Effect of drying and storage on the content of provitamin a of orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoa batatas) : Direct sun radiations do not have significant impact

The retention of pro-vitamin A was determined on Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato after drying and storage. Preliminary trials were undertaken to compare various dryers in France (sun, solar and indoor-cross flow dryers) and to optimise and assess carotenoid extraction from fresh and dried samples. The approach was then tested with local varieties in Uganda and Mozambique. No significant difference was observed between chips dried under solar dryers or under direct sun; retention of pro-vitamin A was more dependent on the drying time and final moisture content than on the type of dryer. Drying gave high retention of pro-vitamin A (> 60%); On the other hand, storage of chips (4 months) resulted in low retention of pro-vitamin A (20-40%). Storing in transparent or opaque polythene-plastic packaging did not have a significant impact on the retention of pro-vitamin A. These findings can be used to recommend suitable drying and storage methods to African farmers in order to retain significant amounts of pro-vitamin A. Using varieties with a high provitamin A content (e.g., Resisto variety in Mozambique), sun dried chips with high content of pro-vitamin A (up to 2700 RE/100g* dry weight basis) could be produced and contribute to tackle vitamin A deficiency in Africa. Further studies on storage are required to determine the shelf life of samples and appropriate packaging

Effect of drying and storage on the content of provitamin A of orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoa batatas): direct sun radiations do not have significant impact

[Introduction] Sweetpotato is an important crop that is widely consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. Sun drying of sweetpotatoes is a traditional practice: after drying on rocks crushed or sliced dried sweetpotato are stored in granaries; re-hydrated and boiled to be eaten like fresh roots, or milled into flour to make porridge. Orange fleshed sweetpotato is being promoted in Africa to tackle vitamin A deficiency. There are inconsistent reports on the effect of sun-drying on pro-vitamin A retention. High losses have been reported which may be associated with the unsaturated instable provitamin A carotenoids easily degraded by light, oxygen and heat (Rodriguez Amaya 1997). This poster describes work to understand the effects of sun/solar drying and storage on pro-vitamin A retention

Training report: capacity building in entrepreneurial and business skills for operationalizing fresh cassava roots packhouse.

This report describes the capacity building process and activities that were done to enhance the business and entrepreneurial skills of packhouse operators

Training report: capacity building in agronomic practices, waxing and relative humidity storage technologies for shelf-life extension of fresh cassava roots.

This report describes the capacity building process and activities that were done to enable the value chain actors adopt and adapt the pre-and post-harvest practices, and waxing and high relative humidity storage technologies in order to run a successful business enterprise

The Conception of Odious Debt in Uganda: A critical Review

This article critically explores the doctrine of odious debt within the framework of international law and its applicability to Uganda’s contemporary debt crisis. Originating from Alexander Sack’s 1927 thesis, odious debt refers to liabilities incurred by illegitimate regimes without public consent and used against national interests. The doctrine, though morally compelling, lacks firm grounding in customary international law and has not been codified in major treaties like the 1983 Vienna Convention. Despite sporadic references in historical cases—such as Costa Rica’s Tinoco arbitration and Iraq’s post-war debt restructuring—the odious debt doctrine remains largely a political tool rather than a legal norm. Uganda’s mounting public debt, now exceeding $31.5 billion and 52% of GDP, illustrates a practical context for odious debt discourse. Much of this debt is attributed to unaccountable borrowing, corruption, and fiscal mismanagement, with limited tangible benefits for the population. The article argues that some of Uganda’s debt may meet the odious debt criteria, particularly in light of increasing domestic liabilities and controversial foreign lending practices. The paper advocates for the formalization of the odious debt doctrine through national legislation or international soft law mechanisms, emphasizing its alignment with human rights, equity, and democratic governance. By drawing from global precedents and Uganda’s debt experience, the study recommends enhancing fiscal transparency, legal accountability, and international cooperation to prevent exploitative lending and ensure sustainable sovereign financing. Uganda\u27s case presents an urgent call to revisit and institutionalize the odious debt concept as both a legal and moral imperative in global financial governance

Technical report: efficacy of pruning, waxing and relative humidity storage in extending shelf-life of fresh cassava roots. Extending the shelf-life of fresh cassava roots for increased incomes and postharvest losses reduction.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate waxing and high relative humidity treatments for efficacy on Postharvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD) reduction. Specifically, it aimed at evaluating effect of waxing and relative humidity storage on PPD, reducing sugars, dry matter content, cyanide content and starch yield as well as acceptability of treated roots

Technical Report: Market opportunities and value chain analysis of fresh cassava roots in Uganda.

European UnionInternational Fund for Agricultural Developmen

Manual: setting up a packhouse for waxing and relative humidity storage of fresh cassava roots

European UnionPeer Revie