acceptance study consisted of an explorative and experimental phase. Participants were male and female, aged older than 20, residing in the selected communities and knowledgeable on the indigenous and traditional foods of the area. METHODS A variety of quantitative and qualitative research techniques were used. Data were generated through questionnaires, focus groups and individual - and group interviews. Health profile study: Demographic characteristics and frequency of consumption of TLV data were collected by the researcher from 396 randomly selected subjects from participating subjects in the PURE-SA study. An extensive nutritional profile of these subjects was compiled including blood samples, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and total dietary intake by means of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Utilisation of ITPF study: A comparative study was conducted in rural and urban populations of the North West Province. Data were collected by the researcher using a questionnaire (n=396 households), key informant interviews (n=4), and four focus groups. Consumer study: Four focus groups were conducted by the researcher, two in rural and two in urban communities, to investigate consumers’ views about ITPF. Eighty-seven participants were recruited based on a specific purpose rather than randomly. Consumers’ acceptance of, preference for and intended consumption of products made with cowpea leaves were assessed. A 5-point hedonic scale and a 7-point food action rating scale were used for sensory evaluation. RESULTS Health profile study: As expected, rural inhabitants were more likely to consume TLV. However, no household reported to consume TLV more than ten times a month. Factors such as price (affordability) and availability and easy-to-get-to points of purchase were found to be major constraints in the consumption of TLV, especially in urban communities. Urban respondents had significantly higher macronutrient intakes than rural subjects. There was no significant difference between the selected micronutrient intakes between consumers and non-consumers of TLV. Non-consumers of TLV had higher blood lipid levels than consumers from both the rural and urban areas. In the urban subjects the relative risk to develop high blood pressure was higher in non-consumers of TLV than in the consumers. However, the risk ratios of raised serum cholesterol and triglycerides were not significantly different. Utilisation of ITPF study: More plant foods were available and consumed in the rural area than the urban area. However, fewer species were available than expected due to insufficient rainfall, poor soil quality, deforestation and over harvesting. Consumption of indigenous foods was influenced by price, culture, seasonality/availability, accessibility and diversity in markets. A lack of markets for indigenous crops, insufficient rainfall and diseases and pests were cited as the major cultivation problems, followed by a lack of capital to buy farming implements, veld fires and poor soil quality. Consumer study: Based on the qualitative focus group discussions, factors that influence the consumption of ITPF were identified. These factors included benefits and barriers of ITPF consumption. Ways to increase ITFP consumption were also identified. Health and nutrition; tradition and culture; and food safety emerged as drivers for ITPF consumption. A lack of knowledge and skills of food preparation and negative images and unfamiliarity of ITPF acted as barriers. Differences in views existed between older and younger consumers. In general younger consumers found ITF rather revolting and undesirable, humiliating to consume. Sensory evaluation of food samples for the pooled data of the total study population showed that significant differences existed between the acceptability of all attributes, overall acceptance and consumption intent. Socio-demographic backgrounds such as place of residence (urban or rural), levels of education and age were shown to influence the acceptability of food samples and consumption intent. There was no positive association between acceptability of food and gender. CONCLUSIONS Health profile study: This study showed the possibility of beneficial effects of rural diets, however, the lack of knowledge concerning the bioavailability of nutrients from TLV and lack of information on food consumption database, of these vegetables constitute main barriers to obtaining information on nutrient intake. The low frequency of consumption of TLV is of concern. Taking into consideration safe agricultural practices, the promotion of TLV might be a solution towards healthier diets and combating poverty. More research is needed to investigate the health effects of these vegetables. Utilisation of ITPF study: It is evident that there was a limited number of ITPF species cultivated and consumed. Consumers, especially older people, were found to possess extensive knowledge regarding the availability of ITPF species, their habitat and uses, seasonality and potential health benefits. There is a need to intensify education on conservation of natural resources and more studies should be undertaken to document and disseminate traditional food systems. In addition, there is a need to integrate existing health and nutrition interventions with traditional food promotion. Consumer study: The results highlighted the importance of making use of a mixed method approach which made it possible not only to identify factors that influence the consumption of ITPF but also to understand the dynamics thereof from focus group discussions and how they influence acceptability, preference and consumption intent. Important benefits (drivers) of and barriers to ITPF consumption as well as suggestions on how to increase ITPF consumption were identified. Barriers to ITPF consumption and low scores of acceptability provided by younger participants can be connected to misconceptions about ITPF and lack of familiarity with the products. Therefore, a combination of strategies aimed at enhancing individual awareness of the health benefits of ITPF, decreasing barriers and conducting more acceptability studies may have a positive impact on the younger segment of the population.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Consumer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

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Jansen, van Rensburg WS, Averbeke W. Vab, R. Slabbert, M. Faber, Jaarsveld P. Van, Heerden I. Van, F. Wenhold, and A. Oelofse. "African leafy vegetables in South Africa." Water SA, 2007. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000817.

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In this article the term ‘African leafy vegetables’ was adopted to refer to the collective of plant species which are used as leafy vegetables and which are referred to as morogo or imifino by African people in South Africa. Function is central in this indigenous concept, which is subject to spatial and temporal variability in terms of plant species that are included as a result of diversity in ecology, culinary repertoire and change over time. As a result, the concept embraces indigenous, indigenised and recently introduced leafy vegetable species but this article is concerned mainly with the indigenous and indigenised species. In South Africa, the collection of these two types of leafy vegetables from the wild, or from cultivated fields where some of them grow as weeds, has a long history that has been intimately linked to women and their traditional livelihood tasks. Among poor people in remote rural areas the use of these types of leafy vegetables is still common but nationwide there is evidence of decline, particularly in urban areas. Cultivation of indigenous or indigenised leafy vegetables is restricted to a narrow group of primarily indigenised species in South Africa. Seven groups of indigenous or indigenised African leafy vegetables that are important in South Africa were given special attention and their local nomenclature, ecology, use and cultivation are discussed.

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Croft, Marcia M. "The role of African leafy vegetables in food security." Thesis, Purdue University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10245801.

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African leafy vegetables (ALVs) are a diverse set of crops grown across sub-Saharan Africa. They have been a staple of traditional diets and contain many critical micronutrients but their importance has been largely ignored by researchers and policymakers at the expense of imported crops. Availability, accessibility, and utilization of ALVs are limited by factors across the supply chain. This research investigated seed systems, drought tolerance, hydroponic production, market barriers, consumer preference, and the impact of gender as related to ALVs. We found that ALVs play an important role in food security and that critical differences exist between formal and informal sectors. Women play a stronger role in informal sectors, but the balance between the formal and informal markets is changing, and this may jeopardize the incomes of many women. The determinants of household security were different for male- and female-headed households, and this information can be used to address the gap in food security between genders. Market barriers differed for formal and informal ALV retailers but consumer preference for quality did not, suggesting that investment in postharvest handling may allow ALV growers to capture greater value. We also showed that ALV germplasm is diverse, offering both a wide range of species with different agronomic characteristics and important differences in drought tolerance among accessions. Crop- and location-specific factors impacted farmer adoption of seeds and technologies, highlighting the importance of evaluating policies and interventions with sensitivity to gender, species, and location. ALVs can be used to empower marginalized populations, and this research proposes several ways to do so. However, the market for ALVs is changing rapidly, and future research is needed to monitor trends and assure that these vegetables are used to increase social equality rather than aggravate existing disparities. Promoting savings groups and capital accessibility can help to build this capacity, especially for women. Overall, this research revealed that a wide diversity of under-studied ALV species is contributing to food security in important ways and that the potential exists to strengthen production, distribution chains, and markets further. Well-targeted research and investment could have a substantial impact in this area in improving sustainability and food security for people across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Dlamini, Vukile Vinah. "Adult women in Eluyengweni Swaziland : their food practices and knowledge of indigenous green leafy vegetables." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/60802.

