Browsing by Author "Ongeng, Duncan"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 25
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Addition of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Iron-Rich Beans Improves Sensory, Nutritional and Physical Properties But Reduces Microbial Shelf Life of Cassava-Based Pancake (Kabalagala) Designed for Children 2-5 Years Old
    (Taylor & Francis, 2021-04-25) Adoko, Melas Cayrol; Olum, Solomon; Elolu, Samuel; Ongeng, Duncan
    Innovative use of locally available food resources to develop products of enhanced nutritional quality is one of the strategies believed to alleviate deficiencies of essential micronutrients such as vitamin A and iron are endemic among children 2–5 years in developing countries such as Uganda. New cassava-based pancake (kabalagala) formulae composed of orange-fleshed sweet potato, iron-rich beans, cassava, and sweet banana were developed to target the vitamin A and iron needs of children 2–5 years in Uganda. The new products had better sensory appeal and nutrient density had better physical properties during storage, and were stable to oxidative rancidity but had lower microbial shelf-life compared to the original pancake formula (composed of cassava and sweet banana). Notwithstanding bioavailability constraints, theoretical nutritional computation revealed that serving 100 g (approximately four pieces) of the new products would contribute approximately 99–102% of vitamin A and 110–119% of the iron requirements of the targeted children.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Brucellosis: Community, medical and veterinary workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Northern Uganda
    (International Journal of One Health, 2017-05-05) Muloki Nabirye, Harriet; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George William; Kungu, Joseph Morison; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ongeng, Duncan; Okello Owiny, David
    Aim: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data. Results: Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Conclusion: Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Brucellosis: Community, Medical and Veterinary Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Northern Uganda
    (International Journal of One Health, 2017-05-05) Nabirye, Harriet Muloki; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George William; Kungu, Joseph Morison; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ongeng, Duncan; Owiny, David Okello
    This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis.A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data.Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Community-based nutrition-sensitive approach to address short-term hunger and undernutrition among primary school children in rural areas in a developing country setting:
    (BMC Nutrition, 2020) Elolu, Samuel; Ongeng, Duncan
    Background: Undernutrition in childhood is an important factor that greatly impedes the achievement of full human potential at adulthood. Despite increased enrolment of pupils in primary schools in developing countries, short-term hunger and undernutrition continue to impact negatively on school attendance, retention and education outcomes in economically disadvantaged rural areas. This study examined the feasibility of a community-based participatory action research approach building capacity of rural women food vendors to use local food resources to produce nutritionally enhanced food products for primary school feeding in rural localities in a developing country setting. Methods: Mixed methods approach incorporating focus group discussions (FGDs) to evaluate parents’ and school administrators’ perceptions of the community-based approach, participatory experimental improvement of nutritional quality of an energy-based cassava product (gari) involving community women food vendors, and cross-sectional acceptability assessment of improved products among rural primary school children. Qualitative content analysis, one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis was used to analyse FGD data, compare nutritional profile and consumer sensory profile of different products, and examine associations between sensory attributes and acceptability of the products, respectively. Results: The approach of using local food resources to produce nutritious products targeting school feeding was strongly recognised by parents, school administrators, teachers and small scale rural women food vendors as an adoptable nutritionsensitive means of addressing short-term hunger among primary school children in rural settings. The action research resulted in a highly accepted nutritionally enhanced product (consisting of cassava, soy and silver fish) exhibiting superior nutritional properties (23.29% protein, 90.5 g/100 g calcium, 4.5 g/100 g zinc, 11.6 g/100 g iron, 40.40 g/100 g phosphorus, 61.57 μg/100 g vitamin A) compared to the original energy-dominated cassava product (2.18% Protein, 55.6 g/100 g calcium, 1.2 g/100 g zinc, 4.4 g/100 g iron, 6.6 g/100 g phosphorus, 11.23 μg/100 g vitamin A) (p < 0.05). Nutritional computation revealed that serving 120 g of the new product would suffice to meet 30% of the recommended dietary allowance for essential nutrients that children should receive from school meals. Conclusion: Community-level nutrition-sensitive innovation using local foods resources offers the opportunity for rural women food vendors to contribute to addressing short-term hunger and undernutrition challenges in primary schools in economically-disadvantaged localities in developing countries.