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Fueling Health with Iron-Rich Beans In Sub-Saharan Africa, poor nutrition, particularly iron and zinc deficiencies, poses significant health challenges. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, developmental issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, while zinc deficiency weakens the immune system. The consumption of biofortified high-iron bean varieties enhances micronutrient intake, leading to improved health. Biofortification, achieved through conventional breeding or biotechnological methods, plays a vital role in increasing nutritional value. The recent introduction of biofortified high-iron bean (HIB) varieties represents a promising technology to enhance nutritional security and overall human health.
Low cost storage technologies for grain Large post-harvest losses of bean occurs across Sub-Sahara Africa because of improper storage techniques resulting in pest infestation that threatens the food security and livelihoods of farmers. As a result, farmers may opt to sell their produce immediately after harvest when market prices are at their lowest as a risk avoidance strategy. Grain storage pests such as weevils (bruchids) can be controlled by physical, chemical and biological methods. Some of the physical methods include use of hermitic storage bags and containers. The hermetic storage technology for grains avoids grain damage using sealed bags that prevents movement of air and moisture. The bags preserve the quality of grains and obstruct the entry of insects and microbial organisms through depletion of oxygen levels and accumulation of carbon dioxide. These conditions prevent damage by insects like weevils, moths and mites, curb development of fungi like aflatoxin that contaminate the grain, and maintain the taste and color characteristics of food. Hermitic bags allow for storage of grain without the need to apply chemicals.
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