The role of biofortification in the reduction of micronutrient food insecurity in developing countries

Abstract

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global public health problem, especially in developing countries. Hunger and starvation which are causative agents of malnutrition are occasioned by poor food supply and low income purchasing power for the expensive animal sources of micronutrients. Access to adequate, safe and nutritious food required for a healthy and active life by all people at all times is limited, resulting in micronutrient food insecurity. The quantity and quality of food available for consumption to people determine their micronutrient security level. Inadequate quantity and quality of food available for consumption are causative agents for macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. Bio-fortification is an emerging method to increase the micronutrient values of crops in order to eradicate hidden hunger in developing nations. This paper therefore describes the contribution of biofortification in fighting micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries.

Keywords: Micronutrient food insecurity, biofortification, developing nations, Micronutrients.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(37), pp. 5559-5566