Biofortification of Local Staples in Nigeria: Prospects and Problems

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in most developing countries such as Nigeria. It most times results to health effects that range from mild to severe, and sometimes life-threatening. The most common micronutrient deficiencies include vitamin A, iron and zinc – with prevalence of 29.5%, 26%, and 20% respectively in children under five years. Commonly used interventions include nutrient supplementation, dietary diversification, commercial fortification, nutritional education and agricultural interventions. Some of these programmes are expensive with short term benefits. Biofortification of staples has been identified as a cost effective, sustainable means of delivery of micronutrients to the population. Biofortified crops formally released in Nigeria are provitamin A cassava, orange flesh sweet potato and yellow maize as well as quality protein maize. Research into biofortification of these and other staple crops are at various stages in different parts of the country. This paper reviews the extent of the work done so far, and recommends possible future expansion, scaling-up and application.

Author(s): Onuegbu NC, Ihediohanma NC, Eze CF, Okafor DC and Ojukwu M

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