Valorization of the waste from Musa spp through the ancestral afro-esmeralda culture for the production of natural products at the "Miguel de Unamuno" School in Esmeraldas

Abstract

Introduction: Bananas (Musa spp.), a globally important herbaceous plant, generate significant waste such as peels, leaves, and pseudostems, which contain valuable bioactive compounds. This study aimed to valorize this waste by integrating ancestral knowledge from the Afro-Esmeraldas culture to develop natural products, thereby promoting food sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Materials and methods: A mixed-methods (experimental-qualitative) methodology was applied in five phases with 90 students and 5 teachers from the "Miguel de Unamuno" School in Esmeraldas. The phases included diagnosis, interdisciplinary planning (Biology, Chemistry, Social Studies), application of practical activities (Problem-Based Learning), collaborative work, and evaluative reflection. A highly reliable questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.988) was used, and differences were analyzed using a paired-samples t-test. Results: The t-test revealed a significant difference (p = 0.000) between the initial and final phases, demonstrating the effectiveness of the intervention. Products such as vegan meat "taquitos" made from plantain peel, palm heart from the stem, leaf infusions for gastritis, and facial masks made from ripe plantain peel were successfully developed. Discussion: The results show that integrating ancestral knowledge with science not only facilitated the acquisition of meaningful learning but also fostered empathy, solidarity, and cultural revaluation among students, reducing waste. Conclusions: The project enabled students to identify socio-environmental problems and propose sustainable alternatives through the comprehensive use of plantains, simultaneously strengthening their cultural identity and promoting a model of responsible production and consumption.