Fermented castor bean, melon, and African locust bean seeds serve as a protein source in the diet of many Nigerians. Proximate and mineral composition changes during fermentation remain underexplored, particularly in comparative contexts. This study aimed to evaluate and compare these seeds' proximate and mineral compositions during controlled fermentation. Raw seeds were sourced from local markets and subjected to traditional fermentation processes for seven days in the laboratory. Proximate analysis was conducted using standard methods, while mineral contents were quantified using flame photometry after ashing. Analysis of Variance was used to determine a significant difference. Comparatively, at the end of the fermentation, the highest protein (39.96 ± 0.76%), fibre (8.03 ± 0.26%), ash (4.20 ± 0.00%), carbohydrate (13.10 ± 1.25%) and moisture (16.55 ± 0.79%) were recorded in fermented African locust bean seeds. The highest fat content was recorded in castor bean seeds (45.80 ± 0.62%). Comparative mineral composition at the end of fermentation showed that the highest zinc (3.31 ± 0.29 mg/ 100 g), magnesium (282.56 ± 2.03 mg/ 100 g), and calcium (220.00 ± 1.20 mg/ 100 g) were recorded in fermented African locust bean seeds. The highest potassium (1307.85 ± 5.87%) and sodium (55.93 ± 0.96 mg/ 100 g) contents were recorded in melon and castor bean seeds, respectively. This study suggests that fermentation enhances traditional condiments' nutritional and mineral value in West African cuisine. These findings support process optimisation, especially for African locust bean seed to inform dietary recommendations.
Sesame is rich in dietary nutrients; however, varietal selection and processing methods can alter its nutritional composition. Hence, in 2023, three sesame varieties (White Benue, Cameroon White, and E8) were cultivated for a duration of four months at Osun State University, using established agronomic practices. Following the harvest, standard analytical methods were employed to assess the variations in vitamin and antioxidant levels arising from processing. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) was notably highest in the E8 variety, at a value of 17.80 mg/mL, and was lowest in Cameroon White, with a value of 17.30 mg/mL. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was significantly highest in White Benue at 44.8%, while Cameroon White recorded the lowest at 41.0%. Vitamin C content was significantly greater in raw sesame flour (4.11 mg/100 g) compared to roasted sesame flour (1.37 mg/100 g). Vitamin A was also higher in raw sesame flour (0.13 mg/100 g) and significantly reduced in roasted sesame flour (0.08 mg/100 g). Similarly, Vitamin E levels were significantly higher in raw sesame flour (2.44 mg/100 g) and lower in roasted flour (2.08 mg/100 g). The antioxidant activity, measured via DPPH assays, indicated that the raw sesame flour had a significantly greater value (51.61%) than the roasted sesame flour (34.35%). Raw sesame flour possesses superior nutritional content; however, if heat treatment is necessary, it should be applied mildly to avoid damaging the beneficial compounds in the sesame flour.
The persistence of synthetic pesticides in the environment and their toxic residues in food pose significant health risks, necessitating the pursuit of safe and eco-friendly green alternatives in postharvest management of stored grains. The antifungal efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus ethanolic leaf extract against Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp. in stored maize and cowpea was evaluated in this report. The extract was screened for the presence of phytoconstituents. The results revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other bioactive compounds, while the GC-MS analysis identified 18 specific compounds. Antifungal activity was assessed using an in vitro food poisoning assay and in vivo storage studies. The results of the in vitro assay showed 85.3% inhibition against A. flavus, 83.7% against Fusarium spp., and 81.5% for Penicillium spp. The positive control demonstrated significantly lower inhibition, confirming the efficacy of P. amarus bioactive compounds. In vivo storage studies showed that the extract maintained fungal counts at 1.2–1.8 × 10⁶ cfu/g, whereas untreated samples reached 8.5 × 10⁶ cfu/g for A. flavus. Four phytoconstituents from the GC-MS result of the ethanolic extract of the Phyllanthus amarus leaves were docked against lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (4LXJ), with Propiconazole as the standard ligand. Hinokinin was identified as the hit ligand, exhibiting the highest binding affinity compared to the other ligands. The outcome of this study suggests that P. amarus is a promising bio-preservative for grain storage, and its antifungal activity is attributed to the activity of the phytoconstituents, with hinokinin serving as the lead compound.
