Chemical constituents of the fruit and hypocotyl of mangrove, Ceriops tagal

The fruit and hypocotyl of Ceriops tagal were analysed for their organic and inorganic constituents. They showed almost similar characteristics in major metabolites and high molecular weight elements. Both the samples had high concentration of the carbohydrates and crude fibre and very low in fat and protein. The ash was rich in NA, K and Ca. Some essential free amino acids and sugars were also present. Calorific values were found fairly high. There is a strong possibility of using fruit and hypocotyl of C. tagal as a source for supplementing animal feed.

Capturing views of men, women and youth on agricultural biodiversity resources consumed in Barotseland, Zambia

This paper presents data and findings from focus group discussions in study communities selected by the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) in the Western Province of Zambia. The discussions focused on cultivated crops and vegetables collected from open fields and consumed as food. Participatory tools for agricultural biodiversity (agrobiodiversity) assessment were used to capture community perspectives on plant species and varietal diversity; factors influencing the availability and use of plants for food; unique, common and rare crop species cultivated in a community, identified through a four-cell analysis methodology; and core problems, root causes, effects and necessary actions to tackle them, using problem tree or situation analysis methods.