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Concern regarding the decline in the knowledge and use of indigenous green vegetables exists in many southern African regions including Swaziland. Reasons for this are, amongst others, attributed to a lack of inter-generational knowledge transfer, the influence of westernisation and changing food values and attitudes, as people nowadays regard indigenous green leafy vegetables as a low status food. It is imperative that knowledge of these foods be documented before it is lost to future generation. Indigenous green leafy vegetables have long been considered healthier options than the many recently introduced western-orientated foods, which are closely linked to chronic lifestyle diseases. The aim of this study was to determine, describe and compare the knowledge of indigenous green leafy vegetables among two generations of rural Swazi women from the Eluyengweni community, and how it manifests in their food practices. Studies on indigenous green leafy vegetables in Swaziland are limited. This study will fill the knowledge gap in this field. The human ecological perspective was adopted as theoretical perspective and an explorative mixed method approach was followed. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions with younger (25-45 years) and older (over 45 years) women. Face-to-face structured interviews provided quantitative data on the knowledge the women had of indigenous green leafy vegetables, including their procurement, preparation, preservation and consumption patterns. The convenience sample comprised 102 respondents. Observation was done concurrently during both phases of data collection and photographs accompanied comprehensive field notes. It transpired that the availability of indigenous green leafy vegetables had declined in the community and those that were available were not easily accessible as they were located on the outskirts of the community. In spite of changes in the physical and natural environment, some indigenous green leafy vegetable species are still available in summer. It is clear that the older women, in comparison to their younger counterparts, had more knowledge of indigenous green leafy vegetables in terms of identifying them, where they are found and how they are used. Familiar and available indigenous green leafy vegetables such as imbuya (Amaranthus), chuchuza (Bidens pilosa) were preferred, and consumed fairly regularly. Although indigenous green leafy vegetables were still part of the food practices in this community, their consumption among the younger generation had declined. However, due to factors related to modernisation, economic influences and technological advancement the majority of both the younger and older participants seem to have become dependent on, and often include, western-orientated food in their food consumption patterns. Based on the results, recommendations are made to capture and preserve the knowledge of indigenous green leafy vegetables in this community and to revive interest in these vegetables and promote their consumption.
Daar is 'n besorgdheid oor die afname in kennis in die gebruik van inheemse groen blaargroentes in baie streke in Suider Afrika, insluitend Swaziland. Redes wat hiervoor aangevoer word, is onder andere, die gebrekkige oordrag van kennis van een geslag na die volgende, die invloed van verwestering asook 'n verandering in waardes en houdings aangesien mense inheemse groen blaargroentes deesdae as 'n lae status voedsel beskou. Daarom is dit noodsaaklik dat kennis oor hierdie voedsel gedokumenteer word voordat dit verlore gaan vir die nageslag. Inheemse groen blaargroentes word gesonder geag in vergelyking met Westers-georienteerde voedsel, wat op hul beurt nou geassosieer word met kroniese lewenstyl siektes. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die kennis van inheemse groen blaargroentes van twee geslagte landelike Swazi vroue van die Eluyengweni gemeenskap te bepaal, beskryf en te vergelyk asook hoe dit manifesteer in hul voedselpraktyke. Studies oor inheemse groen blaargroentes in Swaziland is beperk en hierdie studie dra by om die leemte in kennis in hierdie studieveld te vul. Die menslike ekologiese perspektief is a teoretiese perspektief gebruik en 'n verkennende gemengde metodologie is as navorsingsbenadering gevolg. Kwalitatiewe data is deur middle van fokusgroep gesprekke met beide die jonger (25-45 jaar) en ouer (ouer as 45 jaar) vroue ingesamel. Met behulp van gestruktureerde individuele onderhoude is kwantitatiewe data oor die kennis van inheemse groen blaargroentes ingesamel wat die verkryging, voorbereiding, preservering en verbruikspatrone van hierdie groentes ingesluit het. 'n Geriefssteekproef van 102 respondente het aan die studie deelgeneem. Waarnemings is gedurende beide fases van die data insameling uitgevoer en fotos en volledige veldnotas is ingesluit. Dit is duidelik dat die beskikbaarheid van inheemse groen blaargroentes in hierdie gemeenskap afgeneem het, en dit wat beskikbaar was, was nie maklik toeganklik nie, omdat dit aan die buitewyke van die gemeenskap gelëe was. Ten spyte van die verandering in die fisiese en natuurlike omgewing is sommige inheemse groen blaargroentes steeds beskikbaar gedurende die somer. Dit is duidelik dat die ouer vroue, in vergelyking met die die jonger vroue oor meer kennis van inheemse groen blaargroentes beskik het met betrekking tot die identifisering, waar hulle groei en hoe om hulle te gebruik. Bekende en beskikbare inheemse groen blaargroentes soos gewone misbredie (Amaranthus) en knapsakkerwel (Bidens pilosa) was voorkeur groente en is redelik gereeld gebruik. Alhoewel inheemse groen blaargroentes steeds deel vorm van die voedselpraktyke in hierdie gemeenskap, het die gebruik daarvan deur die jonger geslag afgeneem. As gevolg van faktore soos modernisering, die ekonomie en tegnologiese vooruitgang het die meerderheid van beide die jonger en ouer geslag afhanklik geword van westers-georienteerde voedsel en dit dikwels in hulle eetpatrone ingesluit. Die resultate van hierdie studie het bygedra dat aanbevelings oor die vaslegging en bewaring van die kennis oor inheemse groen blaargroentes in hierdie gemeenskap gemaak kon word, asook om 'n oplewing in die belangstelling in die gebruik daarvan te bevorder.
Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Consumer Science
MConsumer Science
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Osei, Jennifer. "Potential contribution of African leafy vegetables to the nutritional status of children / J. Osei." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9191.

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Background: Children in South Africa are still affected by micronutrient deficiencies and children living in farm communities are especially vulnerable. African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) are well endowed with micronutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamin A and might contribute to the nutritional status of children. However, these vegetables have been perceived as “poor people’s food” and over the years knowledge of and use of ALVs has decreased. Aim: This study assessed the potential contribution of ALVs to the nutritional status of children in a semi-rural farm community. Method: In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric indices, serum iron, zinc and retinol concentrations were determined in school children aged 5−13 years (n=155). Dietary intake of iron, zinc and vitamin A was evaluated by three 24-hour diet recalls of children (n=154). The iron, zinc and β-carotene content of selected ALVs was determined. Knowledge of and use of ALVs by primary caregivers was established using focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, the Pearson Chi-Square Test and Mann-Whitney U Test were used. Anthropometric data were analysed using the World Health Organization Reference 2007 data. Dietary data were analysed using FoodFinder (version 3). Qualitative data from FGDs were translated, transcribed and color-coded to generate emerging themes. Results: Stunting (11%) was the most prevalent anthropometric indicator of malnutrition. This was supported by the low socio-economic status of households. Deficiency prevalence in iron (serum ferritin <15 μg/L; 15.5%) and vitamin A (serum retinol <20 μg/dL; 3.2%) was low. Zinc deficiency was the most prevalent (serum zinc <65 μg/dL; 74.8%) deficiency. Median dietary intake of iron, zinc and vitamin A was generally above the Estimated Average Requirement. ALVs were potentially good sources of iron, zinc and β-carotene and could contribute substantially to the Recommended Dietary Allowance for these nutrients in children, without taking into account inhibiting factors that might affect the bioavailability. Iron content of the ALVs studied ranged from 1.4−3.2 mg/100 g edible portion. Amaranthus cruentus was the best source of iron. Zinc content of the ALVs ranged from 0.7−1.4 mg/100g edible portions, with Cleome gynandra having the highest zinc composition. The β-carotene content of the ALVs ranged from 182−314 μg RAE/100 g edible portion, with both Amaranthus cruentus and Cleome gynandra being the best sources. Knowledge of ALVs and their use was indigenous and was transferred between generations. Caregivers had positive attitudes towards the use of ALVs. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of deficiencies was not severe (with exception of zinc deficiency), micronutrient deficiencies exist in the rural farm community studied. ALVs are potentially good sources of iron, zinc and β-carotene and might contribute to the nutritional status of school children. Knowledge of ALVs and the positive attitude and perceptions regarding their use by primary caregivers implied a potentially positive future response to interventions promoting consumption of ALVs in order to contribute to the alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies.
Thesis (MSc (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

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Van, Averbeke W., Tshikalangem TE, and KA Juma. "The commodity systems of Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis and Solanum retroflexum Dun. in Vhembe, Limpopo Province, South Africa." Water SA, 2007. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000785.

