The Nutrient Composition Of Bambara Groundnut Landraces (vigna Subterreanea, (l.) Verdc.) Cultivated In Southern Africa

Abstract

Bambara groundnut has been classifi ed as an underutilized crop, and described as a complete food. In this study the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fi bre (NDF), acid detergent fi bre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were determined for nine landraces cultivated in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland respectively. The Association of Offi cial Analytical Chemists methods were used for the analysis. The results (g/100 g) obtained were: dry matter 92.17–94.00, ash 3.57–4.85, crude protein 17.10– 22.94, crude fat 4.90–7.24, ADF 6.53–10.65, NDF 14.10–25.82, and ADL 0.19–3.44. The landraces grown in Botswana had more protein (20.66–22.94) compared with those grown in Namibia (19.28–20.53) and Swaziland (17.10–19.91) respectively. In contrast, the landraces grown in Swaziland had higher values for NDF (16.33–25.82) compared with those grown in Namibia (15.80–21.19) and Botswana (14.10–21.71) respectively. The fat content was overall low which is in line with good nutritional requirements. There were intra and inter country composition similarities and differences amongst the landraces. The results show that the crop is a good source of protein and fi bre. Its enhanced utilization can positively contribute towards food security