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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.
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.
Agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination with high exposure risk among children in Karamoja sub-region: A high diarrhoea prevalent locality in Uganda
(Heliyon, 2022-11-11) Lawrence Okidia; Duncan Ongeng,; Patrick Simiyu Muliroa; Joseph Wafula Matofaria
Uganda is among low-income countries where Salmonella induced diarrhoea still contributes significantly to children under five years (CUF) mortality. Karamoja, a sub-region characterised by three agroecologies (pastoral: PE; agro-pastoral: APE; agricultural: AE), is a geographical location that has consistently experienced a high prevalence of diarrhoea among CUF over the last decade nationally. This study examined whether agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination and exposure risk to CUF. A total of 240 food samples (PE: 78; APE: 73; AE: 89) were examined for Salmonella load using Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction targeting invA gene. Analysis of variance for nested design was used to compare Salmonella counts among food types within and across agroecologies and means were separated using Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test at 5% (p < 0.05). Proportion of foods with Salmonella load exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) set-limit was expressed in percentage. Exposure risk of CUF was computed by multiplying quantity of food intake by Salmonella load and compared to minimum infectious dose (MID) of the pathogen (3 log CFU) whereas chi-square was used to compare proportions of CUF with exposure above or below MID among agroecologies. Salmonella load ranged from 0.00 0.00 to 8.23 1.12 log CFU but varied by food type and agroecology. Salmonella aggregated load in foods from PE was significantly higher than from APE or AE (p <0.05). The proportion of Salmonella contaminated foods from PE, APE, and AE was 33–90%, 40–67%, and 17–88%, respectively. Salmonella exposure risks to CUF were similar (p > 0.05) at 96%, 92%, and 91% in PE, APE,and AE, respectively. Sorghum-based foods and leafy vegetables were the predominant high-risk foods. This study has revealed that Salmonella contamination of foods with high exposure risk among CUF in Karamoja sub-region varies with agroecology. Efforts to address food contamination in the sub-region should take into account agroecology.
Status of food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of caregivers of children in northern Uganda
(Food Science and Nutrition, 2023-05-31) Eunice Achiro; Lawrence Okidi; Prossy Nassanga; Richard Echodu; Duncan Ongeng
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.
Agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination with high exposure risk among children in Karamoja sub-region: A high diarrhoea prevalent locality in Uganda
(Heliyon, 2022-11-11) Lawrence Okidi; Duncan Ongeng; Patrick Simiyu Muliro; Joseph Wafula Matofari
Uganda is among low-income countries where Salmonella induced diarrhoea still contributes significantly to children under five years (CUF) mortality. Karamoja, a sub-region characterised by three agroecologies (pastoral: PE; agro-pastoral: APE; agricultural: AE), is a geographical location that has consistently experienced a high prevalence of diarrhoea among CUF over the last decade nationally. This study examined whether agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination and exposure risk to CUF. A total of 240 food samples (PE: 78; APE: 73; AE: 89) were examined for Salmonella load using Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar and confirmed using poly merase chain reaction targeting invA gene. Analysis of variance for nested design was used to compare Salmonella counts among food types within and across agroecologies and means were separated using Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test at 5% (p < 0.05). Proportion of foods with Salmonella load exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) set-limit was expressed in percentage. Exposure risk of CUF was computed by multiplying quantity of food intake by Salmonella load and compared to minimum infectious dose (MID) of the pathogen (3 log CFU) whereas chi-square was used to compare proportions of CUF with exposure above or below MID among agroecologies. Salmonella load ranged from 0.00 0.00 to 8.23 1.12 log CFU but varied by food type and agroecology. Salmonella aggregated load in foods from PE was significantly higher than from APE or AE (p < 0.05). The proportion of Salmonella contaminated foods from PE, APE, and AE was 33–90%, 40–67%, and 17–88%, respectively. Salmonella exposure risks to CUF were similar (p > 0.05) at 96%, 92%, and 91% in PE, APE, and AE, respectively. Sorghum-based foods and leafy vegetables were the predominant high-risk foods. This study has revealed that Salmonella contamination of foods with high exposure risk among CUF in Karamoja sub-region varies with agroecology. Efforts to address food contamination in the sub-region should take into account agroecology.
Agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination with high exposure risk among children in Karamoja sub-region: A high diarrhoea prevalent locality in Uganda
(Heliyon, 2022-11-11) Lawrence Okidi; Duncan Ongeng; Patrick Simiyu Muliro; Joseph Wafula Matofari
Uganda is among low-income countries where Salmonella induced diarrhoea still contributes significantly to children under five years (CUF) mortality. Karamoja, a sub-region characterised by three agroecologies (pastoral: PE; agro-pastoral: APE; agricultural: AE), is a geographical location that has consistently experienced a high prevalence of diarrhoea among CUF over the last decade nationally. This study examined whether agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination and exposure risk to CUF. A total of 240 food samples (PE: 78; APE: 73; AE: 89) were examined for Salmonella load using Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar and confirmed using poly merase chain reaction targeting invA gene. Analysis of variance for nested design was used to compare Salmonella counts among food types within and across agroecologies and means were separated using Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test at 5% (p < 0.05). Proportion of foods with Salmonella load exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) set-limit was expressed in percentage. Exposure risk of CUF was computed by multiplying quantity of food intake by Salmonella load and compared to minimum infectious dose (MID) of the pathogen (3 log CFU) whereas chi-square was used to compare proportions of CUF with exposure above or below MID among agroecologies. Salmonella load ranged from 0.00 0.00 to 8.23 1.12 log CFU but varied by food type and agroecology. Salmonella aggregated load in foods from PE was significantly higher than from APE or AE (p < 0.05). The proportion of Salmonella contaminated foods from PE, APE, and AE was 33–90%, 40–67%, and 17–88%, respectively. Salmonella exposure risks to CUF were similar (p > 0.05) at 96%, 92%, and 91% in PE, APE, and AE, respectively. Sorghum-based foods and leafy vegetables were the predominant high-risk foods. This study has revealed that Salmonella contamination of foods with high exposure risk among CUF in Karamoja sub-region varies with agroecology. Efforts to address food contamination in the sub-region should take into account agroecology.
University-induced innovations for nurturing farm based micro-enterprises: Experiences from engaging with refugee hosting contexts
(African Journal of Rural Development,, 2023-03) Odongo, W.; Elolu, S.; Akite, I.; Ongeng, D.; Kalule, S.W.
ABSTRACT The linear approach of technology transfer is widely criticized for being non-responsive to the development needs of the marginalized and vulnerable communities. As such, universities have been urged to play an active role, within their community engagement mandate, in facilitating inclusive innovation. Accordingly, this papers uses experiences gained while facilitating the development of farm based micro-enterprises in refugee and host communities of West Nile in Uganda to show how university community engagement can be harnessed to facilitate an inclusive innovation system. An analysis in this paper reveals that the interface structures of community engagement models namely: The Student-Centered Outreach and the Student Enterprise Scheme with supervision from faculty-staff, and together with community leadership, facilitate successful university-community interactions, learning and innovation. We highlight that stimulating sustainable innovations in marginalized communities is dependent on how the interventions are packaged. Further, active engagement of marginalized communities in decision-making does not only give beneficiaries opportunity to contribute and own the development process but also enables the University to learn community challenges for appropriate response.
Understanding intra-community disparity in food and nutrition security in a generally food insecure part of Eastern Africa
(African scholary science communications trust, 2018-08) Olum, S.; Ongeng, D.; Tumuhimbise, G.A; Hennessy, M.J; Okello-Uma, I.; Taylor, D
Food and nutrition insecurity continues to be one of the major development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions of the world. Karamoja sub-region, located in northern Uganda, is one of the poorest and most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. Previous studies have generalized the sub-region as food insecure. However, limited attention has been paid to locational differences in the food and nutrition security situation within this culturally and ecologically diverse part of the country. A cross sectional study design was used to examine at a community level, disparity in food and nutrition security situation among communities in Kotido and Moroto districts of the Karamoja sub-region. The study investigated the status of agricultural production, dietary habits and food security situation using individual household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) and food insecurity coping strategy index (CSI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and correlation and regression methods, at 5 % level of significance. The results showed that irrespective of ethnic differences, majority of households (78.8%) consumed less than 3 meals 24 hours preceding the interview. Generally, agricultural production was inadequate to support household food security and less than 30% of the households had adequate calorie intake. However, calorie intake adequacy was at least three (3) times higher in Kotido than in Moroto district. Plant foods were more frequently consumed than animal-source foods. At least 57% and 73% of households in Kotido and Moroto districts, respectively, never consumed fish. Food security was generally predicted by household size, ownership of food stores, occupation of household caregivers, number of livestock (especially goats) owned by households, time taken to fetch water (related to distance to water source) and sorghum production. Whereas it is generally known that Karamoja sub-region is highly food insecure, this study has demonstrated that communities in Moroto district are worse-off than those in Kotido district. Therefore, community-level characteristics ought to be an essential baseline consideration in designing food and nutrition interventions in Karamoja, and indeed in food insecure localities in general.