This study evaluated the cost-benefit effectiveness of biotechnology solutions in reducing postharvest losses among smallholder farmers in Southwest Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 500 farmers sampled through proportional stratified random sampling, of which 400 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, cost-benefit ratios (CBR), paired sample t tests, linear regression, and ANOVA at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that adopting biotech interventions such as genetically modified crops, microbial bio-preservatives, hermetic storage, and mobile-based advisory services led to a marked reduction in postharvest loss rates (27.4% to 11.8%). Hypothesis testing showed a significant difference in pre- and post-adoption loss rates (t = 199.385, p < 0.001) and a positive relationship between biotech adoption and postharvest income (β = 1.545, p < 0.001). However, the type of biotech solution did not significantly influence income (F = 2.575, p = 0.077). These findings demonstrate that biotechnology adoption enhances profitability, reduces spoilage, and strengthens household economic resilience. The study recommends extending extension services, subsidising biotech inputs, and integrating postharvest biotechnology into state agricultural policies to promote wider adoption and sustained impact.
African bush mango has fleshy mesocarp (pulp) rich in vitamins, essential minerals, and phytochemicals. This essential part is usually wasted due to a lack of knowledge of the processing and storage methods. This study aimed to determine the quality evaluation (proximate compositions, microbial loads, and sensory evaluation) of fleshy mesocarp and stored chips of African bush mango. African bush mango fruits were obtained from a farmer in Effraya, Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State. The fruits were sorted, and the hard ones were washed and used for this experiment. The exocarp of the fruits was slightly peeled, and the fleshy pulps were then sliced thinly. The sliced pulps were dried using a multi-crop dryer (at an average temperature of 56.61±1.577 °C). The proximate composition and the sensory evaluation of the fresh pulp and chips (dried pulp) were evaluated. Then, the chips were stored for 6 weeks, and the proximate and microbial analyses were conducted using standard laboratory methods (at 3-week intervals). Except the moisture content, all other proximate contents —ash, fat, fibre, protein, and carbohydrate—showed higher values in the chips (dried pulp) compared to the fresh pulp, with respective values of 3.20%, 1.10%, 10.50%, 5.20%, and 72.10% in the chips, as opposed to 0.89%, 0.65%, 1.65%, 2.43%, and 13.83% in the fresh pulp. The values of sensory scores obtained for both samples were more than 6. Furthermore, the retention of proximate nutrients and observing low microbial loads in the chips during storage suggest that the product remains safe and suitable for consumption during the off-season. Therefore, the chips could be maximally utilised to reduce wastage.
Fish is a perishable food product, making it easily susceptible to microbial attacks. Therefore, adequate drying becomes paramount to make fish shelf-stable. In the quest for food safety, the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute developed a rotary smoking kiln to reduce product-human contact and contamination. This study, therefore, evaluated the performance of the new kiln and the existing model-B, concerning some quality attributes of smoked fish. Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was used for the evaluation, and charcoal and gas were used as an energy source. Quality assessments were conducted on the fish products using standard methods. The proximate qualities of the samples in the two kilns were not significantly or negatively affected. The two kilns lowered the level of heavy metals in the fish within the global permissible limits. Additionally, the PAHs of the products from the two kilns, regardless of the energy source, were lower than the global permissible limit. Out of the total PAHs recorded in the fish dried in the rotary kiln powered with charcoal (8.43 µg/kg) and gas (18.08 µg/kg), only 0.42 and 0.26 µg/kg, respectively, were carcinogenic. Similarly, 0.40 and 0.26 µg/kg were carcinogenic out of the total PAHs recorded in the samples dried in the model-B kiln powered with charcoal (9.19 µg/kg) and gas (16.54 µg/kg), respectively. The products from both kilns received good overall acceptability. Therefore, considering the addressed challenge of opening the model-B kiln before trays could be changed, resulting in reduced risk of product contamination, the rotary kiln is an improved version/model of the NSPRI smoking kiln.
