Advancing solutions to cut postharvest losses in Nigeria and beyond.

Mung bean starch, a promising but underutilized ingredient, has the potential for wider application in the food industry. This study aimed to characterize its functional, pasting, and microstructural properties to provide a scientific basis for its enhanced use. Starch was isolated from dehulled mung beans, and its properties were analysed using standard methods. The starch exhibited high dispersibility (84.3%), swelling power (9.66 g/g), bulk density (0.94 g/ml), water absorption capacity (2.25 g/g), and oil absorption capacity (3.09 g/g). The values of peak viscosity, trough, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature were 7946 cP, 4382 cP, 3564 cP, 5044 cP, 662.5 cP, 4.17 min and 75.98 °C, respectively. The starch displayed a Type-C X-ray diffraction pattern, typical of legume starches. Scanning electron microscopy revealed irregularly shaped, oval, and kidney-shaped granules with a wide size distribution (0.7–52.2 μm). The prevalence of small granules suggests a strong affinity for water, potentially increasing yields in starch-based products. The unique combination of moderate thermal/shear stability, and microstructural characteristics makes mung bean starch a valuable ingredient for improving textural properties and enhancing yield in various food formulations, highlighting its potential for industrial applications.

Rats rank among the most destructive rodent pests, contaminating stored food grains, causing structural and properties damage and spreading diseases including Lassa fever to both humans and animals. Because rodenticides carry harmful environmental consequences, there’s a clear need to explore alternative control methods that are less damaging to the ecosystem, supporting human safety and protecting food supplies. This study assessed the rodenticidal effects of castor oil seeds on rat stomach histology to control stored product rodent populations. Thirty albino rats (9-10 weeks old) were divided into three replicated groups, each with varying doses of Dichloromethane extract from castor seeds mixed with commercial rat feed. Thirty 9–10-week-old albino rats were divided into three replicated groups with five treatments in each replicate, housing two rats of both sexes per treatment. The rats had unlimited access to food and water. Castor oil seeds were crushed and soaked in Dichloromethane for 24 hours, then extracted and air-dried. The extract was mixed with rat feed in varying doses (200 mg/g, 400 mg/g, 600 mg/g and 800 mg/g of extract to feed) administered to the rats. A control group received only commercial rat feed. The results showed a slight increase in stomach weight (7.12 - 7.50 g) with increasing doses, but no significant difference compared to the control group (6.67). However, histological analysis revealed severe tissue damage in rats treated with the extract, indicating the potential of castor oil seed extract to induce stomach damage in living organisms.

Sitophilus zeamais is among the most destructive pests of stored maize, causing post-harvest losses in quantity and quality. Although synthetic insecticides are widely used for its control, concerns regarding insecticide resistance, pesticide residues and environmental and human health risks have increased interest in botanical alternatives. This study compared the insecticidal activity of Vitex doniana stem extract and Azadirachta indica seed oil against S. zeamais and assessed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity to provide insight into their mode of insecticidal action. Adult mortality, repellency, progeny emergence, emergence inhibition and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were evaluated at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 24%. Both botanicals exhibited significant (p < 0.05) concentration-dependent insecticidal activity, with A. indica seed oil showing greater efficacy than V. doniana stem extract, achieving 93.33% and 71.67% mortality, respectively, at 24% concentration. Probit analysis yielded LC50 values of 1.23% for A. indica seed oil and 5.33% for V. doniana stem extract. Repellency at 24% was 86.67% for A. indica seed oil and 60.00% for V. doniana stem extract. Both treatments suppressed progeny emergence, with A. indica seed oil achieving 99.75% emergence inhibition compared with 71.76% for V. doniana stem extract at 24%. Both treatments reduced AChE activity, with the lowest activity (0.0038 μmol/min) recorded in insects treated with 24% A. indica seed oil, suggesting that cholinergic interference may contribute to insecticidal activity. These findings suggest that both botanicals possess insecticidal activity against S. zeamais, with A. indica seed oil exhibiting greater efficacy and potential as a protectant for stored maize.

