Journal Articles

Physicochemical properties of edible cricket oils: Implications for use in pharmaceutical and food industries

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Physicochemical properties of edible cricket oils: Implications for use in pharmaceutical and food industries Murugu, Dorothy K. The prevailing global market demands locally produced, sustainable oils for biomedical applications. This study focused on evaluating the quality of cricket-derived oils and meals from Scapsipedus icipe Hugel, Tanga, and Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer common delicacy in Africa, following standard methods for physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and phytochemicals (oxalates, phytates, tannins, and polyphenols). The cricket oils physicochemical properties aligned with Codex Alimentarius standards for edible oils, including low solidification temperature (< 2 ◦ C), a high refractive index (1.46), and a specific gravity of 0.88. Notably, peroxide values (1.9 to 2.5 mg mEq O2/kg), acid values (1.1 to 2.2 mg KOH/g), and saponification values (234–246 mg KOH/g) all are indicative of lightness and unsaturated fatty acids. Nutritionally, cricket powder was rich in protein (56.8–56.9% -) and fat (31.7–33.5% -of dry matter), with significant amounts of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Predominant saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were palmitic (23.9–31.2 mg/100 g-) and oleic acids (10.9–11.4 mg/100 g- of oil), respectively. Antioxidant values (48.0 to 65.0 mg/100 g), inferred from total polyphenols, suggests a stable oil with long shelf-life. These results highlight the promising and sustainable potential of cricket-derived oils for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. PhD Research Publication

From Farm to Fork: Crickets as Alternative Source of Protein, Minerals, and Vitamins D

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

From Farm to Fork: Crickets as Alternative Source of Protein, Minerals, and Vitamins D Murugu, Dorothy K. Globally, there is growing interest to integrate cricket-based ingredients (flour) into food products to combat food and nutrition insecurity. However, there is lack of information on in-depth nutrient profile of the two cricket species (Scapsipedus icipe and Gryllus bimaculatus), which are the most widely consumed in Africa. Here we determined the nutrient composition of two cricket species and compared them with published records of key animal and plant sources. Our results revealed that the crude protein contents of S. icipe and G. bimaculatus were similar (56.8 and 56.9%, respectively) and comparable to those of animal protein sources. Both cricket species had balanced amino acid profiles that are superior to that of animal andplantsources,exceptforhistidine andcysteine. The protein digestibility of S. icipe and G. bimaculatus ranged between 80 and 88%, which is comparable to that of common plant foods but slightly lower than that of animal proteins. The iron, Zinc, and potassium contents were considerably higher in both cricket species compared to that of plant and animal sources. The calcium contents of both crickets (S. icipe and G. bimaculatus) was superior to that of plant and animal origin except for kidney beansandeggs,respectively. Riboflavin, thiamine, and folic acid concentrations of S. icipe and G. bimaculatus were superior to that of the conventional sources. Vitamin A levels were significantly higher in S. icipe compared to G. bimaculatus. This implies that S. icipe and G. bimaculatus can adequately contribute to our daily required nutrient intake. Thus, integrating cricket flours into ready-to-eat food products would address some of the most pressing nutritional deficiency challenges that many developing countries have to grapple with, particularly high risk to serious health problems such as anemia, poor pregnancy outcomes, hypertension, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, stunted growth and impaired physical and cognitive development. We conclude that edible crickets present unique opportunities for improving food and nutritional insecurity status of both resource-poor and Western populations. PhD Research Publication

Heavy Metal Occurrence within Urban Agriculture Practices in Eastern zones of Nairobi City

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Heavy Metal Occurrence within Urban Agriculture Practices in Eastern zones of Nairobi City Njenga, John Ng’ang’a Urban agriculture,although growing in importance,farmer practices have to continually adapt to the dynamics of urbanization having implication on quality of produce and public perception. The objective of this research was to assess heavy metal incidence in inputs and food crops for urban farms in eastern zone of Nairobi, determine differences in element uptake by crops and to examine influence of environmental quality of the surrounding spaces. A quasi research design approach was used to identify farm plots for field survey in three locations. Samples of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), arrowroots (Colocasia esculenta), and kales (Brassica oleraceae var. Acephala), water and soil samples were obtained according to standard procedures. Contents of cadmium, manganese, zinc and lead were analysed using Atomic Absorption/Flame Emission Spectrophotometer. One way ANOVA was applied to examine differences in means of heavy metals between locations and to compare transfer factor (TF) index of the crops. Elements that were above allowable limits in the crops were Cd, Mn, Pb and Zn in arrowroots; Cd and Mn in kales and Cd, Mn and Pb in tomatoes. Cadmium content was highest in farm plots within Kasarani (2.44±0.86 mg/kg) and was significantly different from other two locations (p<0.05, Tukey HSD test). Between the neighbourhood qualities, heavy metal contents were different but not significant (p>0.05) between classes. The mean TF index for the heavy metals decreased in the order Cd>Pb>Zn>Mn. Transfer factor index of> 1 for cadmium was recorded in arrowroots, kales and tomatoes. Based on FAO/WHO standards, the measured heavy metal contents were high for health concern. Produce from areas designated as of low environmental quality, were not necessarily contaminated as perceived. Urban agriculture producers in Nairobi need technical risk reduction measures and legislative support to guarantee quality produce and valuable participation in the urban food system framework. Key words: urban farming, environmental quality, cadmium, lead, transfer factor, edible produce, health risk MSc Research Publication

Survey of the incidence and distribution of groundnut rosette disease in major groundnut-producing regions of Western Kenya

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Survey of the incidence and distribution of groundnut rosette disease in major groundnut-producing regions of Western Kenya Were, Eric Osewo Groundnut rosette disease (GRD) is the most important viral disease of groundnuts in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, GRD infection especially before flowering results in 100% loss in pod yield. Surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to determine the incidence and distribution of GRD in five major groundnut growing Counties of western Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to assess GRD incidence and severity and farmers’ awareness about management of GRD. Reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of GRD agents in collected symptomatic samples. Results revealed that GRD was prevalent in all the fields of the five counties. The highest mean disease incidence was in Busia County (35.7%) while the lowest incidence was in Siaya (23.1%). The most conspicuous symptoms observed in all the fields inspected were yellow/chlorotic rosette and green rosette. The highest mean disease severity was observed in farmers’ fields in Busia (3.1) and Bungoma (3.0) Counties, while the lowest was observed in Siaya (2.8). RT-PCR detected GRD agents in all the symptomatic samples. This study demonstrated the widespread occurrence of GRD in major growing regions of western Kenya and warrants the implementation of effective virus disease control strategies. Key words: Arachis hypogaea L., field survey, groundnut rosette disease, occurrence, severity. MSc Research Publication