Browsing by Author "Mayanja, Sarah"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development of a food product profile for boiled and steamed sweetpotato in Uganda for effective breeding
    (International journal of food science & technology, 2021) Mwanga, Robert O. M.; Mayanja, Sarah; Nakitto, Mariam; Mudege, Netsayi; Moyo, Mukani; Tinyiro, Samuel Edgar; Kisakye, Sarah; Bamwirire, David; Anena, Beatrice; Magala, Damalie Babirye; Muzhing, Tawanda
    This study sought to understand user preferences of raw, boiled and steamed sweetpotato, a staple food in Uganda. A sequential methodology involving state of knowledge review, gendered food mapping, processing diagnosis and consumer testing was used in Lira and Kamwenge districts. Preferred raw sweetpotato characteristics were large roots (≥ 3 cm diameter) with a sweet taste, smooth skin and hard texture, while mealiness, sweet taste and good sweetpotato smell were important attributes for boiled sweetpotato. Processors, mostly women, highlighted ease of peeling and sappiness of raw roots. There were gender differences in quality characteristic preferences and perceived importance. The released variety, NASPOT 8, had the highest overall liking in Kamwenge and was well liked in Lira. Penalty analysis of consumer data showed that sweetness and firmness were key drivers of overall liking. The results will support breeding programmes in meeting specific end-user product profiles, selection criteria and uptake of new varieties.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prioritising quality traits for gender-responsive breeding for boiled potato in Uganda
    (International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2021) Mudege, Netsayi Noris; Mayanja, Sarah; Nyaga, John; Nakitto, Mariam; Tinyiro, Samuel Edgar; Magala, Damali Babirye; Achora, Janet Cox; Kisakye, Sarah; Bamwirire, David; Muzhingi, Tawanda
    Using quantitative, qualitative and sensorial data collected from western (Kabale) and central (Rakai) Uganda, this paper identifies and describes gender-responsive traits preferred in varieties for the boiled potato market. These traits are aggregated into a product profile to support breeding programme design and decision-making that will increase probability of variety acceptance. An interdisciplinary and participatory methodology was used to collect data on socio-economic on trait preferences, processing and organoleptics and finally, to develop a lexicon through a sensorial panel. Characteristics that were important to both men and women, such as red skin and yellow flesh, are linked to market preferences. Women-only preferred characteristics such as big size and mealiness are linked to processing efficiency and eating quality. Besides agronomic traits, breeders must consider factors such as gender roles, social norms, and market preferences traits that guide farmers and other food chain actors in their selection of new varieties.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Youth engagement in sweetpotato production and agribusiness: the case of Northern Uganda
    (Routledge, 2022-10) Mdege, Norita; Mayanja, Sarah; Mudege, Netsayi Noris
    Abstract Using qualitative data collected in Gulu and Omoro districts, Northern Uganda, this paper discusses factors influencing youth engagement in sweetpotato production and agribusiness in a post-conflict environment. The purpose is to understand the factors in order to promote young people’s participation in sweetpotato and other agricultural value chains. Thirteen young women and eleven young men were interviewed in individual in-depth interviews. Additionally, 74 young women and 85 young men participated in 16 sex-disaggregated focus group discussions. Our study identifies that rural youth’s participation in sweetpotato production and agribusiness is a product of the intersection of broader community/national context, individual circumstances (age, gender, marital status, education and social class), and individual and collective agency. Our proposed strategies to encourage youth participation in the agricultural value chain consider young people’s intersectional identities and address national- and community-level issues such as access to knowledge and information, land, markets and gendered power hierarchies.