Systematic Review on Farmers’ Perceptions, Preferences and Utilization Patterns of Taro [&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Colocasia esculenta&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (L.) Scott] for Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria

Fufa, Tilahun Wondimu; Oselebe, Happiness Ogba; Nnamani, Catherine Veronica; Afiukwa, Celestine Azubuike; Uyoh, Edak Aniedi

doi:10.11648/j.jps.20210904.23

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 32 publications

(37 reference statements)

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“…Higher moisture levels contribute to a softer and more delicate texture, which can be desirable in specific culinary applications. However, these conditions also increase the risk of microbial growth and enzymatic activities, leading to spoilage and a decline in quality over time [28]. Taro and other edible aroids are challenging to store and transport due to their bulk and vulnerability to physical damage, which allows microbes to invade and cause decay in the interior starchy tissues [4].…”

Section: Moisture Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Excessive moisture loss during storage or transportation results in weight reduction and physical damage, which results in economic losses for producers and suppliers. Hence, optimizing storage conditions and implementing appropriate handling practices are crucial to maintaining the taro's moisture content and maximizing its market value [28].…”

Section: Moisture Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Taro Roots: An Underexploited Root Crop

Ferdaus,

Chukwu-Munsen,

Foguel

et al. 2023

Nutrients

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Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a root crop that remains largely underutilized and undervalued despite its abundance and affordability. In comparison to other root vegetables, such as potatoes, yams, carrots, and cassava, taro stands out as a plentiful and low-cost option. As global hunger increases, particularly in Africa, it becomes essential to address food insecurity by maximizing the potential of existing food resources, including taro, and developing improved food products derived from it. Taro possesses a wealth of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, thereby making it a valuable nutritional source. Additionally, while not a significant protein source, taro exhibits higher protein content than many other root crops. Consequently, utilizing taro to create food products, such as plant-based milk alternatives, frozen desserts, and yogurt substitutes, could play a crucial role in raising awareness and increasing taro production. Unfortunately, taro has been stigmatized in various cultures, which has led to its neglect as a food crop. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the substantial potential of taro as an economical source of dietary energy by exploring the rich fiber, potassium, vitamin C, protein, and other micronutrient content of taro, and providing a foundation for the formulation of novel food products. Furthermore, this paper assesses the nutritional benefits of taro, its current utilization, and its antinutritional properties. It emphasizes the need for further research to explore the various applications of taro and improve on-farm processing conditions for industrial purposes.

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Section: Moisture Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Moisture Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Taro Roots: An Underexploited Root Crop

Ferdaus,

Chukwu-Munsen,

Foguel

et al. 2023

Nutrients

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“…TLB outbreak resulted in a drastic reduction in production level and farmland size in the southern part of Benin. It has been reported that taro is affected by many diseases and pests in many places of the world (Ayogu et al, 2015), especially P. colocasiae (Sarkar et al, 2017;Wondimu et al, 2021). This disease, which is the most devastating, caused economic losses of more than US$1.4 billion during the TLB pandemic and significantly impacted the genetic diversity of the local gene pool of the plant (Onyeka, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although taro is highly valued, its production is affected by several biotic and abiotic constraints. Taro Leaf Blight (TLB), caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski, is a major taro disease, responsible for about 50 to 95% of the loss of taro production (Otieno, 2020;Wondimu et al, 2021). The disease was first observed in West Africa in 2008 to 2009 and led to a 60% decline in the production in several countries (Bandyopadhyay et al, 2011;Omane et al, 2012;Tsopmbeng et al, 2012;Mbong et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnobotany and perceptions on the value of taro (Colocasia esculenta) among farmers in Benin Republic

Z.¹,

P.²,

Malachy³

et al. 2023

Afr. J. Agric. Res.

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Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a widely grown vegetatively propagated food crop in the Benin Republic. The taro leaf blight (TLB) epidemic in 2009, caused by Phytophthora colocasiae, has destroyed taro production and wiped out many taro landraces in West Africa. A survey was conducted in the southern region of Benin to assess the status of taro and TLB, ethnobotany, farmers' perceptions of taro, and identify production constraints. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 24 farmers in 17 villages across six departments, and the TLB incidence was assessed in the same fields. The results revealed the prevalence of TLB across all the villages and a sharp reduction in production since the TLB epidemic. The TLB incidence ranged from 25 to 100%, however, the mean symptom severity score per field assessed on a 1 to 5 rating scale varied between 0.25 and 2.8. Awareness about the TLB or good crop management practices was low. Integrated methods for TLB control and improved agronomic management are crucial to enhance taro yields. In the long term, introducing resistant varieties is critical for the sustainable management of TLB and taro production in Benin.

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“…Moisture content plays a significant role in the proximate analysis of taro tubers. A lower moisture content (< 80 %) is helpful for transport and storage of corms at ambient temperatures (Wondimu Fufa et al, 2021;Ferdaus et al, 2023).…”

Section: Moisture (%)mentioning

confidence: 99%

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND MINERAL PROFILE OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) IN EMBU, KENYA

Karuma,

Njuguna,

Gicheru

et al. 2024

Trop Subtrop Agroecosyst

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Background. Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is one of the underutilized crops in Kenya, grown under a wide range of environmental and edaphic conditions. This crop has exceptional dietary value and numerous culinary applications due to its edible leaves and corms. However, the mineral nutrient composition of taro in Kenya is still not well known due to a lack of scientific information concerning production. Objective. To determine the proximate composition and mineral profile of taro under different watering regimes and planting densities in Embu, Kenya. Methodology. A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Embu Research Centre, during the long rains (LR) 2021, and short rains (SR) 2021/2022. A factorial experiment with a split-plot layout arranged in a completely randomized block design was adopted. The watering regimes (100 %, 60 %, and 30 % based on the field capacity (FC)) were the main factor while the sub-factor was the planting density, with three replications. The planting densities used were 0.5 m × 0.5 m (40,000 plants ha-1), 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha-1), and 1 m × 1 m (10,000 plants ha-1), representative of high, medium, and low planting densities respectively. Proximate analysis and mineral content were determined. Results. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in seasons were noted for protein, fibre, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc in the taro corms. The high carbohydrate content observed in this study (35 – 39 %) indicates that taro tubers are a good source of nutritional energy. Potassium (> 5000 mg kg -1) and magnesium (> 1000 mg kg -1) were the most prevalent mineral elements in taro corms and leaves, with copper (< 25 mg kg -1) being the least prevalent. Implications. Consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as taro helps the body to utilize the necessary nutrients to combat malnutrition and promote food security in rural communities. Conclusion. Taro leaves can be recommended as leafy vegetables as they are good sources of potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc; and the corms have low fat and protein content, high calorific energy, and high carbohydrate content. Taro represents one of the main sources of energy in many parts of the tropics and its production can be recommended in sub-humid areas in Kenya.

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Systematic Review on Farmers’ Perceptions, Preferences and Utilization Patterns of Taro [<i>Colocasia esculenta</i> (L.) Scott] for Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria

Cited by 8 publications

References 32 publications

Taro Roots: An Underexploited Root Crop

Taro Roots: An Underexploited Root Crop

Ethnobotany and perceptions on the value of taro (Colocasia esculenta) among farmers in Benin Republic

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND MINERAL PROFILE OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) IN EMBU, KENYA

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