Nutrient composition of Macrotermes species consumed in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
S.R. Netshifhefhe ◽  
F.D. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Rural Families ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Nutritional Qualities ◽  
Preferred Species ◽  
Vhembe District

The edible Macrotermes termite species play an important role in food security and livelihoods of many rural families in communities in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study was undertaken to determine the nutritional composition of soldier castes of the two most commonly consumed Macrotermes species in the district; Macrotermes falciger and Macrotermes natalensis. Proximate composition showed that crude protein content of M. falciger was higher (19.3%) than those of M. natalensis (14.4%). For M. natalensis, the highest mineral element was potassium (1,102 mg/100 g) followed by iron (992 mg/100 g), while for both species, the least common mineral was nickel (1.02 mg/100 g). The termites were high in dry matter and the energy content was significantly higher (P<0.001) in M. falciger than M. natalensis. This study revealed that M. falciger and M. natalensis have high nutritional qualities that could contribute to improvements in human health. However, M. falciger is the preferred species possibly due to the larger size of the soldier caste and higher nutritional value.

scholarly journals Human uses and indigenous knowledge of edible termites in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 114 (1/2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shandukani R. Netshifhefhe ◽  
Ednah C. Kunjeku ◽  
Frances D. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Rural Families ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
Vhembe District ◽  
Good Food ◽  
Structured Questionnaire ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Termites are a good food source, being rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and many essential mineral nutrients, and thus provide food security for poor households. We report on a survey conducted in the Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to identify edible termite species and find out how they are harvested, prepared, graded, packaged and marketed. We also looked at the socio-economic factors of the harvesters, marketers and consumers. Using a structured questionnaire, 104 individuals were interviewed from 48 villages. Most of the harvesters were over the age of 60 years but termites are consumed by the whole family. The results of the survey revealed that only three termite species are consumed: soldiers of Macrotermes falciger (89.90%), M. natalensis (8.08%) and M. michaelseni (2.02%). The preferred method of preparation was frying (77.55% of the respondents). At least 80.77% of the respondents indicated that some religions have restrictions on termite consumption but no ethnic restrictions were reported. The income derived from selling termites was estimated to range from ZAR2040 to ZAR17 680 per annum between April 2015 and April 2016. The results of this study showed that edible termites contribute significantly to the livelihoods of many rural families and this indigenous knowledge should be passed on to younger generations. Research on the sustainability of termite harvesting is recommended.

scholarly journals Efficiency of Health Care Risk Waste Management in Rural Healthcare Facilities of South Africa: An Assessment of Selected Facilities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foluke C. Olaniyi ◽  
Jason S. Ogola ◽  
Takalani G. Tshitangano
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
The Public ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
The Social ◽  
Vhembe District ◽  
And Storage

Waste generated form healthcare facilities is a potential source of health risks to the public, if it is not properly handled from the point of generation to disposal. This study was conducted to assess the efficiency of healthcare risk waste (HCRW) management in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Fifteen healthcare facilities were selected in Vhembe District for this study. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, observation and pictures. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed, while the quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25. In all the healthcare facilities; mismanagement of HCRW was noted at different points along the management chain. Poor segregation, overfilling of waste bins, inappropriate transportation and storage of waste in substandard storage rooms were observed in the facilities. All the waste from the district are transported to a private-owned treatment facility outside the district, where they are mainly incinerated. Enforcement of healthcare risk waste guidelines, provision of standardized equipment for temporary storage, empowerment of each healthcare facility to treat at least some of the waste, and employment of non-burn techniques for treatment of waste are recommended for more efficient management of healthcare risk waste in Vhembe District.

Climate Change Mainstreaming in Extension Agents Training Curricula: A Case of Mopani and Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57
Author(s):  
Zafezeka Mbali Zikhali ◽  
Paramu L. Mafongoya ◽  
Maxwell Mudhara ◽  
Obert Jiri
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Vhembe District

This study assessed the provision of informal training offered by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, South Africa, to agricultural extension officers (AEOs). The study used surveyed 90 public extension officers purposively sampled. There were statistically significant differences in extension officers’ exposure to climate change between their education levels and in the provision of climate change training between extension officers’ work experience ( P⩽0.05). The study concluded that the majority of AEOs have not been fully exposed to climate information prior to their employment. This suggests that the information gap in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) stems from the slow mainstreaming and integration of climate change information.

Prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies among preschool children ages 3 to 5 y in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa

Nutrition ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selekane Ananias Motadi ◽  
Xikombiso G. Mbhenyane ◽  
Hlekani V. Mbhatsani ◽  
Ngoako S. Mabapa ◽  
Ramoteme L. Mamabolo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Vhembe District
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