Aflatoxin B1 contamination in stored maize, primarily caused by Aspergillus flavus, poses a significant threat to food safety and public health. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Senna occidentalis seed extract and Hyptis suaveolens essential oil as natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides. A. flavus was isolated from infected maize kernels and confirmed through DNA extraction, PCR amplification of the ITS region, and BLAST analysis, which revealed 100% sequence identity with GenBank accession OR646810.1. Plant materials were extracted using ethanol maceration (S. occidentalis) and steam distillation (H. suaveolens), followed by GC-MS profiling. Maize grains were treated with 5 mL, 10 mL, and 15 mL doses of each extract and stored for 30 days at 30 °C. Aflatoxin B1 levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The research findings showed that untreated maize contained 101 ± 1.0 µg/kg aflatoxin B1, while grains treated with synthetic fungicide (SAAF) had 5.0 ± 0.1 µg/kg (98% inhibition). S. occidentalis extract reduced aflatoxin levels to 15.3 ± 1.0, 10.3 ± 1.0 and 6.3 ± 1.0 µg/kg at 5 mL, 10 mL, and 15 mL doses, respectively (85–94% inhibition). H. suaveolens essential oil achieved reductions to 20.3 ± 1.0, 13.3 ± 1.0 and 8.3 ± 1.0 µg/kg (80–92% inhibition). The 15 mL dosage was the most effective for both treatments, approaching the efficacy of the synthetic fungicide. The antifungal activity is attributed to phytol, linoleic acid and esters in S. occidentalis, and terpenes such as eucalyptol and caryophyllene in H. suaveolens. These findings demonstrate the potential of plant-based treatments as eco-friendly and effective alternatives for aflatoxin mitigation in maize storage systems.
Agro-residue utilisation presents a transformative opportunity to reduce postharvest losses and improve livestock feed systems within climate-smart agriculture frameworks. This systematic literature review evaluates how crop by-products are repurposed for sustainable animal nutrition in Nigeria. Drawing from 75 publications screened between April and May 2025 across Scopus, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and institutional repositories (FAO, ILRI, FMARD), the review synthesises evidence published between 2015 and 2025. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-step approach, with triangulation applied to balance peer-reviewed sources and grey literature. The review identified five core themes: types and regional availability of agro-residues, nutritional composition and processing innovations such as fermentation and urea-ammoniation, socioeconomic benefits including feed cost reduction and rural employment, environmental advantages such as reduced methane emissions and soil enrichment, and policy enablers and barriers shaping adoption pathways. Findings reveal that while cassava peels, maize stover, and legume haulms offer viable feed alternatives, adoption is constrained by weak infrastructure, fragmented policies, and limited access to affordable processing equipment. Recent innovations, such as community-based feed hubs and microbial detoxification, have shown measurable improvements in feed quality and climate resilience. The review recommends coordinated policy implementation, decentralised processing investments, and gender-inclusive extension systems to accelerate scale-up. These strategies are essential for embedding agro-residue valorisation into Nigeria's livestock value chain and advancing food system sustainability.
Traditional extraction of Ugba seed oil from raw seeds offers limited insight into the effects of pre-treatment; therefore, this study examined how different pre-treatment procedures influence the yield and chemical properties of Ugba seed oils. The seeds were subjected to different pre-treatments, such as cooking and roasting, and later blended into powder. Oil was extracted from each pre-treated powder by deploying the Soxhlet extraction protocol. The recovered oil was analysed for yield, quality attributes, chemical composition, and phytochemical contents. The oil yield for raw Ugba seeds was 46.88%, 42.38% for cooked Ugba seeds, and 58.19% for roasted Ugba seeds. The results showed peroxide values ranging from 2.51 to 6.84 meq O2/kg fat, free fatty acids ranged from 0.25 to 7.37%, while thiobarbituric acid values ranged from 0.03 to 1.84 mg/g. The iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, smoke point, and viscosity values exhibited significant differences (p<0.05) among themselves, ranging from 85.10 to 124.55 g of I2/100 g, 176.45 to 211.37 mg KOH/g, 0.84 to 2.09%, 191.86 to 233.00°C, and 15.55 to 35.13 Pa.s, respectively. Flavonoids ranged from 0.01 to 1.40 CE mg/g, tannins from 0.00 to 1.02 mg/100 g, saponins from 0.00 to 4.49 mg/100 g, and alkaloids from 0.00 to 8.82 mg/100 g. Roasted seeds recorded the highest percentage oil yield, but with oil products of lower chemical stability, while raw seeds provided higher quality oil. This underscores the critical role of pre-treatment in optimising oil yield and quality.
