Browsing by Author "Jumbe, T."

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Contribution of minerals from fresh kidney bean leaves and grains in meals consumed in East, South and Central Africa
(African Scholary Science Communications Trust, 2012-08) Mamiro, P. M.; Nyagaya, M.; Mamiro, D. P.; Jumbe, T.; Ntwenya, J.; Bundara, N.
Varieties of legumes are recognized as an important source of protein and dietary minerals by a number of ethnic groups in East, South and Central Africa. Among the legume that is preferred by most Africans are the bean varieties. Beans are consumed in many forms: the young leaves, green pods, and fresh bean grains are used as vegetables; dry bean grains are used in various food preparations, and both are used as relish or side dishes together with the staple food. Apart from alleviating food insecurity, the bean leaves, green bean pods and fresh bean grains are good sources of micronutrients especially iron and zinc. Thirty eight varieties of beans deemed to be rich in minerals iron and zinc collected from a number of locations in East and Central Africa were brought from University of Nairobi and multiplied at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro. Bean leaves and fresh beans grains were picked for analysis after the plants reached three weeks and two months, respectively. Iron and zinc content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after ashing the samples. Analysis showed that leaves had significantly (P<0.05) more iron than the fresh bean grains. For bean leaves, Maharagi soja had the highest level of iron (1653.9 mg/100g) followed by Nain De Kiondo (1061.1 mg/100g). Similarly, Maharagi soja had the highest level of zinc (40.8 mg/100g), followed by Kiangara (40.5 mg/100g). Variety HRS 545 fresh bean grains, had the highest level of iron (1114.0 mg/100g) followed by Ituri Matata (983.4 mg/100g) while highest zinc content was found in HRS 545 (41.1 mg/100g) followed by RWR 10 (41.1 mg/100g). These levels of minerals are significantly higher than the average amount found in dry bean grains (Fe 5.6 – 8.0 mg/100g) and (Zn 1.7 - 2.0 mg/100g). Creating more awareness and encouraging the utilization of bean leaves and fresh bean grains will contribute in alleviating micronutrient deficiencies especially among the vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and lactating women, and resource-poor families.
Does homestead livestock production and ownership contribute to consumption of animal source foods? A pre-intervention assessment of rural farming communities in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2020) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Livestock production at homestead level is widely reported as an important pathway to achieve optimal consumption of Animal Source Foods (ASF) in a household. However, the empirical evidence is limited. This paper examines the extent of homestead livestock pro- duction and consumption of ASF by rural farming communities in four villages of Dodoma and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey of 663 households was carried out. Interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers and caregivers sought to understand livestock production and consumption patterns of ASF. Analysis techniques in- cluded Chi-square test, ANOVA and binary regression. Animal source foods were grouped into four categories; (i) meat and meat products, (ii) eggs, (iii) fish, sardines and sea foods, and (iv) milk and dairy products. The average intake of ASF was low for the entire sample, with only 26% of the population consuming at least one of the four types, even though more than half (52.5%) of the surveyed households reported to keep livestock. Generally, proportion of livestock keepers consuming ASF was slightly higher compared to their coun- terparts. Results from chi-square test indicated that, Dodoma households were more likely to consume meat ( χ2 (1) = 11.1, p = 0.0 0 0) and milk ( χ2 (1) = 10.8, p = 0.0 0 0) than Morogoro households ( χ2 (1) = 0.2, p = 0.627 and χ2 (1) = 0.02, p = 0.887). Notably consumption of fish and sardines prevailed more in Morogoro than Dodoma households. Keeping of livestock was further emerged as a significant predictor for consumption of ASF after controlling for demographic factors ( p < 0.01). Findings from FGDs further re- vealed that; low nutrition knowledge, limited number of livestock, monetary and cultural values attached to livestock were the barriers to consumption of ASF. These observations highlight a mismatch between level of production of livestock, availability and actual con- sumption of ASF in rural households. Optimizing the contribution of livestock keeping on the consumption of ASF requires a combination of effort s. These include; addressing socio- cultural norms and practices towards motives for keeping livestock, promoting good live- stock rearing practices to maintain desired stock needed for consumption and households’
Food intake and dietary diversity of farming households in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(AJFAND, 2016) Kinabo, J.; Mamiro, P.; Dawkins, N.; Bundala, N.; Mwanri, A.; Majili, Z.; Jumbe, T.; Kulwa, K.; Mamiro, D.; Amuri, N.; Ngowi, M.; Msuya, J.
