This study was conducted to generate base line information on nutritional composition, physicochemical and functional properties of three capsicum varieties which are grown in Ethiopia.It was found out that protein, oleoresin, color value, paprika content, firmness and gel forming capacity of Marako fana(Capsicum annum)is significantly higher than the other two varieties while its tannin contentis less. On the other hand Potassium, calcium and iron content of Oda haro(Capsicum annum) is significantly higher than the rest two varieties. But all the three varieties had comparable moisture, fiber, vitamin C and capsacinoide. Hence, based upon the above result it was concluded that Marako fana is preferable for large scale production of oleoresin and paprika. It is good coloring agent and can be used in food formulation like sauces in a better maner. Oda haro on the other hand is nutritionally preferable for its potassium, calcium and iron. All have comparable pungency. In general this research will give an idea to reasrchers, investers, students etc.

Africa is home to a diversity of indigenous food crops that are locally adapted and less fastidious than exotic cultivars. Indigenous foods are foods of plant and animal origin that naturally exist in specific agro-ecological domains and are produced and consumed as part of traditional diets. Although indigenous foods have the potential to sustainably provide the much needed dietary nutrients to various communities across Africa, they have suffered progressive loss of cultural image, denigration, and utter neglect, being largely substituted with exotic foods. Consequently, they have earned the unenviable appellations of "forgotten", "neglected" or "orphan" foods due to the fact that they have received relatively little or no policy and research attention – especially towards their genetic improvement and value chain development.

The World Wide Fund for Nature defines a food system as “the complete set of people, institutions, activities, processes, and infrastructure involved in producing and consuming food for a given population.” (WWF, 2017). The food system has a bearing on human capital development, provision of jobs, industrial growth, structural transformation and ecosystem services. As in many other parts of the world, the landscape of African food systems is fraught with fragility and fails to deliver on these key developmental outcomes. Transforming food systems in Africa is an imperative for the realization of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which now has a delivery timeline of less than a decade. A sustainability framework must underguard any attempts at food systems transformations. For example, Africa must provide food and nutrition security to its rapidly expanding population in perpetuity without engendering adverse environmental, social and economic externalities. The massive endowment of the continent with extensive arable land and diverse agro-ecosystems teeming with rich flora makes sustainable food systems a realizable dream. Indeed, Indigenous communities across Africa have used a number of locally adapted crops for millennia mainly for nutrition, medicinal and ornamental purposes. Unfortunately, many of these crops, have been progressively substituted with imported genotypes favoured by industrial agriculture. Pervasive monoculture of the exotic crops and increasingly standardized diets have contributed in part to utter denigration of the indigenous crops, earning them the appellation of "forgotten crops.”

Although thought of as a minor crop, peppers are a major world commodity due to their great versatility. They are used not only as vegetables in their own right but also as flavourings in food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Aimed at advanced students and growers, this second edition expands upon topics covered in the first, such as the plant's history, genetics, production, diseases and pests, and brings the text up to date with current research and understanding of this genus. New material includes an expansion of marker-assisted breeding to cover the different types of markers available, new directions, and trends in the industry, the loss of germplasm and access to it, and the long term preservation of Capsicum resources worldwide. It is suitable for horticultural researchers, extension workers, academics, breeders, growers, and students.

This fascinating, readable volume is filled with enticing, detailed information about more than 30 different Incan crops that promise to follow the potato's lead and become important contributors to the world's food supply. Some of these overlooked foods offer special advantages for developing nations, such as high nutritional quality and excellent yields. Many are adaptable to areas of the United States. Lost Crops of the Incas includes vivid color photographs of many of the crops and describes the authors' experiences in growing, tasting, and preparing them in different ways. This book is for the gourmet and gourmand alike, as well as gardeners, botanists, farmers, and agricultural specialists in developing countries.

This volume uses chemometric mathematical modelling approaches to investigate geographic areas at risk of ecological degradation due to pollution. While most analytical approaches in environmental research involve sophisticated and sensitive instrumental techniques, this book employs chemometric techniques to create a corresponding data matrix to extract accurate and realistic environmental information in areas vulnerable to and affected by hazardous substances. The text offers case studies to establish a general framework of the opportunities, advantages, weaknesses and challenges of these mathematical approaches, and provides a chemometric model of each focus area to assess the long-distance distribution of pollutants. The case studies highlight the potential use of novel chemometric models for mitigating and preventing environmental pollution and ecological risks, while also providing reviews of the current status and developments in chemometric analysis of environmental pollution. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in environmental and agricultural chemistry, environmental pollution modelling and ecological degradation.

The Capsicum genus comprises the botanic species known as chili peppers, the most widely consumed natural product by humankind. Their usage is diverse and varies from food additives to defensive devices and medicines. Providing a comprehensive overview of the great popularization and socioeconomic importance of Capsicum, this book includes a holistic description of the properties of Capsicum and how this correlates with the chemical profile. Several of their specialized metabolites, such as capsaicinoids and carotenoids, are in fact responsible for peppers characterization as a functional food as they provide pungency, deterrent properties and outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and chemopreventive. This book shows the big picture behind peppers featuring as functional foods using a biochemistry background to elucidate how the chemical composition of this genus can affect its unique bioactivity and sensorial characteristics. In addition, the state-of-art regarding Capsicum exploitation is also emphasized. Intended for all types of audiences, it is a resource for those curious about peppers pungency, for graduate students aiming to improve their skills and professional who need to update their knowledge regarding peppers chemistry and pharmacology.