raw form due to antinutritional factors, which require various processing methods that significantly alter their nutritional value and functional properties. This research examined the effects of different heat treatments, boiling, microwaving, and roasting, on soybeans' nutritional, antinutritional, mineral, and functional properties to provide insights into the impact of heat treatment methods on soybeans. All analyses were carried out according to standard procedures. Results showed that while crude protein generally decreased with processing (e.g., raw: 34.93 g/100 g; cooked: 24.81 g/100 g), crude fat (raw: 18.31 g/100 g; roasted: 27.72 g/100 g) and carbohydrate content significantly increased (raw: 39.27 g/100 g; cooked: 43.93 g/100 g). Crucially, processing markedly reduced significant levels of antinutritional factors present in raw seeds, such as tannins (0.29 to 0.25 mg/g), phytates (31.72 to 22.25 mg/g), oxalates (2.93 to 2.39 mg/g), and saponins (2.51 to 0.68%). Furthermore, cooked and microwaved soybeans exhibited higher concentrations of magnesium and potassium. Functional properties were also enhanced; roasted and microwaved seeds showed moderate bulk densities (0.69 and 0.67 g/cm3, respectively), and all treated samples demonstrated improved foaming capacity (3.85-7.69%). Roasted soybeans possessed the greatest oil absorption ability (2.25 g/g). Overall, the research indicates that thermal processing significantly improves soybeans' nutritional benefits and functional properties, while also reducing unwanted antinutritional compounds.
The use of calcium carbide (CaC2) as a fruit ripening agent has been associated with the presence of various pollutant indices, which include phosphorus. This study evaluated the effects of three ripening agents: CaC2, African bush mango (ABM), and ethanol, on the ripening time and safety of banana and plantain. Two sample groups were examined: retailers' and intermediaries' fruit handlers. Six lots of banana and plantain were treated with CaC2 (1 g, 2 g, and 5 g per 2 kg fruit), ABM, ethanol, and control. After treatments, they were divided into washed and unwashed sub-groups, peeled, and dried using the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute's Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer. Sensory evaluation was conducted on banana and plantain immediately after ripening, while phosphorus analysis was carried out on the dried samples following standard procedures. Results revealed that bananas treated with CaC2 ripened in three days, while those treated with ABM and ethanol became fully ripe in five days. Plantains treated with CaC2, ABM, and ethanol became ripe in 5 days, while the control banana and plantain did not ripen during these 5 days. Phosphorus content of banana samples from retailers ranged from 7.296 to 12.544 mg/kg, while that of plantains ranged from 5.819 to 9.400 mg/kg. For middle holders' samples, phosphorus content ranged from 6.064 to 12.163 mg/kg and 6.881 to 15.293 mg/kg for banana and plantain, respectively. The findings in this study showed no statistical differences in the treatments of banana and plantain with respect to different ripening agents and washing.
As a possible substitute for synthetic insecticides, ethanolic extract of Gliricidia sepium seeds was used as a biopesticide to test its insecticidal activity against the infestation of Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus zeamais in stored cowpea and maize. Four concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mL of seed extract/200 g cowpea and maize) were employed in laboratory bioassays with cypermethrin as a standard check, to evaluate contact toxicity to adults, adult emergence and seed viability. Untreated grains were set up as a negative control. Treatments were in triplicate, and all experimental data were analysed using SPSS. Results showed the efficacy of gliricidia seed extract was dose-dependent. Adult S. zeamais and C. maculatus mortality increased with higher concentrations of the extract and more prolonged exposure periods. Gliricidia extract (0.4 mL/200 g) caused 75% mortality to C. maculatus 48 hours (2 days) after application, which was significantly different (p<0.05) from the 100% mortality caused by cypermethrin at the same period. Also, gliricidia extract (0.4 mL/200 g) caused 78.3% mortality to S. zeamais, significantly different from the 100% mortality caused by cypermethrin at 48 hours. Gliricidia extracts at concentrations 0.3 mL and 0.4 mL/200 g cowpea (37.0 % and 24.33% respectively) were better than the control 56.33% in reducing the number of emerged adult C. maculatus while extracts at concentrations 0.3 mL and 0.4 mL/200 g maize (22.33% and 27.67% respectively) were more effective than the control 64.3% in reducing the number of emerged adult S. seamais. The mean percentage germination of the cowpea and maize seeds in each treatment did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). The efficacy of this plant extract serves as scientific evidence to argue for employing the gliricidia extract as a botanical substitute for synthetic insecticides, which stakeholders commonly use to protect grains stored after harvest.