Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana
Abstract Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central distric...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ethnic Foods |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-024-00264-0 |
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| author | John Gwamba Samuel Imathiu John Kinyuru Arnold Onyango Masa Veronica Motaung |
| author_facet | John Gwamba Samuel Imathiu John Kinyuru Arnold Onyango Masa Veronica Motaung |
| author_sort | John Gwamba |
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| description | Abstract Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central districts of Botswana. The survey sought to gather and document information about demographic characteristics, traditional use, cultural norms, harvesting, processing, preservation, and health benefits of morama beans. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess and rate the respondent(s) perceptions on traditional utilization and potential of the bean. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic grouping. It was found that morama bean is distributed in Botswana's sandy desert regions and is consumed by people who are native or migrated into these areas. Roasting in heated sand (mean = 4.93) and boiling fresh beans with water or milk (mean = 4.49) were the most popular methods of cooking morama beans. Across the four districts, morama bean was found to be an important component in traditional food and medicinal mixtures for undernourished infants, and expectant and lactating mothers, mostly prepared with soft porridge. Respondents cited a significant lack of scientific knowledge about the bean's medicinal properties (mean = 1.27–1.38), indicating the need for additional research. The nutritious density of morama beans (mean = 4.87) and their potential for processing into value-added products (mean = 4.10) were known to the respondents. As a result, the bean has a high potential to improve food and nutrition security in these communities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a4cdf775f218436a9fdaaccc61930055 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2352-619X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Ethnic Foods |
| spelling | doaj-art-a4cdf775f218436a9fdaaccc619300552025-02-09T13:00:08ZengBMCJournal of Ethnic Foods2352-619X2025-02-0112111910.1186/s42779-024-00264-0Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of BotswanaJohn Gwamba0Samuel Imathiu1John Kinyuru2Arnold Onyango3Masa Veronica Motaung4Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyDepartment of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyDepartment of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyDepartment of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Nutrition Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Agricultural Economics Education and Extension, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesAbstract Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central districts of Botswana. The survey sought to gather and document information about demographic characteristics, traditional use, cultural norms, harvesting, processing, preservation, and health benefits of morama beans. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess and rate the respondent(s) perceptions on traditional utilization and potential of the bean. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic grouping. It was found that morama bean is distributed in Botswana's sandy desert regions and is consumed by people who are native or migrated into these areas. Roasting in heated sand (mean = 4.93) and boiling fresh beans with water or milk (mean = 4.49) were the most popular methods of cooking morama beans. Across the four districts, morama bean was found to be an important component in traditional food and medicinal mixtures for undernourished infants, and expectant and lactating mothers, mostly prepared with soft porridge. Respondents cited a significant lack of scientific knowledge about the bean's medicinal properties (mean = 1.27–1.38), indicating the need for additional research. The nutritious density of morama beans (mean = 4.87) and their potential for processing into value-added products (mean = 4.10) were known to the respondents. As a result, the bean has a high potential to improve food and nutrition security in these communities.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-024-00264-0BotswanaMorama beanIndigenous knowledgeIndigenous foodsTraditional processingFood and Nutrition security |
| spellingShingle | John Gwamba Samuel Imathiu John Kinyuru Arnold Onyango Masa Veronica Motaung Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana Journal of Ethnic Foods Botswana Morama bean Indigenous knowledge Indigenous foods Traditional processing Food and Nutrition security |
| title | Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana |
| title_full | Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana |
| title_fullStr | Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana |
| title_full_unstemmed | Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana |
| title_short | Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana |
| title_sort | distribution traditional utilization processing and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean tylosema escululetum burch a survey from selected districts of botswana |
| topic | Botswana Morama bean Indigenous knowledge Indigenous foods Traditional processing Food and Nutrition security |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-024-00264-0 |
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