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Using farmer surveys the smallholder commodity systems of Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis and Solanum retroflexum Dun. in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa were described and analysed. Production, transaction and consumption of the two vegetables were deeply embedded in the food, trade and farming systems of local people. The cultivation systems, which appeared effective, were developed by borrowing elements from the systems of other crops to which new knowledge specific to B. chinensis and S. retroflexum were added. Several elements of the production systems that could benefit from scientific enquiry were identified. These included genetic improvement and the optimisation of planting density and nutrient supply.

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Nambafu, Godfrey. "Mineral Management in African Indigenous Vegetable Production Systems." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/19359.

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Durch ihre Umwelt- und Nährwertvorteile erweckten Afrikanische indigene Blattgemüse – „African Indigenous Vegetables“ (AIV) in letzter Zeit Aufmerksamkeit als „Supergemüse“ (Cernansky 2015). Da mehrere Spezies aus unterschiedlichen botanischen Familien innerhalb der AIVs vertreten sind, ist ein besseres Verständnis Spezies spezifischer Eigenschaften, wie z.B. Ernährungswert und agronomischem Management nötig, um diese Vorteile voll ausschöpfen zu können. In dieser Arbeit haben wir Afrikanisch indigene Blattgemüsearten aus fünf Familien, inklusive C3 and C4 Spezies und Leguminosen und nicht-Leguminosen (Brassica carinata/Cruciferae - Ethiopian Kale, Amaranthus cruentus/Amaranthaceae - Amaranth, Vigna unguiculata/Leguminosae - Cowpea, Solanum scabrum/Solanaceae - African Nightshade, Cleome gynandra/Capparaceae - Spiderplant) mit einer importierten und in Kenia häufig angebauten Gemüseart (Brassica oleracea acephala/Cruciferae - Exotic Kale) verglichen. Wir betrachteten die Pflanzenarten hinsichtlich ihrer Konzentrationen an wertgebenden und toxischen Elementen in Blättern als Index für den Nährwert, ihrer Reaktionen auf unterschiedliche zur Verfügung gestellten Mengen und Formen an Phosphor (P) als Index für die Adaptation an suboptimale chemische Bodenbedingungen und ihre erntebedingten Nährstoffausfuhren aus dem Boden als Index für den Düngerbedarf. Die Arbeit war in das interdisziplinäre Forschungsprogramm HORTINLEA (Horticultural Innovation and Learning for Improved Nutrition and Livelihood in East Africa) eingebunden.
African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) have recently captured considerable attention as “super vegetables” due to their nutritional and environmental benefits (Cernansky 2015). As AIVs include many species belonging to different botanical families, more species-specific knowledge e.g. on nutritional value and agronomic management is needed to fully exploit those benefits. In this thesis we compared leafy AIV species from five families including C3 and C4 species, and a legume and non-legume species (Brassica carinata/Cruciferae - Ethiopian kale, Amaranthus cruentus/Amaranthaceae - amaranth, Vigna unguiculata/Leguminosae cowpea, Solanum scabrum/Solanaceae - African nightshade, Cleome gynandra/Capparaceae - spider plant) with a non-indigenous species, which is commonly grown in Kenya (Brassica oleracea acephala/Cruciferae - “exotic kale”). We compared the leaf concentrations of beneficial nutrients and heavy metals as an index for the nutritional value, the performance under different rates and forms of phosphorus (P) supply as an index for adaptation to suboptimal chemical soil conditions, and the harvest-related nutrient outflow from soil as an index for fertilizer need. The thesis was embedded in the interdisciplinary research program HORTINLEA (Horticultural Innovation and Learning for Improved Nutrition and Livelihood in East Africa).

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12

GUZZETTI, LORENZO. "Assessing the Role of African Indigenous Vegetables to Improve Agriculture Sustainability and Diet Quality." Doctoral thesis, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10281/305372.