The Tanzanian economy depends heavily on agriculture and hence human labor provides much of the power needed for farming activities. This study was carried out to determine the diversity and dietary adequacy of farming households in four selected districts of Morogoro region in Tanzania. Adult household members from 140 households participated in the study. A 24-hour dietary recall, dietary diversity score and frequency of food consumption tools were used to assess and quantify nutrient intake and adequacy of consumed diets in farming households. Tanzania food composition tables were used to compute estimates of the energy intake, macro and micronutrients consumed by farming households. Analysis was done using SPSS version 18 and Microsoft excel version 10. Cereal food group was consumed in relatively large quantities compared to other food groups in the surveyed households. The contribution of cereal group to energy intake was 75-82%, protein 8-16% and fat 9-14%. Stiff porridge made of maize flour was the mostly consumed cereal dish followed by rice. The mean intake of energy per day was inadequate; the intake of energy for men was 1402 kcal/day while for female was 1347 kcal/day meeting only 52% and 72%, respectively of the recommended energy intake. Generally, the consumption of protein from the animal sources was significantly low in all districts. Ninety-nine percent of the households rarely consumed eggs; 83% rarely consumed meat and poultry. Consumption of milk and milk products was inadequate as 92% of the households indicated that they rarely consumed these products. The intake of fat was also low by 53% compared to the recommended intake for adults. The intake of iron, zinc, and calcium was 40, 53 and 64%, respectively, which was not sufficient to meet daily requirements. Low intake of nutrients was generally attributed to inadequate food intake due to low feeding frequency, poorly diversified diets and sub- optimal practices in food preparation and cooking. The results from surveyed areas indicated that all districts are rich in terms of bio-diversity and food availability, nevertheless the consumption of these foods in the study communities was inadequate with regards to quantity and quality. This situation compromises nutritional status and pre-disposes farming households to diseases and infections hence affects work output, labor productivity and wealth generation. Educating farmers on the importance of consuming diversified and adequate diets from different food groups will improve their nutrition situation and stimulate more production hence increased agricultural productivity.
Gaps in knowledge and practice on dietary consumption among rural farming households; a call for nutrition education training in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Bonatti, M.; Rybak, C.; Sieber, S.
Dietary-related conditions are preventable only if people have better understanding of factors that underpin their dietary choices. A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine levels and gaps of nutrition knowledge and practices (KPs) of 663 mothers/caregivers in rural households of Tanzania. Results indicated that, only 14% of the population had received nutrition education prior to the survey. The mean KP score was 6.9 (±2.6) out of 20 with only 17% of the study population had KP scores above the mean. The average proportion of those who had correct responses above mean was 27% for knowledge and 22% practices. Low coverage of nutrition education and poor participation of men in nutrition education activities were frequently reported as the barriers for adoption of desirable dietary practices at households. The KP levels are far below the recommended FAO thresholds and entail high levels of nutrition illiteracy which call for immediate intervention.
Provitamin a carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and minerals in indigenous leafy vegetables from Tanzania
(MDPI, 2019) Gowele, V. F.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Kirschmann, C.; Frank, J.; Stuetz, W.
