Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the proximate, mineral, and anti-nutritional content of various sorghum landraces in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Twenty-seven samples were collected, ground, and stored at 4 ^°C in airtight bags. The proximate composition, including crude protein, fat, fiber, moisture, carbohydrate, total energy, and minerals (calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn)), were analyzed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins and phytate, were determined using standard procedures. Based on the results, the moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents were in the range of 6.13 – 11.20%, 1.32 – 3.59%, 1.15 – 2.79%, 6.90 – 14.20%, 2.77 – 4.19% and 66.44 – 79.13% respectively. The Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn content of sorghum were in the range of 11.06 – 24.91 mg/100 g, 99.50 – 170.10 mg/100 g, 2.67 – 7.99 mg/100 g and 0.84 – 4.09 mg/100 g respectively. Regarding the anti-nutritional content, tannins and phytate content were in the range of 0.22 – 4.08 mg/g and 2.76 – 5.25 mg/g respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for all macro- and micronutrients and anti-nutritional factors, likely due to varietal, agro-ecological, and farming system differences. These findings suggest most local sorghum varieties have favorable ash and fiber levels, though some lack adequate protein. Fortifying or biofortifying protein could enhance sorghum's value as a staple, supporting food security and nutrition in the Somali region.

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