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THIS THESIS WORK IS ABOUT THE IDENTIFICATION OF RESISTANT CROPS ABLE TO COUNTERACT THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS POSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE (E.G., DROUGHT) AND TO YIELD WITHOUT LOSSES UNDER SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENTS PRACTICES. MOREOVER THE AIM IS TO IDENTIFY PLANT SPECIES ABLE TO EXERT BENEFICIAL AND PREVENTIVE PROPERTIES TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN HEALTH. THE IDENTIFICATION OF PLANT SPECIES WITH THESE FEATURES WAS PERFORMED BY EXPLORING THE AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY WHICH IS A SOURCE OF SEMI-DOMESTICATED AND VERY NUTRITIOUS SPECIES. IN PARTICULAR THE WORK FOCUSED ON THE EVALUATION OF GROWTH CAPABILITIES UNDER CONVENTIONAL VS CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT (I.E., NO TILLAGE, COVER CROP MAINTENANCE) OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. WALP AND CORCHORUS OLITORIUS L. THESE TREATMENTS WERE COUPLED TO NORMAL IRRIGATION VS. LOW WATER REGIME TO TEST THE SUITABILITY OF THE ABOVEMENTIONED SPECIES TO RESIST TO DROUGHT. THE INVESTIGATED PARAMETERS WERE MORPHOLOGY TRAITS, PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY, BIOMASS PRODUCED AND THE METABOLIC PROFILE OF THE EDIBLE PORTIONS OF THE PLANTS (I.E., V. UNGUICULATA BEANS AND C. OLITORIUS LEAVES) . RESULTS SHOWED THE SUITABILITY OF BOTH THE CROPS TO BE GROWN UNDER CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT, SINCE BOTH AT THE YIELD AND METABOLIC LEVEL THEY DID NOT SHOWED SIGNIFICATIVE DIFFERENCES. AT THE NUTRACEUTICAL LEVELS. DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTS WERE PERFORMED. CORCHORUS OLITORIUS LEAVES WERE EVALUATED FOR THE CONTENT OF ANTIOXIDANT COMPOUNDS, MAINLY POLYPHENOLS. THE CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION REVEALED HUGE AMOUNTS OF FLAVONOIDS, ESPECIALLY QUERCETIN DERIVATIVES. INTERESTINGLY THESE COMPOUNDS WERE FOUND TO BE PRESENT EVEN AFTER BOILING, A TRATMENT WHICH LEAVES WERE UNDERGONE TO IN ORDER TO MIMIC THE CONDITION OF CONSUMPTION. MOREOVER, THESE FRACTIONS WERE FOUND TO BE ABLE TO EXERT SELECTIVE CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES AGAINST A COLON CANCER CELL LINE (CACO-2) WITHOUT DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE HEALTHY ONE CCD841. THIS BIOACTIVITY DISPLAYED ON THE CACO-2 CELL LINE IS EXPLAINED BY AN INCREASE IN THE REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES LEVELS AFTER TREATMENT WITH THE PHENOLIC FRACTIONS AND BY A CONCOMITANT DECREASE IN THE ACTIVITY OF THE GLUTATHIONE INDEPENDENT ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES. AS FAR AS VIGNA UNGUICULATA IS CONCERNED, THE BEAN OF THIS SPECIES WAS STUDIED IN TERMS OF NEUROPROTECTIVE AND ANTICANCER PROPERTIES. AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF V. UNGUICULATA BEANS DELAYED CHRONOLOGICAL LIFESPAN IN BUDDING YEAST AS WELL AS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER LARVAE. MOREOVER THEY WERE ABLE TO RESCUE THE PHENOTYPE OF MUTANT YEAST CELLS OVEREXPRESSING THE ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN GENE. AT THE NEURONAL LEVEL, EXTRACTS WERE FOUND TO INDUCE THE LOCALIZATION OF ALPHA SYNUCLEIN IN CELL CYTOPLASMS INSTEAD OF IN THE PLASMATIC MEMABRANE, A CONDITION THAT POSES A LOWER CYTOTOXICITY. V. UNGUICULATA BEANS WERE FOUND ALSO TO RESCUE THE PHENOTYPE OF HUMAN NEURONES EXPRESSING ALPHA SYNUCLEIN AS A CONSEQUENCE OF A REDUCED LEVEL OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION. FURTHERMORE, V. UNGUICULATA EXTRACTS WERE FOUND TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DEGENERATING NEURONES IN A CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS MODEL. V. UNGUIXULATA AQUEOUS EXTRACT WAS STUDIED ALSO FOR ITS ABILITY TO EXERT CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES AGAINST HUMAN COLON CANCER CELL LINES WITH NO EFFECTS ON THE HEALTHY CELL LINE. THE CYTOTXIC ACTIVITY WAS FOUND TO BE MEDIATED BY A DOWN-REGULATION OF THE EGFR PHOSPHORILATION LEVEL. THESE CANCER PREVENTIVE PROPERTIES WERE FOUND ALSO TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE TREATMENT WITH A CHEMIOTERAPIC DRUG, THE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY CETUXIMAB, USUALLY EXPLOITED FOR COLON CANCER CHEMOTHERAPETIC CYCLES. IN PARTICULAR, WHEN COLON CANCER CELLS ARE TREATED WITH V. UNGUICULATA BEAN EXTRACT, THE AMOUNT OF THE ADMINISTERED DRUG CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. OVERALL THESE FINDINGS SUPPORT THE ADOPTION OF AFRICAN INDIGENOUS SPECIES SUCH AS V. UNGUICULATA AND C. OLITORIUS TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE SUSTAINABILITY ALSO IN FORECAST OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN HEALTH BY ACTING AS NUTRACEUTICAL ELEMENT IN THE DIET.
THIS THESIS WORK IS ABOUT THE IDENTIFICATION OF RESISTANT CROPS ABLE TO COUNTERACT THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS POSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE (E.G., DROUGHT) AND TO YIELD WITHOUT LOSSES UNDER SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENTS PRACTICES. MOREOVER THE AIM IS TO IDENTIFY PLANT SPECIES ABLE TO EXERT BENEFICIAL AND PREVENTIVE PROPERTIES TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN HEALTH. THE IDENTIFICATION OF PLANT SPECIES WITH THESE FEATURES WAS PERFORMED BY EXPLORING THE AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY WHICH IS A SOURCE OF SEMI-DOMESTICATED AND VERY NUTRITIOUS SPECIES. IN PARTICULAR THE WORK FOCUSED ON THE EVALUATION OF GROWTH CAPABILITIES UNDER CONVENTIONAL VS CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT (I.E., NO TILLAGE, COVER CROP MAINTENANCE) OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. WALP AND CORCHORUS OLITORIUS L. THESE TREATMENTS WERE COUPLED TO NORMAL IRRIGATION VS. LOW WATER REGIME TO TEST THE SUITABILITY OF THE ABOVEMENTIONED SPECIES TO RESIST TO DROUGHT. THE INVESTIGATED PARAMETERS WERE MORPHOLOGY TRAITS, PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY, BIOMASS PRODUCED AND THE METABOLIC PROFILE OF THE EDIBLE PORTIONS OF THE PLANTS (I.E., V. UNGUICULATA BEANS AND C. OLITORIUS LEAVES) . RESULTS SHOWED THE SUITABILITY OF BOTH THE CROPS TO BE GROWN UNDER CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT, SINCE BOTH AT THE YIELD AND METABOLIC LEVEL THEY DID NOT SHOWED SIGNIFICATIVE DIFFERENCES. AT THE NUTRACEUTICAL LEVELS. DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTS WERE PERFORMED. CORCHORUS OLITORIUS LEAVES WERE EVALUATED FOR THE CONTENT OF ANTIOXIDANT COMPOUNDS, MAINLY POLYPHENOLS. THE CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION REVEALED HUGE AMOUNTS OF FLAVONOIDS, ESPECIALLY QUERCETIN DERIVATIVES. INTERESTINGLY THESE COMPOUNDS WERE FOUND TO BE PRESENT EVEN AFTER BOILING, A TRATMENT WHICH LEAVES WERE UNDERGONE TO IN ORDER TO MIMIC THE CONDITION OF CONSUMPTION. MOREOVER, THESE FRACTIONS WERE FOUND TO BE ABLE TO EXERT SELECTIVE CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES AGAINST A COLON CANCER CELL LINE (CACO-2) WITHOUT DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE HEALTHY ONE CCD841. THIS BIOACTIVITY DISPLAYED ON THE CACO-2 CELL LINE IS EXPLAINED BY AN INCREASE IN THE REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES LEVELS AFTER TREATMENT WITH THE PHENOLIC FRACTIONS AND BY A CONCOMITANT DECREASE IN THE ACTIVITY OF THE GLUTATHIONE INDEPENDENT ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES. AS FAR AS VIGNA UNGUICULATA IS CONCERNED, THE BEAN OF THIS SPECIES WAS STUDIED IN TERMS OF NEUROPROTECTIVE AND ANTICANCER PROPERTIES. AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF V. UNGUICULATA BEANS DELAYED CHRONOLOGICAL LIFESPAN IN BUDDING YEAST AS WELL AS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER LARVAE. MOREOVER THEY WERE ABLE TO RESCUE THE PHENOTYPE OF MUTANT YEAST CELLS OVEREXPRESSING THE ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN GENE. AT THE NEURONAL LEVEL, EXTRACTS WERE FOUND TO INDUCE THE LOCALIZATION OF ALPHA SYNUCLEIN IN CELL CYTOPLASMS INSTEAD OF IN THE PLASMATIC MEMABRANE, A CONDITION THAT POSES A LOWER CYTOTOXICITY. V. UNGUICULATA BEANS WERE FOUND ALSO TO RESCUE THE PHENOTYPE OF HUMAN NEURONES EXPRESSING ALPHA SYNUCLEIN AS A CONSEQUENCE OF A REDUCED LEVEL OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION. FURTHERMORE, V. UNGUICULATA EXTRACTS WERE FOUND TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DEGENERATING NEURONES IN A CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS MODEL. V. UNGUIXULATA AQUEOUS EXTRACT WAS STUDIED ALSO FOR ITS ABILITY TO EXERT CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES AGAINST HUMAN COLON CANCER CELL LINES WITH NO EFFECTS ON THE HEALTHY CELL LINE. THE CYTOTXIC ACTIVITY WAS FOUND TO BE MEDIATED BY A DOWN-REGULATION OF THE EGFR PHOSPHORILATION LEVEL. THESE CANCER PREVENTIVE PROPERTIES WERE FOUND ALSO TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE TREATMENT WITH A CHEMIOTERAPIC DRUG, THE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY CETUXIMAB, USUALLY EXPLOITED FOR COLON CANCER CHEMOTHERAPETIC CYCLES. IN PARTICULAR, WHEN COLON CANCER CELLS ARE TREATED WITH V. UNGUICULATA BEAN EXTRACT, THE AMOUNT OF THE ADMINISTERED DRUG CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. OVERALL THESE FINDINGS SUPPORT THE ADOPTION OF AFRICAN INDIGENOUS SPECIES SUCH AS V. UNGUICULATA AND C. OLITORIUS TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE SUSTAINABILITY ALSO IN FORECAST OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN HEALTH BY ACTING AS NUTRACEUTICAL ELEMENT IN THE DIET.

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Kucich, Daniela Amalia. "Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of a selection of South African indigenous fruits." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2322.

