Browsing by Author "Mongi, R."

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Farmers' knowledge and traditional processing practices of pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) in Rural Areas in Lindi Region Tanzania: a quantitative and qualitative mixed study
(AJOL, 2024) Tiisekwa, A.B.; Chove, B.E.; Mongi, R.; Raybak, C.; Stuetz, W.
Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are an important protein source in many parts of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. However, their quality and availability may be affected by post-harvest handling and processing practices in use. In the present study, knowledge and practices of pigeon pea growers (PPG) in Lindi Region were evaluated with respect to harvesting, storage, processing and cooking preparation. A sample of 597 randomly selected PPG from two villages, were interviewed and 60 farmers participated in focus group discussions. Majority PPG (83.6%) harvested pigeon peas (PPs) by cutting and putting them in polyethylene sacks while 86.6% had knowledge on only one storage method. Also, majority of PPG (77%) lacked any processing knowledge on mentioned methods such as hulling and solar drying. Results also indicated 75.7% of PPG having no knowledge on cooking preparation methods out of which 94.5% had no knowledge on soaking, 89.6% on use of bicarbonate and 89.9% on methods to increase shelf life of PPs. Overall, 49.4% had little/limited knowledge on harvesting, storage, processing, and cooking preparation practices, with no significant gender difference. All PPG prepared stew using green or dry PPs. A sizeable proportion (45%) of PPG used dry PPs for stew preparation, after traditional hulling. The threshing of peas from pods was carried out manually. Traditional methods in the Lindi Region are laborious and time-consuming; resulting in poorly prepared products thus affecting the appearance of processed PPs. Training farmers on proper postharvest handling and processing can improve food security and market appeal.
Heavy metal contamination in cocoyam crops and soils in countries around the lake Victoria basin (Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya)
(2020) Mongi, R.; Chove, L.
A study to determine heavy metals concentration and their correlation between soil and cocoyam crops grown at different wetland locations in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda around Lake Victoria basin was done. A total of 48 cocoyams and 48 soil samples (taken at 0-15 cm deep) were collected in triplicate from various locations in three districts in each country. They were analysed for Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu) concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The mean heavy metals concentration in cocoyam samples were above maximum permissible limits of 0.1 mg/kg for Hg, As and Pb and 5 mg/kg for Cu established by FAO/WHO (1995) and EU (2004; 2006) rendering them unsafe for human consumption. Heavy metals concentrations in soils were higher than in cocoyam samples in all locations in all countries . As and Cr concentrations however, were below the maximum permissible limits of 20 and 75 mg/kg respectively, in all countries. Heavy metals variation occurred both within and among countries, with Kampala, Uganda having significantly (p<0.05) higher values than other locations and countries, respectively. With exception of Pb in Uganda, insignificant correlation (p>0.05) between soil and the corresponding cocoyam crops grown was observed for other metals. Soil and cocoyam crops grown in the selected locations along the wetlands of Lake Victoria basin are contaminated with heavy metals and thus pose health risk to the consumers