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development of micronutrient dense composite flour for routine enrichment of complementary foods for children 6–24 months old in Acholi sub‑region of Uganda
    (Discover Food, 2023-12-11) Ugada, Aliet Mmbone; Okidi, Lawrence; Ongeng, Duncan
    Background The use of local foods has been widely recognized as a sustainable strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies among resource-constrained households in rural areas in developing countries. Acholi sub-region of Uganda has recently recorded a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies due to inadequate iron, zinc, and calcium contents in complementary foods. Thus the sub-region was used as a case study to examine the potential of amaranth grain silverfish-iron rich beans micronutrient dense composite flour in improving nutritional quality of complementary foods. Design Microsoft Excel was used to derive ingredient combinations based on the micronutrient requirements. Laboratory analyses were used to determine (1) nutritional quality; (2) functional properties and; (3) storage stability of the micronutrient-dense composite flour. Data was analysed using a one-sample t-test and analysis of variance by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results The micronutrient-dense composite flour contained 19 mg/100 g, 13 mg/100 g, and 354 mg/100 g of iron, zinc, and calcium, respectively. The cost (0.037–0.058 USD) of the micronutrient-dense composite flour required to meet the RDA for iron and zinc among children 6–24 months old was found lower than the cost (4.81 USD) of a sachet of standard micronutrient powder equivalent to RDA. The product exhibited low bulk density (0.68 g/l), high water solubility index (25.56–29.16%), and short reconstitution time (40.00–45.00 s), and remained safe during the entire 70 days of storage. Theoretically, daily enrichment of complementary foods for children 6–11 and 12–24 months old with 58 and 37 g of the composite, respectively would contribute 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for iron and zinc and 50% for calcium. Conclusion The developed micronutrient-dense composite flour has the potential to improve the micronutrient quality of complementary foods. A concerted effort is required to promote its use as a strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies among children 6–24 months in resource-constrained settings.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among women of childbearing age in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda
    (Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2023) Muggaga, Christopher; Okello‑Uma, Ipolto; Natigo, Archileo Kaaya; Taylor, David; Ongeng, Duncan; Basil, Mugonola
    Karamoja sub-region is the most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. The poor status of food security in the sub-region is reflected in the high rate of undernutrition among women of childbearing age (WCBA) and children under 5 years (CUFY). The sub-region is unique in Uganda in terms of cultural diversity, agro-ecology and rainfall pattern and agricultural practices. However, the influence of these unique characteristics on dietary intake of WCBA in the sub-region is less understood. Therefore, this study examined dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among WCBA in Karamoja sub-region.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Disparity in prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in children under five among agricultural, pastoral, and agro-pastoral ecological zones of Karamoja sub-region, Uganda: a cross sectional study
    (BMC Pediatrics, 2022-05-30) Okidi, Lawrence; Ongeng, Duncan; Muliro, Patrick Simiyu; Matofari, Joseph Wafula