Status of household dietary diversity and associated factors among rural and urban households of Northern Uganda.
(Springer Nature, 2023) Kolliesuah, Nelson Papi; Olum, Solomon; Ongeng, Duncan
Background In Northern Uganda, 21 and 52.4% of children under five are underweight and stunted, respectively while 32.9% of pregnant women are anemic. This demographic situation suggests among other issues, a lack of die tary diversity among households. Good nutrition practices that confer dietary quality such as dietary diversity are known to depend on nutrition knowledge and attitude and are shaped by sociodemographic and cultural factors. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to support this assertion for the variably malnourished population of Northern Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional nutrition survey was conducted among 364 household caregivers (182 from two loca tions in Northern Uganda; Gulu District (the rural) and Gulu City (the urban), selected through a multistage sampling approach. The aim was to determine the status of dietary diversity and its associated factors between rural and urban households of Northern Uganda. The household dietary diversity questionnaire and the food frequency questionnaire on a 7-day reference period were used to collect data on household dietary diversity whereas multiple choice ques tions and the five points Likert Scale were used to determine knowledge and attitude toward dietary diversity. Con sumption of ≤ 5 food groups were regarded as low in dietary diversity, 6–8 food groups as medium and ≥ 9 as high dietary diversity score using the FAO 12 food groups. An Independent two-sample t-test was used to differentiate the status of dietary diversity between the urban and rural areas. The Pearson Chi-square Test was used to determine the status of knowledge and attitude while Poisson regression was used to predict dietary diversity based on caregiv ers’ nutritional knowledge and attitude and their associated factors. Results The 7-day dietary recall period revealed that dietary diversity was 22% higher in urban (Gulu City) than in the rural area (Gulu District) with rural and urban households achieving medium (score of 8.76 ± 1.37) and high (score of 9.57 ± 1.44) dietary diversity status, respectively. Diets in both locations were dominated by starchy cereals and tubers while animal-source foods and fruits and vegetables were the least consumed. A higher proportion (51.65%) of urban respondents had good nutrition knowledge toward dietary diversity compared to their rural counterparts (23.08%) and a significantly higher proportion (87.91%) of the former exhibited positive attitude towards dietary diversity than the rural counterparts (72.53%). Application of the Poisson regression shows that nutri tional knowledge was a positive predictor of dietary diversity in the rural (β = 0.114; ρ = 0.000) than in the urban areas (β = -0.008; ρ = 0.551). Caregivers attitude had no significant effect across locations. In terms of associated factors, marital status is a positive predictor of dietary diversity in the urban (β = 1.700; ρ = 0.001) than the other location (β = -2.541; ρ = 0.008). Whereas education level of household caregiver and household food expenditure show nega tive effects across the two locations, the educational level of the household head is an outlier as it positively predicted dietary diversity in the rural (β = 0.003; ρ = 0.002) when compared to urban area (β = -0.002; ρ = -0.011). Conclusion Rural households in Northern Uganda have medium-level dietary diversity with urban households hav ing high dietary diversity. Diets in both locations are dominated by starchy cereals and roots and tubers. The urban rural food divide can be harmonized through nutrition education and outreach, specifically focusing on the FAO 12 food groups. Attitude toward consumption of fruits and vegetables which are seasonally abundant would improve dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes in the study area.
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.
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.
Seasonal variability in food and nutrition security among children 0-3 years in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2022-09-09) Muggaga, C; Ongeng, D; Mugonola, B; Okello-Uma, I; Kaaya, N.A.; Taylor, D
Optimal nutrition and good feeding of infants and young children are among the most important determinants of their health, growth and development. Due to unimodal climate in Karamoja sub-region, north eastern Uganda, achieving food security remains a development challenge in the area impacting negatively on the nutrition and health status of infants and young children. The current study, therefore, is important in providing the basis for season-based interventions to improve food and nutrition security in Karamoja sub-region. A longitudinal study involving 267 lactating mothers during harvesting season and 380 during planting season was conducted. Data were collected using Individual level Dietary Diversity questionnaire, 24-Hour Dietary Recall, and Anthropometry and were analyzed statistically. The findings indicated that except Abim district, 77.8-97.8%of the lactating mothers never attended school; 75- 100% depend on subsistence farming. Lactating mothers (29.9-41.9%) introduced complementary foods to their infants at 6 months, while the age at first introduction of any food to the infant was mostly between 4-6 months. Dietary quality of complementary foods was low across all the districts; 6.7-38.9% of the children ate foods from four or more of the seven food groups in the previous day (Minimum Dietary Diversity) in both seasons. Complementary foods were characterized by plant food sources. With exception of milk and milk products, proportion of children who consumed animal-sourced foods was low, ranging from 0% in meats to 8.9% in fish and sea foods. Energy and nutrient intakes varied according to age groups of the children across districts and season. The proportion of children below -2 Z-score also varied according to districts and it is generally higher during the planting season than the harvesting season. The median of the z-scores for height-for age and Mid Upper Arm Circumference for age ranged from -1 to -2.5. In conclusion, there were variations and disparities in dietary diversity, energy and nutrient intake as well as nutrition status of infants and young children across season and districts in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda. Therefore, interventions to combat malnutrition among children 0-3 years need to take into account seasonal variations for each of the geographical locations in Karamoja sub-region.