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Thesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.
It has recently been confirmed that people consuming 7+ portions of fruit and vegetables daily have a lower risk of mortality from any cause. With a fifth of the population of South Africa falling below the poverty line, it has been found that rural adults have a very low daily intake of fruit and vegetables; at the same time rural children are consuming a primarily maize-based diet. This low dietary diversity translates into a higher level of infectious diseases in children younger than five years. Interventions at national level included promoting the growing of underexploited traditional indigenous vegetables and fruits in home gardens, in the hope that rural households would help themselves in diversifying their cereal-based diet, while using crops they are accustomed to in their environment. Ten indigenous South African fruits found in the Western Cape were evaluated for their potential to make a positive contribution to the diet of rural communities and were compared with Blueberry and Cranberry, the North American ‘gold standards’. The following determinations were carried out on 12 samples: Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavanols and Total Monomeric Anthocyanins were analysed using the Folin-Ciocalteu, Mazza and pH Differential methods. Total Antioxidant Capacity was assessed using the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), DPPH and Molybdenum Reduction assays. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORACFL) was also determined. Iron Chelating Activity, one of the methods recommended to reflect other antioxidant mechanisms, was also investigated. The fruits possessing the highest concentration of Total Phenolic Content (Mazza) were Christmas berry, Bietou, Wild Olive and Wild Plum, at levels significantly higher than those of the two control berries, Blueberry and Cranberry. The fruits yielding the highest results for the TEAC assay were Wild Plum, Wild Olive, Tortoise berry, Christmas berry and Colpoon. The fruits giving the highest results for the DPPH assay were Wild Plum, Colpoon, Wild Olive, and Christmas berry. The fruits showing the highest results for the Molybdenum Reduction assay were Wild Olive, Wild Plum, Christmas berry, and Tortoise berry. The fruits yielding the highest results for the ORAC Total Antioxidant Capacity assay were Colpoon, Christmas berry, Wild Olive, Crossberry, Wild Plum, Waterberry followed by Blueberry and Cranberry. The results from the Iron Chelating Activity assay revealed a ranking of Christmas berry, Blueberry, followed by Num-num. On combining the results of eight assays, namely TPC (Mazza), TF, TA, TEAC, DPPH, TAC, TPC (FCR), ICA to give an Antioxidant Potency Composite Index, the fruits with the highest iv rankings were (1) Wild Plum, (2) Wild Olive, (3) Colpoon, and (4) Christmas berry. By comparison the northern hemisphere control berries ranked (5) Blueberry and (9) Cranberry. These findings show that by introducing even small servings of indigenous fruits into the diet, an important and inexpensive source of natural antioxidants could be accessed and the mean daily ORAC intake could thereby be boosted significantly by about 4,000 µmol Trolox Equivalents to bring the Total ORAC consumed to within optimum levels (6,000 µmol Trolox Equivalents and above). These bioactive plant compounds have the potential to deliver immense benefits to health to impoverished South African adults, as well as rural children, well beyond basic nutrition.

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Van, der Walt Anna Margaretha. "Fusarium in subsistence agro-environments, African dark green leafy vegetables (morogo) and consumer health : an ecological approach / A.M. van der Walt." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1938.

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15

Kurgat, Barnabas. "Promoting Sustainable Intensification of African Indigenous Vegetable Production in Kenya." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/19683.

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Afrikanisches einheimisches Gemüse (AIVs) hat in letzter Zeit in ganz Afrika südlich der Sahara (SSA) aufgrund des zunehmenden Bewusstseins für deren Ernährung und gesundheitlichen Nutzen größere Anerkennung gefunden. Dieses wachsende Verbraucherbewusstsein hat zu einer erhöhten Nachfrage nach AIV-Verbrauch geführt, was wiederum zu einer verstärkten Produktion von AIV geführt hat. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war es daher, das Ausmaß und die zugrunde liegenden Faktoren zu bewerten, die Einfluss auf die Einführung nachhaltiger Intensivierungsmethoden (SIPs) haben (Einsatz von verbesserten Bewässerungssystemen, integrierte Bodendüngung, organischer Dünger und AIV - Diversifizierung) (2) Die Übernahme von SIP in Bezug auf den Lebensunterhalt der Landwirte und (3) eine Bewertung der wirtschaftlichen Leistung und der ökologischen Ergebnisse von Bodendüngungsstrategien, um Bodenbewirtschaftungsstrategien zu empfehlen, die die Produktion, den Lebensunterhalt und den Klimaschutz optimieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass der Einsatz von organischem Dünger und die Diversifizierung der AIV in ländlichen und stadtnahen Produktionsgebieten weit verbreitet waren, wohingegen verbesserte Bewässerungssysteme und ein integriertes Bodenfruchtbarkeitsmanagement eher gering waren und in ländlichen Gebieten sogar erheblich niedriger waren als in Stadtrandgebieten. Darüber hinaus wurden Komplementaritäten und Substituierbarkeiten zwischen SIPs identifiziert, was darauf hindeutet, dass eine Änderung der Richtlinien, die sich auf ein einzelnes SIP auswirkt, Auswirkungen auf andere verwandte SIPs haben kann. Die Ergebnisse der Determinanten von SIP zeigen, dass die Marktintegration, das Haushaltseinkommen und die städtischen Gemüseproduktionsumgebungen die Haupttreiber der Akzeptanz waren. Darüber hinaus erhöht die Einführung von SIPs sowohl das Gesamteinkommen der Haushalte als auch die Ernte. Darüber hinaus optimiert die integrierte Strategie zur Bodenfruchtbarkeit die Wirtschafts- und Umweltleistung. Daher ist ein integriertes Bodenfruchtbarkeitsmanagement ein möglicher Weg, um die AIV-Produktion nachhaltig zu intensivieren.
African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) have recently gained greater recognition across sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) because of increased awareness on their nutrition and health benefits. This rising consumer consciousness has caused an increase in demand for consumption of AIVs, which in turn has led to increased intensification of AIV production. The aim of this thesis was therefore, to evaluate the level and underlying factors influencing the adoption of sustainable intensification practices (SIPs) (use of improved irrigation systems, integrated soil fertilisation, organic manure and AIV diversification), (2) examined the impacts of SIP adoption on farmers’ livelihoods, and (3) assessed economic performance and ecological outcomes of soil fertilisation strategies in order to recommend soil fertility management strategies which optimises production, livelihood and climate trade-offs. The results revealed that use of organic manure and AIV diversification were widely adopted across rural and peri-urban production areas while improved irrigation systems and integrated soil fertility management was rather low, and even significantly lower in rural areas than in peri-urban areas. Moreover, complementarities and substitutabilities between SIPs were also identified indicating that a change in policy affecting a single SIP might have a spill over effect on other related SIPs. The results of determinants of SIPs shows that market integration, household income and peri-urban vegetable production environments were the major drivers of adoption. In addition, adoption of SIPs significantly increases both total household and crop incomes. Furthermore, integrated soil fertility manage strategy optimises economic and environmental performance. Therefore, integrated soil fertility management is a potential pathway to sustainably intensify AIV production.

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Van, Averbeke W., KA Juma, and TE Tshikalange. "Yield response of African leafy vegetables to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium: The case of Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis and Solanum retroflexum Dun." Water SA, 2007. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000786.

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In this study the growth and yield response of Solanum retroflexum Dun. (nightshade) and Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (non-heading Chinese cabbage) to N, P and K availability in the soil and the interaction effects of these three nutrients were determined by means of pot experiments in a greenhouse. S. retroflexum was most sensitive to the availability of nitrogen in the soil. Sufficient nitrogen needed to be available to achieve optimum growth but adding too much adversely affected biomass production, suggesting a fairly narrow optimum range for nitrogen availability. The production of the crop was also dependent on the adequate availability of phosphorus and potassium but any adverse effects due to excess availability were less distinct than for nitrogen. In the case of B. rapa subsp. chinensis, an optimum availability range was identified for N and K and a critical level of availability for P. The decline in biomass production caused by adding N in excess of the optimum was reversed by applying both P and K at rates that were in excess of the respective optima.

