DETERMINATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF YAM TUBERS (DIOSCOREA ALATA L., VARIETE IKIVUZA), A NEGLECTED VARIETY FOUND IN BURUNDI

Knowledge of the nutritional value of a diversity of food crops can play a large role in the food and nutritional security of populations. The present study was carried out to determine the nutritional value of yam tubers ( ikivuza variety) a neglected variety found in Burundi. To achieve this, yam tubers were collected to undergo physicochemical laboratory analyzes for macronutrient and mineral salt contents. For yam tubers, the overall average macronutrient contents varied from 7.8%, respectively; 0.45% for proteins and fat, while the average contents of mineral elements were respectively 1051.7 mg/kg; 335.5 mg/kg; 5826 mg/kg; 26.29 mg/kg; 9.46 mg/kg and 7.67 mg/kg; for phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper and zinc. All these results show that these crops contain a significant proportion of nutrients and their valorization would be a sustainable way to fight against food insecurity. Keywords: Burundi, Yam, Nutritional value DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/123-07 Publication date: October 30 th 2024