Traditional vegetable preservation technologies practiced in Acholi subregion of Uganda improves mineral bioavailability but impacts negatively on the contribution of vegetables to household needs for micronutrients
(Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC., 2021) Bighaghire, Raymond; Okidi, Lawrence; Muggaga, Christopher; Ongeng, Duncan
The impact of traditional African preservation methods on the contribution of vegetables to household micronutrient needs (Recommended Dietary Allowance: RDA) has largely remained unquantified. Using Acholi subregion of Uganda as a case area, this study examined using the predominant vegetables consumed in fresh and preserved forms (cowpeas-Vigna unguicullata, okra/lady fingers-Abelmoschus esculentus, Malakwang-Hibscus cannabinus, and eggplants-Solanum melongena), the effect of major traditional vegetable preservation methods (sun drying, boiling and sun drying, and salting and sun drying) on the contents of micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus), the levels of antinutritional factors (total polyphenols, oxalate, tannins, and phytate), bioavailability of iron and zinc, and the contribution of vegetables to the cumulative annual household RDA for micronutrients. Laboratory analysis showed that all the preservation methods, except the sun drying method reduced the contents of micronutrients by 20%-82% (p ≤ .05). The contents of antinutritional factors reduced by 1%-80% while in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc increased by 21%-296% (p ≤ .05). Nutritional computation revealed that except for calcium, the preservation methods combined, reduced the contribution of the vegetables to cumulative annual RDA for other micronutrients by 28%-60%. These results demonstrate that improvements in bioavailability of essential nutrients (iron and zinc) by traditional preservation methods investigated are associated with significant loss of micronutrients which culminates in significant reduction in the contribution of cultivated vegetables to household RDA for micronutrients. Traditional African preservation methods should be optimized for nutrient retention.
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.
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.
The influence of sugarcane growing by smallholder farmers on household livelihood, food security, and nutrition status of children below five years in mid-western Uganda
(Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2023-11-23) Oyet, Sunday Mark; Muggaga, Christopher; Okello-Uma, Ipolto; Mbabazi, Kaahwa Robert
The current study aimed at determining the influence of sugarcane production on livelihoods, food security and nutrition status. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 smallholder farmers in mid-western Uganda. Food security was assessed by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) while household livelihood and nutrition status of children below five (5) years were assessed by a semi-structured questionnaire and anthropometry respectively. Results showed that sugarcane growing households (SCG) cultivated more acreage of food, owned more assets, earned more income than the non-sugarcane growing households (NSCG). Ownership of motorcycles was higher (p < 0.05) among SCG than NSCG. Households reported anxiety and uncertainty of having food in the previous four weeks (SCG 38%; NSCG 55.2%); had insufficient food quality (SCG 56.8%; NSCG 70.7%); and had insufficient food quantity (SCG 41.7%; NSCG 49.2%). SCG were more food secure (32.3%) than the NSCG (20.8%) (p < 0.05) with a corresponding mean HFIAS of 6.56 ± 6.69 and 8.41 ± 6.41, respectively. Stunting among children below five years among NSCG was higher (34.6%) than in SCG (21.3%). Among SCG, 7.3% and 5.2% of children were underweight and wasted while 6.06% and 2.7% were underweight and wasted from NSCG. This demonstrated that sugarcane growing had better livelihood outcomes, positively impacted on asset ownership and food security but mixed effect on nutrition indicators among children in sugarcane growing and non-sugarcane growing households. It is recommended that government and development agencies diversify livelihoods among the NSCG and reinforce the existing livelihoods among SCG; provide nutrition education to both SCG and NSCG for improved food security and nutrition outcomes. Authors suggest further studies using a mixed approach to assess the levels of household nutrient intake in sugarcane growing areas.
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.
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
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.
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.

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