Impact of the Quinoa Seed Plant as an Alternative Ingredient in the Manufacturing of Stock Feeds in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The paper assessed the impact of the quinoa seed plant as an alternative ingredient in the manufacturing of stock feeds in Zimbabwe. The most serious threat to food security in Africa is the low production of conventional cereals such as maize, wheat, and soybean, which has harmed the stock feed production sector. The study reviewed relevant literature on the fundamental role of quinoa as an alternative in stock feed production. A qualitative research methodology was employed in the study, in which desktop review and research were used to generate findings and answer the major study question. Reports, peer-reviewed articles, blogs, and other sources on the web were assessed in line with the study phenomenon. The major findings were that quinoa (Chenopodium willd.) greatly impacts the stock feed manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe based on its highly nutritious value, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to harsh climatic conditions. The major challenges that were identified that hinder the use of quinoa in stock feed production were the unavailability of registered pesticides and weed control measures, a lack of knowledge, and the unavailability of quinoa seeds locally. The study recommended that stock feed companies in Zimbabwe should invest resources in growing quinoa seed plants to improve the quality of the stock feeds.