    Background Undernutrition accounts for nearly half of under-five child mortality in developing countries where household nutrition is largely dependent on agriculture. Despite the strong influence of agroecology on agriculture in those countries, limited information exists on whether undernutrition in children under five varies with agro-ecological location. Methods Using Karamoja sub-region of Uganda, one of the most food insecure parts of Eastern Africa as a case area, and applying a multi-stage sampling procedure, and a structured questionnaire, this study examined in a comparative manner, the prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in children under five among the agricultural, pastoral, and agro-pastoral ecological zones. Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to establish the disparity in prevalence of undernutrition and household contextual characteristics, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of undernutrition in children under five among the three agro-ecological zones. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting ranged from 36 to 58% but varied with agroecology in terms of the peak age ranging from 6 to 37 months. Child characteristics, feeding practices, household economic factors, sanitation factors, and caregiver characteristics that predict undernutrition among children under five were identified (p ≤ 0.05). Caregiver handwashing after using latrine (p = 0.005) and diarrhoea in a fortnight (p < 0.001) increased the likelihood of stunting in pastoral agroecology only whereas cereal storage in both sacks and granary in agro-pastoral zone was associated with reduced likelihood of both underweight (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014) and stunting (p = 0.011 and p = 0.018), respectively. A male child was more likely to be underweight and stunted in pastoral (p = 0.002 and p = 0.011) and agro-pastoral (p = 0.017 and p = 0.002) agroecology, respectively. Household expenses reduced the likelihood of both underweight and wasting in pastoral (p = 0.013 and p = 0.005) and agricultural (p = 0.011 and p = 0.021) agroecology, respectively. Flour storage duration increased the stunting likelihood in pastoral (p = 0.032) and agro-pastoral (p = 0.006) agroecologies. Conclusion This study has revealed that, in a food insecure developing country setting such as Karamoja sub-region of Uganda, undernutrition among children under five varies with agroecology. Thus, nutritional interventions in such locations should be agroecology specific.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Disparity in prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in children under five among agricultural, pastoral, and agro-pastoral ecological zones of Karamoja sub-region, Uganda: a cross sectional study
    (BMC Pediatrics, 2022-05-30) Okidi, Lawrence; Ongeng, Duncan; Muliro, Patrick Simiyu; Matofari, Joseph Wafula
    Background: Undernutrition accounts for nearly half of under-five child mortality in developing countries where household nutrition is largely dependent on agriculture. Despite the strong influence of agroecology on agriculture in those countries, limited information exists on whether undernutrition in children under five varies with agro ecological location. Methods: Using Karamoja sub-region of Uganda, one of the most food insecure parts of Eastern Africa as a case area, and applying a multi-stage sampling procedure, and a structured questionnaire, this study examined in a comparative manner, the prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in children under five among the agricultural, pastoral, and agro-pastoral ecological zones. Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to establish the disparity in prevalence of undernutrition and household contextual characteristics, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of undernutrition in children under five among the three agro-ecological zones. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting ranged from 36 to 58% but varied with agroecology in terms of the peak age ranging from 6 to 37 months. Child characteristics, feeding practices, household economic factors, sanitation factors, and caregiver characteristics that predict undernutrition among children under five were identified (p ≤ 0.05). Caregiver handwashing after using latrine (p = 0.005) and diarrhoea in a fortnight (p < 0.001) increased the likelihood of stunting in pastoral agroecology only whereas cereal storage in both sacks and granary in agro-pastoral zone was associated with reduced likelihood of both underweight (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014) and stunting (p = 0.011 and p = 0.018), respectively. A male child was more likely to be underweight and stunted in pastoral (p = 0.002 and p = 0.011) and agro-pastoral (p = 0.017 and p = 0.002) agroecology, respectively. Household expenses reduced the likelihood of both underweight and wasting in pastoral (p = 0.013 and p = 0.005) and agricultural (p = 0.011 and p = 0.021) agroecology, respectively. Flour storage duration increased the stunting likelihood in pastoral (p = 0.032) and agro-pastoral (p = 0.006) agroecologies Conclusion: This study has revealed that, in a food insecure developing country setting such as Karamoja sub-region of Uganda, undernutrition among children under five varies with agroecology. Thus, nutritional interventions in such locations should be agroecology specific.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The effect of traditional malting technology practiced by an ethnic community in northern Uganda on in-vitro nutrient bioavailability and consumer sensory preference for locally formulated complementary food formulae
