Contribution of African indigenous plants to human and animal nutrition security: Insight from the use of baobab in Northwestern Nigeria

Authors : Mercy SALAMİ, Raphael BABATUNDE, Grace AKİNSOLA

Pages : 454-466

Doi:10.37908/mkutbd.1200451

View : 34 | Download : 95

Publication Date : 2023-08-17

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, we looked into how the baobab, an indigenous plant of Africa, affected households of Hausa-Fulani in Northwestern Nigeria\`s nutrition security. The study employed a mixed data set from 239 households. Specifically, we looked at how baobab contributed to the nutritional security of children under the age of five and how baobab was used to manage livestock. We also described the features of Hausa-Fulani families in Northwestern Nigeria. The data were analyzed using multinomial regression models and descriptive statistics. The Focus Group Discussion showed that baobab enhances a child\`s nutritional status. The multinomial regression analysis supported this since baobab consumption was found to positively influence weight gain. Numerous ethnoveterinary functions of baobab were also reported. It was concluded that baobab contributes significantly to the nutritional security of households in the study area. We thus urge the use of baobab for food bio-fortification and the necessity for research to boost the indigenous food systems of Africa. The result of this study will help encourage the utilization of baobab plant parts in the fortification of diets and strengthen the value chain system of the plant.
Keywords : Baobab, Gıda güvenliği, Besin, Biofortification