DATE / TIME:

November 28, 2012    10:00 - 11:30

Location:

Accra

9th UNU-INRA Seminar: “The Use of Multidimensional Analysis for Decision Making to Assess Nutritional Values of Underutilized Traditional Leafy Vegetables (TLVs) of Southeastern Nigeria – Potential For Reducing Hunger”

The diversification of the dietary menu to include underutilized traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) — which are cheap, readily available and affordable — could supplement the daily dietary requirements of resource-poor rural and semi-urban dwellers. This seminar presents a study that investigated the proximate and antioxidant values of 13 underutilized TLVs of southeastern Nigeria, and compared the nutritional values of these TLVs with the daily body requirements for humans and that of Lactuca sativa lam (lettuce), an exotic species. Using a multidimensional analysis, the study ranked these TLVs and draws some policy decisions for considerations.

Admission is free. There will be a reception after the presentation.

About the speaker

The seminar will be delivered by plant taxonomist and biosystematics/palynologist  Dr. Catherine V. Nnamani, Head of Department, Applied Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Dr. Nnamani holds a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her areas of research interest are molecular taxonomy of angiosperms, melliso and aero palynology; ethnobotany, with special focus on underutilized plants, medicinal, aromatic and pesticidal plants; and climate change adaptation technology.