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Matenda, Job. "The cultural and religious significance of indigenous vegetables: A case study of the Chionekano-ward of the Zvishavane-district in Zimbabwe." University of the Western Cape, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/6642.

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Magister Artium - MA
This study is situated in the context of multidisciplinary discourse on the pervasive problem of food insecurity in the southern African context. More specifically, it is situated in the context of the Centre of Excellence in Food Security, located at the University of the Western Cape and its project on “Food Ethics and Values” (with Prof Ernst Conradie as principal investigator). It will contribute to discourse on food security from the perspective of the discipline of religious studies and more specifically African Traditional Religion (ATR) and the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) associated with that. The consumption of food naturally plays a significant role in African Traditional Religion – as is evident from various taboos on food consumption, rituals with prescriptions on food, calendar-based festivities, but also from daily life in rural villages. In reflecting on food in such rural villages, the focus is often on the consumption of meat (chicken, goats, cattle, but also rodents and other wildlife) and of grains like maize. However, vegetables traditionally also formed part of a family’s daily diet. In pre-colonial times, such vegetables were not necessarily cultivated since some indigenous vegetables were harvested based on indigenous knowledge available amongst village elders and traditional healers. The Chionekano-ward includes some 42 villages with an estimated population of around 1020 persons. Through a process of snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with village elders and traditional healers who have knowledge of such indigenous vegetables. Where appropriate interviews were followed up with focus groups discussions in particular villages.

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Masinde, Peter Wafula. "Effects of water stress on the growth of spiderplant (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.) and African nightshade (Solanum spp.), two traditional leafy vegetables in Kenya." [S.l. : s.n.], 2003. http://deposit.ddb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?idn=969348231.

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19

Mworia, Jackline [Verfasser]. "Major pests of African indigenous vegetables in Tanzania and the effects of plant nutrition on spider mite management / Jackline Mworia." Hannover : Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, 2021. http://d-nb.info/1226286186/34.

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20

Chetty, Joelaine Meryll. "Dietary analysis of South African indigenous vegetables and traditional foods assumptions made by nutritionists and the impact on public health outcomes." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/6094.

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Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references.
A food composition database needs to be reflective of the commonly consumed foods eaten by the population, in order for it to be comprehensive. The South African Food Data System (SAFOODS) is one of a few food composition databases used amongst nutrition researchers and academia nationally for dietary intake analysis of South Africans. The SAFOODS comprises of 37% truly analysed South African nutrient values, which provides for an improved analysis when using this food composition database to analyse dietary intake data of South Africans. Indigenous vegetables and traditional recipe foods are limited within the current SAFOODS, resulting in nutrition researchers making assumptions when coding dietary records comprising of these foods eaten in selected study areas. The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to collect and evaluate the different assumptions made by researchers when analysing food intake data inclusive of indigenous vegetables and traditional recipe foods, when utilising the South African food composition database for dietary analysis. In addition, it aims to record how these assumptions could possibly over or under report on actual dietary intake. Forty (40) nutrition researchers, actively engaged in dietary intake studies across the nine provinces of South Africa, were conveniently selected for this study. These researchers were all linked to an academic institution and consisted of dietitians and nutritionists. A questionnaire was completed, assumptions recorded by the nutrition researchers for indigenous vegetables and traditional recipe foods not found within SAFOODS. The study investigator further entered assumptions reported by participants of the study into a sample menu dataset. Information received from participants‟ were compared to a reference meal analysis report and analysed results compared for energy and macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, protein) and micronutrients (vitamin A and C, iron, magnesium and sodium).

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21

Omondi, Emmanuel Gordon Otunga [Verfasser]. "Analysis of genetic diversity of two African leafy vegetables, spider plant (Cleome gynandra) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), reproductive characteristics and nutritional analysis of spider plant / Emmanuel Gordon Otunga Omondi." Hannover : Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB), 2017. http://d-nb.info/1149833114/34.

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22

Omondi, Emmanuel [Verfasser]. "Analysis of genetic diversity of two African leafy vegetables, spider plant (Cleome gynandra) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), reproductive characteristics and nutritional analysis of spider plant / Emmanuel Gordon Otunga Omondi." Hannover : Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB), 2017. http://d-nb.info/1149833114/34.

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23

Mungofa, Nyarai. "Attitude towards the cultivation and utilisation of indigenous leafy vegetables in rural communities." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22163.

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Food insecurity remains a major challenge affecting the rural poor households in South Africa. The consumption of green leafy vegetables is important to address micronutrients deficiency in rural communities and, at the same time, it contributes to fibre intake. This study investigated the people’s attitude towards the cultivation and utilisation of ILVs in rural communities. A cross-section survey study was conducted among 1 000 respondents in randomly selected households in communities. The majority of respondents were not willingly consuming ILVs. This is because most consumers were black and of the low-income group. ILVs that are consumed grow mainly in the wild. The regular consumption of these vegetables as indicated in this study is interesting, as this will help in mitigating micronutrient deficiency. Furthermore, these vegetables could be incorporated in formulated food to improve iron and zinc, especially in infant foods formulation. Based on the findings of this study it would be important to find ways of encouraging cultivation of ILVs for both nutrition and as income generating activities.
Business Management
M. Consumer Science

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24

Ndhlovu, Bongiwe. "An exploration of the access and consumption of indigenous vegetables by households in rural and informal settlements in the West Coast District Municipality, Western Cape Province, South Africa." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26385.

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The consumption of indigenous leafy vegetables is a significant tradition and culture of South Africa. The purpose of this research was to investigate the access and consumption of indigenous leafy vegetables in rural and informal settlements of the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM), Western Cape, South Africa. The research identified ILV being available and accessible in WCDM, methods of preparation used as well as the factors influencing the consumption of ILV. A cross sectional descriptive survey design was used and data collection was done using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were randomly selected from the five local municipalities in the West Coast District Municipality. A total of 205 respondents representing 205 households in the rural and informal settlements of the West Coast District Municipality were interviewed. Majority of respondents were black females, unemployed and had no formal qualification. Seventeen indigenous leafy vegetables were identified in the West Coast District and the majority of the respondents consumed indigenous leafy vegetables as part of their diet mainly because of the health benefits and taste. Four methods of cooking, namely stewing, boiling, steaming and frying were used by the respondents to prepare indigenous leafy vegetables and most of the respondents added additional ingredients during cooking such as mealie meal, fish oil and salt. The informal sector was identified as the major source of indigenous leafy vegetables and cultivation of ILV was very limited. The majority of the respondents consumed ILV at least once a week. Preservation of ILV was not a common practice. Factors such as employment status, higher household size and higher income levels did not influence the frequency of ILV consumption.
Life and Consumer Sciences
M. Sc. (Consumer Science)

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Mooketsi, Keeme. "An investigation of Mafikeng rural villagers' knowledge and use of african indigenous leafy vegetables (Ailvs), and the role of edaphic factors and husbandry practices in their possible domestication / Keeme Mooketsi." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15984.

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Mayekiso, Anele. "Economic assessment of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) production for income generation and food income generation and food security in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa." Thesis, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3444.