    (Food Science and Nutrition, 2018-10) Alowo, Docus; Muggaga, Christopher; Ongeng, Duncan
    The occurrence of anti-nutritional constituents in plants is an important factor that negatively affects bioavailability of nutrients and effectiveness of plant-based foods in complementary feeding in rural areas in developing countries. However, proven methods that improve bioavailability of nutrients and tailored for application in processing complementary foods among rural communities are largely lacking. This study examined the efficacy of a traditional malting technology practiced by the Acholi ethnic community of northern Uganda to improve protein digestibility and bioavailability of iron and zinc from millet–sesame–soy composite containing 200, 300, and 550 kcal meant for complementary feeding of children aged 6–8, 9–12, and 13–23 years old, respectively. The technology involves washing and soaking of ingredients for 12 hr; malting ingredients individually for 48 hr with water changed after every 6 hr; and sun-drying malted ingredients for 72 hr. Results showed that the level of anti-nutritional factors significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except the content of total phenolics in 200, tannins in 300 and 550 kcal, composite formula, respectively. In vitro protein digestibility significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except in the 200 kcal formula. Iron bioavailability significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except in the 550 kcal energy category. Improvement in zinc bioavailability was only observed in the 300 kcal formula. However, there were significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in the level of caregiver preferences for sensory properties and overall acceptability of the composites. These results demonstrate that the traditional malting technology has potential to improve nutrient bioavailability in plant-based foods but requires improvement in order to increase its efficacy and mitigate negative effects on sensory appeal.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    In vitro bioavailability-based assessment of the contribution of wild fruits and vegetables to household dietary iron requirements among rural households in a developing country setting: The case of Acholi Sub region of Uganda
    (Wiley, 2020-10-14) Tuyizere, Jean Damascene; Okidi, Lawrence; Elolu, Samuel; Ongeng, Duncan
    Wild fruits and vegetables (WFV) are believed to contain substantial quantities of micronutrients and are commonly consumed in rural areas of developing countries endowed with natural vegetation. Previous studies that provided evidence on the contribution of WFV to household micronutrient intake in a developing country setting did not consider the effect of anti-nutritional factors. Therefore, applying the in vitro bioavailability assessment technique and using the Acholi sub-region of Uganda a case area, this study examined the contribution of commonly consumed WFV to the pooled annual household dietary requirement for iron. Laboratory analysis showed that the concentration of antinutrients varied with plant species but the pool was dominated by phytate (10.5–150 mg/100 g) and phenolic substances (38.6–41.7 mg GAE/g). In vitro, iron bioavailability varied with plant species and was quantitatively higher in vegetables than fruits by 27% although the total concentration of the micronutrient was higher in fruits than vegetables by 142%. Nutritional computation, taking into account, household composition, and physiological status revealed that consumption of WFV resulted in a median contribution of 1.8% (a minimum of 0.02 and a maximum of 34.7%) to the pooled annual household dietary iron requirements on the basis of bioavailable iron fraction. These results demonstrate that WFV contributes meagrely to household iron needs but may serve other dietary and non-nutrient health purposes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Iodine Agronomic Biofortification of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Is Effective under Farmer Field Conditions
    (Agronomy MDPI, 2019-11-23) Ojok, Joe; Omara, Peter; Opolot, Emmanuel; Odongo, Walter; Olum, Solomon; Gijs, Du Laing; Gellynck, Xavier; De Steur, Hans; Ongeng, Duncan
    Abstract: Iodine (I) is an essential micronutrient, which plays a critical role in human metabolism. However, its concentration is known to be low in most soils, making it deficient in crops. With most I agronomic biofortification studies conducted under controlled environments, limited information currently exists on this approach of enriching I deficient crops under farmer field conditions. Two-year field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to examine efficacy of cowpea and cabbage in the uptake of foliar applied potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3), each with 0, 5, 10, and 15 kg I ha−1 under farmer field conditions. Results indicate that KI was 34% more efficient than KIO3. Iodine concentration increased with application rate. In cabbage, the