How to use local resources to fight malnutrition in Madagascar? A study combining a survey and a consumer test. (1st December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramaroson Rakotosamimanana, Vonimihaingo; Valentin, Dominique; Arvisenet, Gaëlle
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 95(2015)
• Page Start: 533
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2015-12-01
• Subjects: Moringa oleifera -- Cassava -- Madagascar -- Children's food choices -- Nutritional and health beliefs -- Food practices; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.08.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to understand consumers' habits and belief structures concerning local food products and to develop a new snack as a way to fight against children malnutrition in Madagascar. A large variety of natural food resources grow in Madagascar, like Moringa oleifera (MO) which leaves are rich in nutrients but not consumed. First, a survey conducted in four areas of Madagascar revealed that MO leaves are known for their health benefits but infrequently consumed, probably because of their low satiating power and strong odor. In the studied areas, different levels of consumption were observed, which may be linked to varying levels of familiarity with MO by the local populations, this in turn resulting from different situations regarding geographical and historical availability. In contrary, resources such as cassava are perceived as having negative effects on health but are widely consumed because they are cheap, liked by children and satiating. The second step in the study aimed to propose products that could increase MO consumption without completely changing food practices. The acceptability of snacks associating cassava roots and MO was evaluated by means of hedonic tests performed by children. Between the snacks tested, the preferred snack contained the highest quantity of MO and was sweetened. There was no effect of area on the acceptance of the formulated snacks. This work is an evaluation of the potential of MO in the diet of malnourished population. Highlights: Belief structures and practices of Malagasies about Cassava and Moringa were studied. Cassava is perceived as a cheap, emergency food supply with low nutritional content. A regional effect was shown concerning knowledge and consumption of Moringa. Sweet cassava snacks containing Moringa were liked by children during hedonic tests.