This study evaluated the level of grain food security in Nigeria by examining the relationships among population growth, grain production, grain imports, grain exports, and grain demand between 2006 and 2015. A quantitative ex post facto research design was adopted using secondary time-series data obtained from the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), FAOSTAT, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and World Grain publications. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis were employed to assess the relationships among the selected variables. The findings revealed that Nigeria's population increased steadily throughout the study period, while grain production failed to keep pace with rising demand. Grain production exhibited weak negative correlations with grain imports (r = –0.40), grain exports (r = –0.20), and grain demand (r = –0.02), whereas population growth showed a moderate positive correlation with grain imports (r = 0.50), indicating increasing dependence on imported grains to satisfy domestic food demand. The study concludes that sustainable grain food security requires integrated policies that increase domestic grain production, strengthen strategic grain reserves, reduce postharvest losses, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and improve food security governance and agricultural value-chain development.

This study assessed strategies adopted by pawpaw and banana marketers to reduce postharvest losses (PHLs) in selected markets in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of marketers and examined strategies used to mitigate PHLs at different stages of the marketing chain. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 159 pawpaw marketers, comprising 39 wholesalers and 120 retailers, and 120 banana marketers, comprising 19 wholesalers and 101 retailers, from three markets. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered by personal interviews and analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Poor market patronage was identified as a major cause of PHLs. Strategies adopted to mitigate this included buyer persuasion (32.5%), advertisement (30.0%), attractive packaging (22.5%), and price reduction (20.0%). Other prominent causes included inadequate transportation, obsolete storage facilities, pest and disease infestation, and adverse weather conditions. Commonly adopted mitigation practices included the use of jute bags, storage under shade, selection of suitable transport vehicles, and training in improved postharvest management. The findings highlight significant gaps in transportation and storage infrastructure and limited access to improved management skills. Strengthening market and transport infrastructure, expanding access to affordable storage facilities, and providing targeted training in modern postharvest management practices are recommended to reduce PHLs and improve the efficiency and profitability of pawpaw and banana marketing in Kano Metropolis.

This study assesses the susceptibility of 31 legume varieties to Callosobruchus maculatus, a significant pest of these globally important, protein-rich staple crops, which are crucial for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Field surveys and market visits across Northern Nigeria yielded 31 cowpea varieties, which were subsequently collected and evaluated for their susceptibility to Callosobruchus maculatus infestation. Physical attributes, including seed length, width, thickness, weight, density, volume, sphericity, porosity, surface area, and moisture content, were measured. The samples were then artificially infested with C. maculatus to assess resistance. Data analysis, including hierarchical data analysis, dendrogram clustering, histograms, and correlation analysis, was employed to reveal patterns and groupings of cowpea varieties based on physical traits. Distinct groupings of cowpea varieties emerged from the study, with smaller seed dimensions forming a cluster that included pigeon pea, Azuki beans, Achi Shiru, Farin Akidi, and Bakin Akidi. Another cluster, representing medium to large-seeded varieties, comprised 573-1-1, Kidney Beans, Shamjir Brown, and Zebra Beans. Overall, Farin Akidi exhibited the highest susceptibility to C. maculatus, followed by Agwugwu and Zebra Beans. In contrast, Lima Black, Lima Silver, and Kaki beans demonstrated the most substantial resistance. The study found negative correlations between pest resistance and seed traits, such as thickness, diameter, surface area, and weight, indicating their role in resistance. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders to develop more resilient cowpea varieties, thereby enhancing storage, adaptability, and genetic diversity, which supports global food security.