lowest I concentration (8.2 mg kg−1 ) was registered at 5 kg I ha−1 with KIO3 while the highest was 109.1 mg kg−1 at 15 kg I ha−1 with KI. Cowpea registered the lowest I concentration of 531.5 mg kg−1 at 5 kg I ha−1 with KIO3 while the highest (5854.2 mg kg−1 ) was registered at 15 kg I ha−1 with KI. Therefore, cowpea and cabbage can be effectively biofortified through foliar application of both KI and KIO3 under farmer field conditions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Non-attitudinal and non-knowledge based factors constrain households from translating good nutritional knowledge and attitude to achieve the WHO recommended minimum intake level for fruits and vegetables in a developing country setting: evidence from Gulu district, Uganda
    (BMC Nutrition, 2021) Kenyi, Benjamin; Bendere, Lomira; Nassanga, Prossy; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Ongeng, Duncan
    Urban and rural inhabitants met up to 72.0 and 62.4% of the RMDIL, respectively, with absolute intake being higher among urban than rural households by 37.54 g. NK and NA were good but the intensity of NK was higher among urban respondents by 11%. RDMIL was positively correlated with NA while socio-demographic predictors of RDMIL varied with household location. FGD revealed that primary agricultural production constraints, market limitations, postharvest management limitations, health concerns, social discomfort and environmental policy restrictions were the major NANK factors that hindered achievement of the RDMIL. Conclusions: These results indicate that NANK factors constrain households from translating good NA and NK to achieve the RMDIL.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Optimised combination of rosemary, ginger and garlic improves microbial shelf-life and sensory acceptability of vitamin A and iron-enriched cassava-based pancake (Kabalagala)
    (Elsevier, 2024-08-08) Ngala, John Ngoka; Okidi, Lawrence; Ongeng, Duncan
    In Uganda, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is 8.3 and 9.0 % in the urban and rural areas, respectively, while iron deficiency is at least 53 % in CUF. This necessitated the development of vitamin A and iron-enriched cassava-based pancakes (Kabalagala) with desirable sensory and physical properties. However, enrichment reduced microbial shelf life by 66.67 %, from 72 to 24 h. Individual application of spices (rosemary, ginger, and garlic) resolved the microbial shelf-life challenge but the products were sensorially inacceptable. A special cubic- constrained simplex lattice mixture design approach was used to generate different ternary combinations of the three spices. Ridge analysis was used to determine the optimal spices’ proportions based on the pancakes’ total plate count and sensory properties. Optimal values were 1.0 g rosemary, 0.5 g ginger, and 0.5 g garlic; and 0.5 g rosemary, 0.5 g ginger, and 1.0 g garlic, for products targeting children 2–3- and 4–5-years-old, respectively. Optimal spices combination improved microbial shelf-life by 44 and 34 h for products targeting children 2–3- and 4–5-years-old, respectively. The acceptability scores of the optimised products were largely better than the control products. It is therefore recommended that local processors adopt the new products and make them available to improve the intake of Vitamin A and iron among CUF in Uganda.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prebiotic potential of oligosaccharides extracted from improved Ugandan varieties of millet, sesame, soybean, and sorghum: enhancing probiotic growth and enteric pathogen inhibition
    (Springer Nature, 2025) Alowo, Docus; Olum, Solomon; Muzira Mukisa, Ivan; Ongeng, Duncan
    Functional gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea continue to affect children under five years in low-income coun tries. Incorporating health-enhancing bioactive compounds such as prebiotics in diet offers a promising solution. This study investigated prebiotic potential of oligosaccharides extracted from improved varieties of millet (Seremi 2, Naromil 2), sesame (Sesim 2, Sesim 3), soybean (Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 6N), and sorghum (Narosorg 2, Narosorg 4), commonly consumed in Uganda. These were compared to their respective indigenous variety. This study employed standardized methods for optical density measurement, culture preparation, and oligosaccharide extraction to evalu ate prebiotic properties. We investigated whether plant-based oligosaccharides could enhance the effectiveness of probiotics, specifically Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (ATCC 14917) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 7469), in antagonizing common enteric pathogens (Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 13076) and Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022)). Approximately 4–8 log CFU/ml of each probiotic was incubated in 2% w/v oligosaccharide extracts at 37 °C to evaluate the influence of the extracts on their