Basal Metabolic Rate And Energy Cost Of Performing Farm Activities In Magubike Village, Kilosa District, Morogoro, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Determination of basal metabolic rate (BMR), energy cost of various farm activities,

physical activity level (PAL), total energy expenditure (TEE), nutritional status and work

capacity (VO2 max) was done to examine their influence on farmer’s productivity. A cross

sectional study involving 64 farmers was conducted on randomly selected households.

Energy expenditure measurements were determined using the Douglas bag technique,

VO2 max was measured by the Rockport fitness test and nutritional status was assessed by

BMI and Hb concentration. Analysis was done using student t - test, correlation analysis

and regression analysis. Men’s BMR was 4.7± 1.12MJ/day while that of women was 4.34

± 0.77 MJ/day. Farmers mean PAL was 2.13 ± 0.26. TEE in men was 10.24 ± 3.1 MJ/day

and that of women was 8.57 ± 2.1 MJ/day. BMR, PAL and TEE were all higher in men

than women. The measured energy cost of digging and weeding were 6.56 ± 1.25

kcal/min; 5.67 ± 1.28 kcal/ min in men and 6.60 ± 1.49 kcal/min; 6.21 ± 1.38 kcal /min in

women. Women had a higher BMI (22.4± 3.7) than men (20.9 ± 2.1). Increase in BMI

was associated with decrease in percent FFM (r = - 0.811, P < 0.01) but an increase in FM

(r = 0.812, P < 0.01) and percent FM (r = 0.914, P < 0.01). VO2max of males (45 ± 6.54

ml/kg/min) was higher than females (36± 6.49 ml/kg/min). Haemoglobin (Hb)

concentration was the highest predictor of VO2 max at 39 %. The energy expenditure of

rural farmers is high and can be used to determine energy requirements. Work capacity is

determined by their nutritional status (BMI, Hb concentration and body composition).

Therefore, emphasis on good nutrition and provision of nutrition education remains

crucial to farmers whose livelihood depends on physical strength in agriculture

production. Furthermore, energy expenditure studies are necessary to validate appropriate

energy requirements for farmers in Tanzania.