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Thesis (Ph.D. (Agricultural Economics )) -- University of Limpopo, 2021
Regardless of the strategies adopted globally and nationwide to fight food insecurity within communities, particularly in the rural context, poverty becomes a major constituent which translates to most rural households experiencing food insecurity shocks. Given the high unemployment rate in South Africa which triggers several household’s vulnerability to food insecurity, the country has diverse natural resources which include indigenous plants such as Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILVs), which can be used as food and for business purposes by its residents. Irrespective of the diversity of ILVs in South Africa, there is a significant decline in the production and consumption of ILVs particularly in rural areas where these vegetables are mostly available. In addition, production and consumption of ILVs may not only address food insecurity but these vegetables may benefit households through the income obtained from their sales. The income generated from sales of ILVs may therefore assist towards improving and sustaining rural livelihood needs. Given this background information, the study aimed at assessing ILV production for income generation and food security among rural households in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) of South Africa. The study was conducted within the three district municipalities of the ECP which were selected because statistics report these districts to be the most affected areas by poverty within the province. These districts are OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) and Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM). Multistage and proportional random sampling procedures were employed to select households which could participate in the study. Thus, 407 households within these three (3) districts municipalities were used for the purposes of the study. The study also included interviewing role players within the ILV production value chain, thus a snowball sampling procedure was used to select role players. Sixteen hawkers and three input suppliers were interviewed from the three district municipalities. In addition, from the 407 households that were interviewed, 260 households from the three district municipalities reported to be producers of ILVs. A structured questionnaire was therefore used to collect pertaining data allied in achieving the aim of the study. The collected data was captured using Excel 2016, after data cleaning, it was then exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Numerous analytical models were used from SPSS 25. For instance, to identify and describe socio-economic characteristics of households, to assess the most produced ILVs from the study areas and to identify role players within the ILV production value chain, descriptive statistics in a form of means, percentages, frequencies, and standard deviation was used. To determine factors which influence production of ILVs, a Binary Logistic Regression Model was used. A Multinomial Logistic Regression model was used to determine factors which influence different uses of ILVs by households and to determine factors influencing food security status among households. A gross margin analysis was used to estimate viability from each ILV produced, harvested and sold, while Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to measure food security status among households. Lastly, a correlation matrix was also used to determine the relationship between the role players and their functions among the ILV production value chain. Based on the results, the study therefore concluded that, from the three district municipalities used in the study, there are various ILVs growing naturally and produced. The production of ILVs from these municipalities is habituated by socio economic characteristics of households, wherein households use ILVs for various purposes which include these vegetables as source of food, medicine and livestock feed. The use of ILVs among households is influenced by socio-economic characteristics and seasonal availability of ILVs in ORTDM, while in ANDM and JGDM, the use of ILVs by households is conditioned by socio-economic characteristics of households, knowledge/ awareness related to nutrition and health benefits of ILVs and seasonal production of ILVs. Furthermore, this research concludes that, ILVs have a potential of diversifying diets and addressing food insecurity problems within rural parts of the three districts. Given the positive gross margins from the three districts, production and selling of ILVs has a potential to contribute to rural household income. Lastly, the study concludes that, the ILV production value chain system lacks governmental support in the form of institutional engagement since there is no evidence of extension officer support from these three district municipalities concerning ILVs production. To this end, the study recommends that, policy makers should further establish inclusion of ILVs in both farming and food systems. Also, government and related institutions which focus on sustainable rural development must intervene in promoting production of ILVs particularly within rural contexts since production of these vegetables may alleviate poverty through job creation, addressing food insecurity and income generation. Thus, a successful intervention of government and policy makers in ILV production would have a potential of translating to sustainable rural livelihoods
National Research Foundation (NRF)

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Mavhungu, Nangula Paulina. "Antioxidant properties and cellular protective effects of selected African green leafy vegetables." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/25198.

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Phenolic compounds in African green leafy vegetables (GLVs) may have a significant impact on human health. However, there is little information on the phenolic composition, antioxidant properties, as well as biological and cellular protective effects of these vegetables. The effects of boiling and extraction solvent on these compounds and on their antioxidant properties are also unknown. Phenolic content, antioxidant activity and cellular protective effects of four African GLVs in comparison with spinach, an exotic GLV, was determined. African GLVs had appreciable levels of total phenolics and antioxidant activity and in higher quantities compared to spinach. Boiling decreased the antioxidant content and activity of these vegetables and 75% acetone was more effective in extracting antioxidants from the GLVs compared to water. GLVs with high levels of phenolics also contained higher levels of antioxidant activity, suggesting that phenolics are likely to have contributed to radical scavenging activity of these vegetable extracts, even though the degree of scavenging varied in each extract of the vegetable species. The flavonoid compositions of raw and boiled African GLVs and spinach were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Epicatechin and rutin were the most dominant flavonoids found in both water and 75% acetone extracts. Among water extracts, pumpkin contained higher concentrations of detected flavonoids, while among the acetone extracts, cowpea exhibited higher concentrations. The effect of boiling was dependent on the type of vegetable and the specific flavonoids. There were no major differences observed between the type of flavonoids detected in extracts of African GLVs and those in spinach. However, similar to the results of total phenolics and antioxidant activity, the 75% acetone extracts of African GLVs also exhibited higher amounts of flavonoids than spinach. The protective effects of GLVs against oxidative haemolysis were dependent on the type of vegetable species. Boiling had variable effects depending on the species. The highest level of protection of erythrocytes against oxidative damage was offered by amaranth extracts, while extracts of raw jute mallow contributed to the damage of erythrocytes. The highest antioxidant protection activity against oxidative damage in plasmid DNA was offered by extracts of jute mallow and lowest by spinach.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Centre for Nutrition
PhD
Unrestricted

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Mongwaketse, Tiyapo Carnio. "Iron and zinc bioaccessibility from African leafy vegetables : implications for nutrition / Tiyapo Carnio Mongwaketse." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15434.

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Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc in African leafy vegetables (ALV) and maize porridge composite dishes using an in vitro dialysability assay and to estimate the antinutrient content in ALV and maize porridge composite dishes. Methods: ALV leaves were collected, cooked and mixed with either cooked fortified or unfortified maize porridge to simulate the way it is usually consumed. Mineral and antinutrient levels were determined using standard methods and the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc was determined using an in vitro dialysability assay. Findings: The findings of the present study indicated that ALV dishes contain a reasonable amount of iron and zinc, but combining the ALV dishes with unfortified maize porridge resulted in dilution and hence a lower iron content. The amaranth-pumpkin dish contained most iron (24 mg/100 g). ALV dishes in the study had zinc contents ranging from 2.6 to 3.2 mg/100 g, with amaranth mixed with spider plant having the highest zinc content. Regarding antinutrients, the amaranth-cowpea dish had the highest phytate content of 2078 mg/100 g dry weight. ALV dishes also contained tannins and phenolic compounds. Iron percentage bioaccessibility was high in an amaranth-spider plant dish (25%), while other dishes had lower iron bioaccessibility of less than 11%. The percentage bioaccessibility of zinc in ALV dishes ranged from 7 to 8%. The amaranth-spider plant dish had higher zinc bioaccessibility when composited with fortified maize meal (13%). The percentage zinc bioaccessibility is negatively associated with phytate:zinc and phyate-calcium:zinc molar ratios. Conclusions: ALV and maize meal composite dishes have a high iron and zinc content, though they also have a high antinutrient content that has some inhibitory effects. Despite the inhibiting factors, the amount of bioaccessible iron and zinc from ALV and maize porridge composite dishes could play a significant role in planning food security strategies. However, there is a need to understand the possible effects of consuming them in different combinations with other foods.
MSc (Nutrition), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

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Okorogbona, Alfred Oghode Misaiti. "Biomass response of selected African leafy vegetables in pots to rate of application of three types of animal manure." Thesis, 2011. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000481.

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Mabala, Mahlogonolo Hunadi Ramaesela. "Availability and utilization of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) found in Limpopo Province and the response of a selected ILV to planting density and nitrogen fertilizer rate." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2212.