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple cereal crop of significant economic and nutritional importance worldwide. However, its production and postharvest storage are frequently compromised by infestations of insect pests, leading to yield and quality losses. The predominant method of pest control in maize storage involves the application of synthetic insecticides. This study evaluated the concentration of insecticide residues in maize grains sourced from major markets in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Snowballing sampling technique was used to randomly select maize marketers from three markets: Odo-Oba, Iluju, and New Waso. Ten maize stores were sampled in each market. Composite samples representative of each market were prepared by combining 100 g subsamples from each store, with three replicates per market. Samples were transported to the laboratory, milled, and analyzed for pesticide residues using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method, followed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis on a Varian 3800/4000 instrument. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed using SAS version 9.2, with mean comparisons conducted using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05. Dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) was detected in all maize samples from three markets, ranging from 144.1 to 269.7 mg/kg, vastly exceeding the EU-MRL of 0.01 mg/kg. Such high residues pose severe health risks, including genotoxic, neurotoxic, reproductive, carcinogenic, respiratory, and dermal effects, potentially causing systemic toxicity or death. Urgent measures are needed to mitigate contamination and protect public health.
Burukutu is a traditional African alcoholic beverage produced by spontaneous fermentation of malted red or white sorghum. Its unstandardised production often results in variability in microbial composition and product quality. This study investigated the microbial and fermentation profiles of burukutu prepared from both sorghum varieties, with emphasis on yeast population dynamics and acidification patterns. Laboratory-scale fermentation and analyses of locally brewed samples were conducted, with pH monitored over 48 hours. Yeasts were isolated and identified using morphological and microscopic features, alongside carbon assimilation profiles via the API 20C AUX system. Fermentation was characterised by a progressive decline in pH, confirming active microbial metabolism. Seven yeast species were identified: Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida tropicalis, Candida auringiensis, Candida krusei, and Candida utilis. Among these, S. cerevisiae was predominant (36% of isolates), particularly in traditional samples. Its broad sugar assimilation and strong fermentative capacity underscore its central role in burukutu production. The dominant genera were Saccharomyces and Candida, consistent across both red and white sorghum fermentations. Comparative analysis revealed similar microbial and acidification profiles for the two sorghum varieties, indicating their equal suitability as raw materials. Notably, laboratory-prepared burukutu displayed more consistent yeast populations, suggesting that improved hygienic practices can enhance product quality and reduce microbial variability compared to traditional brewing.Overall, this study highlights the microbial ecology of burukutu fermentation, confirming the predominance of S. cerevisiae and underscoring the potential for process standardisation to improve quality and reproducibility in this indigenous beverage.
Post-harvest losses (PHL) remain a significant constraint to Nigeria's food security, farm profitability, and sustainable value chain development. This study examined the extent of PHL and adoption of mitigation technologies among smallholder beneficiaries of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (ATASP-1). Funded by AfDB and launched in 2015, ATASP-1 operates in four staple crop processing zones across seven states, covering over 200 rural communities. Its objectives are to target rice, cassava, and sorghum to reduce poverty, create jobs, enhance food and nutrition security and raise incomes through sustainable agricultural growth and diversification. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, data were collected from 600 respondents (480 farmers and 120 processors) and analysed with descriptive statistics. Results revealed that ATASP-1 interventions reduced PHL in cassava (48.44%) and sorghum (29.93%) relative to national averages, while rice showed a moderate reduction (22.86%). Adoption of technologies was high, including metallic silos (85%), mud silos (90%), threshers (68%), drying slabs (84%), root choppers (91%) and safety/quality management systems (82%). Key constraints included high machinery costs (78%), limited accessibility (68%), poor infrastructure (59%), unreliable power supply (66%), high transport costs (81%) and high labour costs (73%). The study concludes that ATASP-1 substantially reduced PHL; sustaining and scaling these outcomes requires robust institutional frameworks, capacity building for farmers, and strategic rural infrastructure investment. Additionally, context-specific, zone-based interventions are essential to address heterogeneous constraints and optimise post-harvest loss reduction strategies across value chains.