Nutritional Insecurities in Rural Communities of Tanzania: The Roles of Wild Edible Foods (Wefs) in Supplementing Household Nutrition
| dc.contributor.author | Malunguja, Gisandu K. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Luflenge, Lulu. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Shayo, Philipina F. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-08-06T07:42:03Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-08-06T07:42:03Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-07-19 | |
| dc.description | This Journal Article was Published by ELSEVIER | |
| dc.description.abstract | Wild edible foods (WEFs) are currently consumed in various local communities in Tanzania. Despite their prevalence, there is a lack of comprehensive information regarding their nutritional profile. To address this gap, a study was conducted to assess their role in supporting local dietary. We identified 36 WEFs, including 12 wild fruits, 18 vegetables, and 6 wild edible mushrooms. The majority of participants (74.9 %) indicated that WEFs are regularly consumed within households. Laboratory analysis identified significant nutritional variability among WEFs, with Justicia heterocarpa exhibiting the highest Ca (863.5 mg/100 g) and Mg (430.8 mg/100 g). Solanum nigrum highest K (984.7 mg/100 g) and Fe (44.4 mg/100 g). Proximate analysis revealed that Justicia heterocarpa had the highest moisture content (87.9 %) and crude protein (5.3 %). Passiflora edulis displayed the highest ash content (8.9 %), whereas Cyphomandra betacea had the highest crude fibre (39.4 %). Phenolic, f lavonoid, and tannin contents were highest in S. nigrum (8.15 mgGAE/g), J. heterocarpa (147.12 mgQE/g), and A. spinosus (58.29 mgTAE/g), respectively. Vitamin C, B1, and B2 were highest in C. betacea (27.2 mg/100 g), S. nigrum (0.59 mg/100 g), and G. paviflora (22.15 mg/100 g), respectively. The noted nutritional profile of the studied WEFs indicates their potential to supplement basic dietary needs, offering alternative source of nutrients. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Mbeya University of Science and Technology | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.must.ac.tz/handle/123456789/381 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | ELSEVIER | |
| dc.title | Nutritional Insecurities in Rural Communities of Tanzania: The Roles of Wild Edible Foods (Wefs) in Supplementing Household Nutrition | |
| dc.type | Article |