Food is lost and wasted to varying extents across all stages of the food value chain and for all types of food, negatively impacting food security. In Nigeria, it has been revealed that a significant quantity of food is lost both before and after storage, with losses of up to 20-30% of all grains, 30-50% of roots and tubers, and a larger proportion of fruits and vegetables. Despite the Nigerian government's primary agricultural policy being to achieve food security and self sufficiency, the agricultural sector has steadily deteriorated over the years due to inadequate government attention. One of the primary causes of food insecurity, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, is high postharvest losses and waste resulting from inadequate food processing and storage facilities, as well as negligence or a deliberate decision to discard food. This paper reviews the basic concept of food loss and waste, examines food security and the Nigerian situation, and discusses the challenges to food sufficiency, the implications and potential benefits of food loss, as well as some possible approaches to reducing food loss and waste in Nigeria. Thus, reducing food loss and waste is one of the leading global strategies for achieving a sustainable food future. Practical and cost-effective approaches could be implemented to attain mid-term gains once put into place. The review recommends the development of a food loss and waste measurement protocol and increased investments in reducing postharvest losses in Nigeria.

Postharvest losses significantly constrain the steady market supply of plantain; thus, bio-based preservatives are increasingly employed as sustainable alternatives to chemical agents for extending its shelf life. This study evaluated the effects of bio based coatings on plantain quality during a 15-day storage period. Mature green plantains were treated with gum arabic cinnamon extract coating (A), gum arabic clove extract coating (B), gum arabic bay leaf extract coating (C), gum arabic alone (D), untreated (E) and gum arabic shea butter coating(F). Treatment B recorded the highest weight loss of 28%. Although there was a decline in the moisture content of all treatments, treatment D showed optimal retention (65.660%). Treatments A (6.24) and F (6.153) maintained pH stability, while C and D exhibited acidification (4.87 and 5.25, respectively). Vitamin C levels increased across treatments (12.5–18.7 mg/100 g), although β-carotene degraded substantially. Treatment F demonstrated the highest starch content (58.228±0.002 mg/100 g) and potassium (8.54 mg/100 g). Treatments A, B, and C resulted in reduced bacterial populations, while treatments A and B achieved complete fungal inhibition. Treatment C recorded 33.33% decay incidence despite antimicrobial activity. Panelists rated F highest in colour (7.45), appearance (7.30), odour (6.90), texture (7.60), and general acceptability (7.75). Results demonstrate that gum arabic-shea butter coatings optimized overall quality and consumer acceptability, while cinnamon and clove formulations provided superior antimicrobial protection. These composite coatings offer sustainable alternatives for extending plantain shelf life under tropical conditions.

Onion (Allium cepa) derivatives contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that may improve product quality. This study evaluated the effects of onion juice (OJ) and onion chaff (OC) on the sensory, proximate, and microbial characteristics of smoked Clarias gariepinus to assess their performance in enhancing fish quality. Onions weighing 1kg were washed and blended to a paste, the pulp was transferred through a muslin cloth (1mm mesh-size) to obtain the juice by squeezing, leaving the chaff as a waste residue Thirty freshly harvested C. gariepinus (average weight 1kg) were divided into three groups of ten fish, each treated with OJ, OC, and untreated controls. All samples were smoked using a modified smoking kiln and stored at room temperature for eight weeks. Proximate composition, microbial characteristics and sensory attributes were analysed using standard procedures. Results indicated that OC-treated fish recorded higher proximate values, which differed significantly (p<0.05) from those of OJ-treated samples. Protein content decreased slightly across treatments, from 62.38% to 60.25% (OC), 60.09% to 58.05% (OJ), and 59.43% to 55.84% (control), while ash and moisture contents increased. Sensory evaluation revealed higher scores for OJ-treated fish in taste (7.90), appearance (8.05), aroma (7.80), texture (7.80), and overall acceptability (8.10) compared to OC-treated fish. Microbial organisms isolated showed varied characteristics. These findings suggest that onion derivatives enhance the sensory, nutritional, and microbial properties of smoked fish. Onion juice performed slightly better than onion chaff, suggesting its potential as a natural quality enhancer for smoked C. gariepinus.