growth, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and antag onistic activity. Maximum cell density, which exceeded the minimum recommended probiotic cell density (6 log CFU/ml), was achieved during 24-h incubation period. The probiotics exhibited optimal growth in extracts of Sesim 2, Maksoy 3N, Narosorg 2 and indigenous millet variety resulting in a 68–84% increase in cell densities. The concen tration of SCFA concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in soybean-based oligosaccharides. Both probiotics antagonized growth of Salmonella and Shigella by more than 40% when cultured on Sesim 2, Maksoy 3N, Narosorg 2 and indigenous millet variety, while maintaining the probiotic cell densities above the minimum recommended level. These varieties show great potential as functional ingredients for developing synbiotic-rich foods to promote gut and public health. However, to evaluate the oligosaccharides prebiotic efficacy, in vitro fermentation using fecal microbiota and in vivo studies are necessary to determine gut microbiota changes and interactions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence of aflatoxin along processing points of locally made complementary food formulae in northern Uganda: Safety and children’s exposure across seasons
    (Heliyon, 2023-07-22) Achiro, Eunice; Okidi, Lawrence; Echodu, Richard; Alarakol, Simon Peter; Anena, Juliet; Ongeng, Duncan
    Aflatoxin contamination along the processing points of locally made complementary food composite needs to be ascertained and minimized to reduce exposure to weaning children. The study established the concentrations of total aflatoxin (TAF) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) along the processing points of locally made malted millet sesame soybean composite (MMSSC) across season one (wet) and season two (dry) and determined children's exposure to them. A total of 363 samples were collected in 2019. TAF and AFB1 concentrations were determined quantitatively using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Consequently, exposure of individual children was assessed as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), (ng kg−1 bw day−1). All the samples along the processing points had detectable concentrations of TAF and AFB1 ranging from 0.578 μg kg−1 to 1.187 μg kg−1 and 0.221 μg kg−1 to 0.649 μg kg−1 respectively. Contamination was highest in raw materials; soybean (Glycine max) > sesame (Sesamum indicum), followed by stored composite, freshly prepared composite, and least in millet (Eleusine coracana). Contamination varied significantly across seasons with the wet season having higher contamination than the dry season at P = 0.05. All samples (100%) were within the European Commission (EC) acceptable maximum tolerable level for TAF and AFB1 (4 μg kg−1 and 2 μg kg−1) respectively for processed foods for general consumption. But were below the EU acceptable maximum tolerable level for TAF and AFB1 (0.4 μg kg−1 and 0.1 μg kg−1) respectively for processed baby foods cereals. However, all were within the United States- Food and Drug Authority (US-FDA) and East African Community (EAC) set maximum acceptable limit of 20 μg kg−1 for TAFs, 10 μg kg−1 and 5 μg kg−1 for TAF and AFB1 respectively. Conversely, exposure to these toxins was much higher than the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Dietary Intake (PMTDI) of 0.4 ng kg−1 bw day−1 to 1.0 ng kg−1 bw day−1. A significant difference in exposure to both toxins was observed with the weight. The age of 5 months was the most exposed. A concerted effort is needed to reduce children's exposure to MMSSC to TAF and AFB1, taking sesame and soybean as priority ingredients and proper storage based on season to control contamination.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Recommended daily allowance-based contribution of household’s own agricultural production to food and nutrition security in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda
    (Agriculture & Food Security, 2022-01-15) Muggaga, Christopher; Basil, Mugonola; Okello‑Uma, Ipolto; Kaaya, Archileo Natigo; Taylor, David; Ongeng, Duncan
    Background: In Uganda, agriculture is the main pathway for dietary intake among the households. Karamoja sub region, located in Northeastern part of Uganda is the most food insecure in the country. Although agriculture contrib‑ utes greatly to Uganda’s food systems, there is inadequate evidence for household energy and nutrient intake from agricultural production in the sub-region. Karamoja sub-region is typical because crop production has increasingly become part of the agricultural system in a largely semi-arid environment, predominantly occupied in pastoralism. Therefore, a cross-sectional study of 520 participants investigated the contribution of household’s own agricultural production to dietary intake, seeking to answer whether or not own agricultural production translates into adequate energy and nutrient intake. Results: Own food production did not meet energy and nutrient requirements, contributed disproportionately