Abstract: Eating practices represent a set of social modes relating to human nutrition, influenced by culture, religion and trends. Knowledge of good dietary practices is needed in order to understand the risk factors associated with poor nutrition, which have an impact on the physical and mental health of young children. Togo is undergoing a dietary transition that is affecting all social strata as a result of urbanisation and globalisation. In Togo, particularly in the Golfe 1 municipality, the implementation of national directives to fight against malnutrition requires a good level of knowledge of appropriate practices on the part of the population. With the aim of implementing good feeding practices, we undertook this study to assess mothers' knowledge of good feeding practices by administering a survey questionnaire and to assess the nutritional status of their children aged 0-59 months in the Bè-Kpota and Adakpamè health centres using anthropometry. This work involved a descriptive cross-sectional study of women with a child aged between 0 and 59 months. The results showed that 38.2% of new-borns were put to the breast early; 25% of children aged 0-6 months were exclusively breastfed, while 40.9% received other liquids and 34.1% porridge before the age of six months. Wasting is more prevalent in children aged [12-59] months (12.0%) and [0-12] months (5.0%). In conclusion, this study enabled us to take stock of mother’s knowledge of good eating habits, made possible to assess the nutritional status of the children and also to draw up recommendations for the competent authorities in charge of public health and for civil society organisations in the care of malnourished children.Abstract: Eating practices represent a set of social modes relating to human nutrition, influenced by culture, religion and trends. Knowledge of good dietary practices is needed in order to understand the risk factors associated with poor nutrition, which have an impact on the physical and mental health of young children. Togo is undergoing a dietary transit...Show More
Abstract: Cocos nucifera L. is the most important coastal crop in Côte d'Ivoire and its production is the main source of income for farmers. Some 53 coconut cultivars have been developed by the Marc Delorme Coconut Research Station of the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique to provide producers with high-yielding, disease-resistant planting material. However, few data on the biochemical variability of the kernels of these coconut cultivars is known. Therefore, the nutritive characterization of coconut kernels is necessary for the selection of nutrient-rich cultivars for coconut breeding programs and for coconut food valorization. The present study was carried out to evaluate the nutritive composition of four coconut kernel cultivars selected at different maturity stages at the Marc Delorme Coconut Research Station of the National Centre for Agricultural Research. The ANOVA results show a significant effect (p<0.05) of coconut cultivar and maturity stage on kernel nutritive parameters. Moisture, carbohydrate and soluble sugars contents were maximal at 10 months and decreased significantly (p<0.0001) during kernel maturation. Protein, fat, fibre, ash, minerals and amino acids increased significantly (p<0.05) and were maximal at 12 months. The improved West African Tall (WAT+) coconut kernel contains minimum moisture (5.07%), maximum fibre (11.29%), fat (55.42%) and energy (607,41 kcal/100g), while the improved Rennell Island Tall (RIT+) contains maximum carbohydrates (32.13%), reducing sugars (2.78%) and protein (8.63%). The improved hybrid PB113+ also contains maximum ash (1.56%), total sugars (7.24%) and non-reducing sugars (4.98%). Potassium (62488.50 – 74104.34 ppm) and histidine (654.66 – 1287.44 mg/100g) were the predominant minerals and amino acids in coconut kernel. The hybrid cultivars (PB113+ and PB121+) generally had higher mineral and amino acid contents than the tall cultivars (WAT+ and RIT+). These results suggest that there are differences in the nutritional composition of Cocos nucifera kernels between cultivars depending on the stage of maturity. The data obtained will provide useful information for the selection of coconut cultivars and their use in food products.Abstract: Cocos nucifera L. is the most important coastal crop in Côte d'Ivoire and its production is the main source of income for farmers. Some 53 coconut cultivars have been developed by the Marc Delorme Coconut Research Station of the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique to provide producers with high-yielding, disease-resistant planting material. Ho...Show More
Abstract: The methods of storing and preserving sweet potatoes and the resulting foods in Côte d'Ivoire are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to compile a list of these methods and foods. A survey was carried out among producers in the Bouaké and Agboville, which are among the major producing areas. The survey focused on producers' knowledge of the varieties grown, farming practices, storage and conservation methods used, and the food. The results showed that two (2) sweet potato varieties are grown predominantly in Agboville and one (1) variety in Bouaké. Sweet potatoes with purple skin and yellow flesh (100%) are found in Bouaké, while in the Agboville area the sweet potatoes are found to have beige skin with white flesh (40%) or purple skin with white flesh (60%). The storage method most commonly used in both departments is bulk storage. Sweet potato dishes vary from one department to another. However, the most popular dish in Bouaké is boiled potato (87.6%) and in Agboville it is chips (86.2%). This study provided information on storage and preservation methods and culinary preparations in southern and central Côte d'Ivoire. It showed the need to propose other storage methods to farmers.
Abstract: The methods of storing and preserving sweet potatoes and the resulting foods in Côte d'Ivoire are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to compile a list of these methods and foods. A survey was carried out among producers in the Bouaké and Agboville, which are among the major producing areas. The survey focused on producers' knowledge of th...Show More