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Thesis (M. Agricultural Management (Agronomy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018
A survey study identified indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) utilized by rural communities in Limpopo Province in the three districts of Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Vhembe focusing on their availability, agronomic practices, marketing, medicinal and cultural roles, as well as their nutritional value. An ILV that was highly preferred and with good marketing potential was identified for further studies on its response to planting density and nitrogen fertilizer rate. A questionnaire survey was used to gather information about types of ILVs utilised, their production practices, marketing of ILVs and their importance in medicinal and cultural roles. Data collected were subjected to analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using descriptive statistics. Results showed that there were 45 different types of ILVs identified from the three districts in Limpopo Province. Farmers indicated that cultivation of these vegetables was mostly done from October to January in Sekhukhune and Capricorn district while in Vhembe it was practiced all year round. Most of farmers in Vhembe district used inorganic fertilizer during planting while farmers in Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts used organic fertilizers such as cattle manure. Irrigation was commonly used in Vhembe district through furrow irrigation system whereas in Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts most farmers relied on rainfall. Farmers indicated that harvesting was done at an early growing stage of the crop. Indigenous leafy vegetables were mostly marketed in local communities. Several ILVs were identified as preferred and regularly consumed as vegetables. Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) and nightshade (Solanum retroflexum) were identified as the most consumed ILVs in the three districts. Comparing the market potential of the two vegetables, S. retroflexum was chosen for further studies on its response to plant density and nitrogen fertilizer rate. The first study investigated the effect of varying plant density (inter and intra-row spacing) and the second study evaluated the response of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer (LAN-28%N) rate on growth and yield of S. retroflexum during 2014 (April to May) and 2015 (March to May) growing seasons. The plant density experiment was laid out as a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatment factors were 3 inter-row spacings of 30, 45 and 60 cm and 4 intra-row spacings of vi 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30 cm. The data collected included plant height, plant vigour, number of leaves and branches per plant as well as plant leaf yield. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using STATISTIX 10.0 package and mean treatments were separated using Turkey HSD at 5% probability level. The results revealed that growth parameters (plant height, plant vigour, number of branches and leaves) and plant leaf yield were significantly influenced by the combined inter and intra-row spacings. Closer inter-row spacings of 30 cm and 45 cm, and intra-row spacings of 7.5 and 15 cm produced the highest values of parameters and plant leaf yield. The combined spacings of 30 x 7.5 cm produced the highest plant leaf yield. The second study was also laid out as a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were 6 x 2 factorial arrangement: 6 levels of nitrogen (LAN-28%N) at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg N/ha and two intra-row spacings of 15 and 30cm. Inter-row spacing of 30 cm was used. The nitrogen fertilizer was applied a week after transplanting and repeated a week after first harvesting. Data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using STATISTIX 10.0 package. Where significant differences were detected, means were separated using Turkey HSD at 5% propability level. The results suggested that both nitrogen fertilizer and spacing can be used to enhance growth and leaf yield of S. retroflexum vegetable. Nitrogen fertilizer rate and plant density significantly (P≤0.05) affected plant growth and plant leaf yields. Growth parameters and leaf yield were optimised using closer spacing of 15 cm and applying nitrogen at 60 kg N/ha. The application of 60 kg N/ha and 15 cm spacing was therefore recommended for the production of S. retroflexum as a vegetable, if planted at 30 cm inter-row spacing. Key words: Indigenous leafy vegetables, agronomic practices, Solanum retroflexum, planting density, nitrogen fertilizer, planting date

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Van, der Hoeven Marinka. "The effect of African leafy vegetables on the alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies in school children residing in the North West Province of South Africa / Marinka van der Hoeven." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/12204.

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Background - Food and nutrition insecurity severely compromises the quality of life in farm communities in South Africa. Although food‐based approaches are more sustainable strategies to address malnutrition, most other strategies only target the alleviation of single micronutrients. Synergies between nutrients demand a wider scope; food‐based strategies need to focus on improving both overall diet quality and the well‐being of rural and urban populations. Agricultural biodiversity is crucial in such strategies to improve food security and health. This thesis aims to investigate the effect of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) on the alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies in school children residing in the North West Province of South Africa. Methods - Four focus group discussions assessed primary caregivers’ (n=29) knowledge, perceptions and use of indigenous and traditional plants. Thereafter, the research focused on the leaves of Amaranthus cruentus (amaranth), Cleome gynandra (spiderplant), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea). Sensory acceptability to children of selected ALV dishes, prepared in a traditional way (n=98) and prepared with gravy, was assessed (n=80). The nutrient composition and the bio‐accessibility of iron and zinc in these ALVs were determined. A randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of consumption of these ALVs on the iron, vitamin A en zinc status of primary school children (grade R – grade 4) followed. Children of two rural farm schools were randomly allocated per grade and school to receive either daily (five days/week) 300 gram cooked ALVs with the school meal starch (N=86) or the normal school meal (N=81) for three months. Results - Caregivers were positive about using ALVs, transferring knowledge from generation to generation. Children found dishes made with ALVs, prepared in the traditional way as well as with gravy, acceptable in terms of colour, smell and taste. ALVs contributed 11.6 ‐ 15.8 mg iron and 1.4 ‐ 3.7 mg zinc per meal. Amaranth‐and‐spiderplant has the highest amount of bio‐accessible iron (0.42 mg iron). All dishes contain 0.3 mg bio‐accessible zinc. At baseline, intervention and control children were deficient for Hb <11.5 g/dL (16.0% and 10.5%), serum ferritin <15 μg/L (16.3% and 18.5%), serum retinol <20 μg/dL (7.0% and 2.5%) and serum zinc <65 μg/dL (75.6% and 75.3%). No significant estimated intervention effect was found. Conclusion - Caregivers possessed knowledge of ALVs and were positive about their use. Based on dialyzable iron and zinc, the contribution of the ALV dishes towards dietary requirements is more substantial for iron than zinc. The randomised controlled trial showed that ALVs unable to improve serum retinol, serum ferritin or hemoglobin in mildly deficient children or those with low status zinc. Furthermore, despite the low zinc status in our population, ALV consumption did not improve serum zinc concentrations. Based on the more theoretical and indirect study results, including both caregivers’ and children’ positive image of ALVs, and the nutrient composition and iron and zinc bio‐accessibility of the ALVs, these selected vegetables do have the potential to contribute to the micronutrient intake of school children. However, the importance of ALVs might not necessary be to serve as a strategy for micronutrient deficiency alleviation, but rather in the diversification of the diet in resource‐poor settings and thereby contribute to the micronutrient intake.
PhD (Nutrition), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

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Dweba, Philisiwe Thulisiwe. "Availability and utilization of traditional vegetables by rural Xhosa households in Eastern Cape." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3818.

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Micronutrient deficiency is a major challenge in South Africa. Traditional vegetables have been identified as one of the strategies towards alleviating the problem. The research addressed the availability of traditional vegetables at eMantlaneni village in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, the extent to which they were utilized and their potential future use. The data was collected using questionnaires, focus groups, and by the identification of traditional vegetables by a herbarium. Findings revealed that traditional vegetables are available, but that there is a decline in the use of traditional vegetables. Future use was threatened by negative attitudes and the associated loss of indigenous knowledge. There is a need for vigorous awareness campaigns to promote traditional vegetable use and nutritional education including proper cooking and preservation techniques. Further research on a bigger sample and hedonic tests acceptance are required.

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Masinde, Peter Wafula [Verfasser]. "Effects of water stress on the growth of spiderplant (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.) and African nightshade (Solanum spp.), two traditional leafy vegetables in Kenya / von Peter Wafula Masinde." 2003. http://d-nb.info/969348231/34.

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Agyepong, Adelaide Owusu. "The possible contribution of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Leaves to dietary quality in two Bapedi communities in Mokopane, Limpopo Province." Diss., 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2599.

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A high rate of micronutrient deficiencies persists in Africa with the most vulnerable groups being women and children. The Moringa oleifera tree has been identified to help alleviate malnutrition at household level because of its rich content of vitamin A in its plant form - beta-carotene, iron and vitamin C. The objectives of this study was to identify households that consumed Moringa, to identify households that required diet diversification through the use of a Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and to determine the acceptability of various dishes prepared from Moringa leaves as a possible contribution to the alleviation of malnutrition in resource poor communities. The dietary diversity score of the traditional Bapedi community is 4.7 and the results of the acceptability test of dishes prepared with Moringa indicated that Moringa could be recommended as an additional food ingredient to add micronutrient to the diet of Bapedi communities.
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
M.A. (Human Ecology)

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