among the districts to household cumulated annual RDAs. This was refected in the higher proportion of house‑ holds in Moroto not attaining the cumulative annual RDA (energy: 100.0; protein 100.0; iron 86.5; and zinc 100.0%) than in Abim (energy: 81.6; protein 53.3; iron 23.7; and zinc 59.9%). Overall in Karamoja sub-region, the total energy and nutrients required by the household and supplied from their agricultural production were 15,589.7±10,230.6 and 4226.0±3980.1 kcal/day for energy, 317.6±202.6 and 154.4±153.7 g/day for proteins, 49.5±30.8 and 50.2±47.6 mg/day for iron, and 52.7±32.6 and 25.4±24.5 mg/day for zinc. Inter-household distribution of the absolute diference between energy and selected nutrients required by the household and that derived from own agricultural production showed defcits in household energy and nutrients needs. Further, polygamy, subsistence farming by spouse, lack of formal education by spouse positively predicted energy and nutrient supplied from own agricultural produce while lack of formal education negatively predicted energy nutrients supplied from agricultural produce. Increase in household size increased energy and nutrient required from agricultural production. Conclusion: Own agricultural production contributes limitedly to household energy and nutrient needs in the sub region. There are great variations in the households’ capacity to derive energy and nutrients from own agriculture
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Recommended Daily Allowance-Based Contribution of Household’s Own Agricultural Production to Food and Nutrition Security in Karamoja Sub-region of Uganda.
    (Agriculture & Food Security, 2021-07-27) Muggaga, Christopher; Mugonola, Basil; Okello‑Uma, Ipolto; Natigo, Archileo Kaaya; Taylor, David; Ongeng, Duncan
    Background: In Uganda, agriculture is the main pathway for dietary intake among the households. Karamoja sub region, located in Northeastern part of Uganda is the most food insecure in the country. Although agriculture contrib‑ utes greatly to Uganda’s food systems, there is inadequate evidence for household energy and nutrient intake from agricultural production in the sub-region. Karamoja sub-region is typical because crop production has increasingly become part of the agricultural system in a largely semi-arid environment, predominantly occupied in pastoralism. Therefore, a cross-sectional study of 520 participants investigated the contribution of household’s own agricultural production to dietary intake, seeking to answer whether or not own agricultural production translates into adequate energy and nutrient intake. Results: Own food production did not meet energy and nutrient requirements, contributed disproportionately among the districts to household cumulated annual RDAs. This was refected in the higher proportion of house‑ holds in Moroto not attaining the cumulative annual RDA (energy: 100.0; protein 100.0; iron 86.5; and zinc 100.0%) than in Abim (energy: 81.6; protein 53.3; iron 23.7; and zinc 59.9%). Overall in Karamoja sub-region, the total energy and nutrients required by the household and supplied from their agricultural production were 15,589.7±10,230.6 and 4226.0±3980.1 kcal/day for energy, 317.6±202.6 and 154.4±153.7 g/day for proteins, 49.5±30.8 and 50.2±47.6 mg/day for iron, and 52.7±32.6 and 25.4±24.5 mg/day for zinc. Inter-household distribution of the absolute diference between energy and selected nutrients required by the household and that derived from own agricultural production showed defcits in household energy and nutrients needs. Further, polygamy, subsistence farming by spouse, lack of formal education by spouse positively predicted energy and nutrient supplied from own agricultural produce while lack of formal education negatively predicted energy nutrients supplied from agricultural produce. Increase in household size increased energy and nutrient required from agricultural production. Conclusion: Own agricultural production contributes limitedly to household energy and nutrient needs in the sub region. There are great variations in the households’ capacity to derive energy and nutrients from own agricultural produce in Karamoja sub-region. Polygamy, subsistence farming, education and household size predicted energy and nutrients required from and supplied by agricultural production.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Agronomic Iodine Biofortification: A SWOT-AHP Analysis in Northern Uganda
    (MDPI, 2018-03-24) Olum, Solomon; Gellynck, Xavier; Okello, Collins; Webale, Dominic; Odongo, Walter; Ongeng, Duncan; DeSteur, Hans
