Royal Society of South Africa and the Academy of Science of South Africa invite you to a public lecture by Professor Victoria Jideani, Founder and Leader of the Cereals and Legumes Biopolymers Research for Food Security titled Towards Sustainable Food Systems: Bambara Groundnut goes beyond bounds.

Abstract: Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea] is an indigenous African crop known locally as Jugoboon, Phonda, Ditloo- marapo, Tindlubu and Indlubu. It is a popular crop because of its resistance to drought, pests and the ability to produce a reasonable crop in poor soils. This is a legume low in fat and a good source of protein (15-25%), fibre, calcium, iron and potassium. The crop had been underutilised, but in recent years its endless possibilities for food security is emerging as an economical source of natural antioxidants for human consumption and its flour could be explored in the development of functional food and feed products. This study was funded by the NRF on medicinal uses in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Patented products may alleviate food insecurity in Africa.

Bio: Professor Victoria Jideani, who holds a PhD in Food Microbiology from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Nigeria, is the Founder and Leader of the Cereals and Legumes Biopolymers Research for Food Security at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Her focus is on African indigenous climate-smart grains and seeds in order to achieve food security on the continent. Victoria has two registered patents and over 70 publications in both international and regional peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings and chapters. She is internationally recognized for her research contribution in cereal science, food processing, food product development, optimization and modeling of food processes.

Date:     Wednesday 17 October 2018

Time:    17h00 (Tea will be served from 16h30)

Place:    South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Auditorium, Observatory Road, Observatory*

*Directions to SAAO Auditorium : From the N2, turn off to the M57 – Liesbeek Parkway; turning in the direction of Cape Town and continue until the traffic lights with Hartleyvale (hockey and football) on your left. Turn right at traffic lights into Observatory Road, pass the River Club; the S A Astronomical Observatory is next on the left. Once through the security gates bear left following the SALT signs to the auditorium i.e. last building on the left (white with stoep & ramp).                                                             

   PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF DRIVEWAYS