The essential micronutrients in indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) could substantially contribute to the micronutrient supply in rural communities in Tanzania, but concentrations differ between species. Provitamin A carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, minerals, and phytate were analysed in 13 different species using HPLC-, ICP-OES, and photometric techniques. Eight of the 13 ILVs, including Amaranthus ssp. and Sesamum angustifolium, had high -carotene concentrations (2.91–4.84 mg/100 g fresh weight), which could provide 50% of vitamin A’s recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Six ILVs including Cleome hirta and Sonchus luxurians had high iron contents (34.5–60.4 mg/100 g, >50% RNI); Amaranthus ssp. represented the ILV with high calcium, magnesium and zinc contents (85%, 207% and 21% of RNI per 100 g); Cleome hirta and Cleome gynandra had high ascorbic acid contents (>15 mg/100 g, 34–35% of RNI), while Sesamum angustifolium was the only ILV with a high tocopherol content (7.34 mg -TE/100 g). The highest phytate concentration was found in Amaranthus ssp., which could negatively affect its role as a very good source of minerals. Results indicate that the analysed ILVs could make a substantial contribution to the vitamin A and iron supply in the diets of rural Tanzanian populations.
A tailored nutrition education intervention improves women’s nutrition knowledge and dietary practices in farming households of Tanzania
(Symbiosis Group, 2020-02-17) Bundala, N.; Kinabo, J.; Jumbe, T.; Rybak, C.; Stuetz, W.; Sieber, S.
A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition education intervention among women residing in the villages of Dodoma and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Prior to the intervention, a baseline survey was conducted in July-August 2016. The survey involved 663 women who completed a pre-test assessment for nutrition knowledge and practice and enrolled in nutrition education intervention. The intervention was carried out for 8 months (September 2017 to April 2018) including a 10 days group training per village with six-month individual training follow-ups in the household. Spouses/ adult men were also invited to participate in the intervention. Training content included; functions of food, food groups, malnutrition, food preparations, food consumption and homestead food production. Women were given a post-test during the endline survey (July-August 2018) to assess the intervention. Nutrition knowledge (NK), Nutrition Practice (NP) as well as a combination of Nutrition Knowledge and Practice (NKP) were computed using a scoring method as per FAO guidelines. The test was scored in a range of 0-10 for NK and NP and 0-20 for NKP. The median scores before and after the intervention were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The NKP scores among sub-groups of respondents were computed using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. Changes in proportions were calculated using a McNemar test. Results indicated a significant increase in the post-intervention median scores (interquartile range) than the pre-intervention median scores (interquartile range) for NK, NP, and NKP; 7(5,7) vs 4(3,5), 5(4,6) vs 3(2,4) and 12(10,13) vs 7(5,9) respectively, p<0.01. Higher scores were found among those who had received nutrition education, those who had frequently been exposed to nutrition education, those whose spouses/men participated in the intervention and those with a formal level of education than their counterparts. A significant increase in the frequencies of consumption of vegetables, fruits and legumes were noted from the baseline to the post-intervention phase in the end-line (87%-98%, 63%-69% and 76%-87%) respectively. The findings suggest the effectiveness of the nutrition education in the promotion of nutrition knowledge and desirable dietary practices in farming households of Tanzania.
Whole blood levels of the n-6 essential fatty acid linoleic acid are inversely associated with stunting in 2-to-6 year old Tanzanian Children: A cross-sectional study
(PLOS ONE, 2016-05-03) Jumbe, T.; Comstock, S. S.; Hahn, S. L.; Harris, W. S.; Kinabo, J.; Fenton, J. I.
Background In Tanzania, 35% of all children below five years of age are stunted. Dietary fatty acids (FA) are critical for growth and development. However, whole blood FA levels in Tanzanian children are poorly described. Objective The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to assess 1) whole blood levels of essential fatty acids and 2) the association between whole blood FA levels and growth parameters in Tanzanian children 2–6 years of age. Methods A drop of blood was collected on an antioxidant treated card and analyzed for FA composition. Weight and height were measured and z-scores calculated. Relationships between FAs and growth parameters were analyzed by linear regression. Results Of the 334 children that participated, 30.3% were stunted. The average whole blood level of Mead acid was 0.15%. The anthropometric z-score height-for-age (HAZ) was inversely associated with Mead acid, the Mead acid to arachidonic acid (T/T) ratio, and total n-9 FA. Additionally, HAZ was positively associated with linoleic acid and total n-6 FA. BMI-for-age was positively associated with oleic acid, total n-9 FA and T/T ratio but inversely associated with arachidonic acid and total n-6 FA. Weight-for-height was inversely associated with arachidonic acid and total n-6 FAs and positively associated with oleic acid and total n-9 FA. Weight-for-age was not associated with any FA tested. Total n-3 FAs were not associated with any growth parameters measured. Conclusions The EFA linoleic acid and the markers of FA deficiency were associated with HAZ, an indicator for stunting in 2–6 year old Tanzanian children. Total n-6, total n-9, and a number of individual FAs were associated with growth. Increasing dietary intake of EFA and n-6 FAs may be a strategy to combat stunting in this population.