    Agronomic biofortification (i.e., the application of fertilizer to elevate micronutrient concentrations in staple crops) is a recent strategy recommended for controlling Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs). However, its success inevitably depends on stakeholders’ appreciation and acceptance of it. By taking Northern Uganda as a case, this study aimed to capture and compare the perceptions of seven key stakeholder groups with respect to agronomic iodine biofortification. Therefore, we employed a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis in combination with an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Findings show that stakeholders (n = 56) are generally positive about agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda, as its strengths and opportunities outweighed weaknesses and threats. Cultural acceptance and effectiveness are considered the most important strengths while the high IDD prevalence rate and the availability of iodine deficient soils are key opportunities for further developing agronomic iodine biofortification. Environmental concerns about synthetic fertilizers as well as the time needed to supply iodine were considered crucial weaknesses. The limited use of fertilizer in Uganda was the main threat. While this study provides insight into important issues and priorities for iodine biofortification technology in Uganda, including differences in stakeholder views, the application of the SWOT-AHP method will guide future researchers and health planners conducting stakeholder analysis in similar domains.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Agronomic Iodine Biofortification: A SWOT-AHP Analysis in Northern Uganda
    (Nutrients, 2018-03-24) Olum, Solomon; Gellynck, Xavier; Okello, Collins; Webale, Dominic; Odongo, Walter; Ongeng, Duncan; Steur, Hans De
    Agronomic biofortification (i.e., the application of fertilizer to elevate micronutrient concentrations in staple crops) is a recent strategy recommended for controlling Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs). However, its success inevitably depends on stakeholders’ appreciation and acceptance of it. By taking Northern Uganda as a case, this study aimed to capture and compare the perceptions of seven key stakeholder groups with respect to agronomic iodine biofortification. Therefore, we employed a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis in combination with an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Findings show that stakeholders (n = 56) are generally positive about agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda, as its strengths and opportunities outweighed weaknesses and threats. Cultural acceptance and effectiveness are considered the most important strengths while the high IDD prevalence rate and the availability of iodine deficient soils are key opportunities for further developing agronomic iodine biofortification. Environmental concerns about synthetic fertilizers as well as the time needed to supply iodine were considered crucial weaknesses. The limited use of fertilizer in Uganda was the main threat. While this study provides insight into important issues and priorities for iodine biofortification technology in Uganda, including differences in stakeholder views, the application of the SWOT-AHP method will guide future researchers and health planners conducting stakeholder analysis in similar domains.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Status of food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of caregivers of children in northern Uganda
    (2023-05-31) Achiro, Eunice; Okidi, Lawrence; Nassanga, Prossy; Echodu, Richard; Alarakol, Simon Peter; Nassanga, Prossy; Ongeng, Duncan
    The safety of homemade weaning foods in low- and middle- income countries is of great concern as rural households have limited access to standardized commercial weaning foods. In the Acholi subregion of Uganda, complementary foods are locally produced. However, there is limited information on the Food safety knowledge (FSK), food safety attitude (FSA), and food hygiene practices (FHP) of the caregivers. This study examined food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of the caregivers of children 6– 23 months of age in Amuru and Nwoya districts, Northern Uganda, be tween March 2019 and June 2019. A cross- sectional study was conducted involving 180 caregivers. Data were collected using semi- structured questionnaires and focus group discussions and analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate binary logis tic regression, and thematic content analysis. Caregivers had sufficient FSK (74.1%) and positive FSA (68.1%). However, only 17.6% of them adhered to FHP. Frequency of food safety training (p = .041) and households with children who suffered from foodborne illness (p = .001) significantly predicted FSK. Conversely, both FSK and FSA were significantly predicted by gender roles in decision- making on household income (p = .006) and households with older children (p = .041). A significant positive correla tion was observed between FSK and FSA (r = .406, p = .000). However, major barriers to adherence to FHP were inadequate sanitation facilities and caregiver's workload. The overall nontranslation of sufficient FSK and positive FSA into proper FHP calls for future intervention to harness the sociodemographic factors that influence FSK and FSA and address the barriers to FHP among caregivers.