Whole blood levels of the n-6 essential fatty acid linoleic acid are inversely associated with stunting in 2-to-6 year old Tanzanian Children: A cross-sectional study
(PLOS|ONE, 2016-03-03) Jumbe, T.; Comstock, S. S.; Hahn, S. L.; Harris, W. S.; Kinabo, J.; Fenton, J.
Background In Tanzania, 35% of all children below five years of age are stunted. Dietary fatty acids (FA) are critical for growth and development. However, whole blood FA levels in Tanzanian children are poorly described. Objective The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to assess 1) whole blood levels of essential fatty acids and 2) the association between whole blood FA levels and growth parameters in Tanzanian children 2–6 years of age. Methods A drop of blood was collected on an antioxidant treated card and analyzed for FA composition. Weight and height were measured and z-scores calculated. Relationships between FAs and growth parameters were analyzed by linear regression. Results Of the 334 children that participated, 30.3% were stunted. The average whole blood level of Mead acid was 0.15%. The anthropometric z-score height-for-age (HAZ) was inversely associated with Mead acid, the Mead acid to arachidonic acid (T/T) ratio, and total n-9 FA. Additionally, HAZ was positively associated with linoleic acid and total n-6 FA. BMI-for-age was positively associated with oleic acid, total n-9 FA and T/T ratio but inversely associated with arachidonic acid and total n-6 FA. Weight-for-height was inversely associated with arachidonic acid and total n-6 FAs and positively associated with oleic acid and total n-9 FA.Weight-for-age was not associated with any FA tested. Total n-3 FAs were not associated with any growth parameters measured. Conclusions The EFA linoleic acid and the markers of FA deficiency were associated with HAZ, an indicator for stunting in 2–6 year old Tanzanian children. Total n-6, total n-9, and a number of individual FAs were associated with growth. Increasing dietary intake of EFA and n-6 FAs may be a strategy to combat stunting in this population.
Whole-blood fatty acids are associated with executive function in Tanzanian children aged 4–6 years: a cross-sectional study
(Cambridge University Press, 2016) Jumbe, T.; Comstock, S.; Harris, W. S.; Kinabo, J.; Pontifex, M. B.; Fenton, J. I.
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are PUFA that are metabolised to long-chain PUFA and are important for brain development and cognitive function. The objective of this study was to determine the association between whole-blood EFA and cognitive function in Tanzanian children. A total of 325 2–6-year-old children attempted the dimensional change card sort (DCCS) tasks to assess executive function. Blood samples were collected for fatty acid (FA) analysis by GC. Associations between executive function and FA levels were assessed by regression. Among the 130 4–6-year-old children who attempted the DCCS tasks, whole-blood levels of linoleic acid were positively associated with executive function, whereas whole-blood levels of α-linolenic acid and nervonic acid were inversely associated with executive function. A full model including all twenty-five FA explained 38% of the variation in executive function, whereas a reduced model including only the EFA (α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid), DHA and EPA explained 25% of the variation in executive function. Children who had sufficient whole-blood levels of EFA were 3·8 times more likely to successfully complete all DCCS tasks compared with children with insufficient EFA. These results suggest that whole-blood FA levels are associated with cognitive abilities. Intervention trials that include assessment of wholeblood FA levels are required to determine the relationships between intake, blood levels and executive function in Tanzanian children.