Experts in Agriculture, Health to Discuss Biofortification for Africa

Biofortification― breeding crops with higher levels of vitamins and minerals ― is the key topic in a regional workshop this week in Mombasa, attended by scientists, policymakers, and other leaders in African agriculture and health. During the workshop participants will discuss the latest research on biofortification and identify strategies to develop biofortified crops in Africa and integrate biofortification into national agricultural and health policy agendas. The workshop is co-hosted by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and HarvestPlus, an international research program that seeks to reduce micronutrient malnutrition by harnessing agricultural technology to breed staple crops for better nutrition.

Much of Africa's rural poor can only afford a diet based mostly on staple crops, which are generally low in micronutrients, particularly iron, zinc, and Vitamin A. As a result, more than a third of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa suffers the debilitating effects of micronutrient malnutrition, or diets deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. Biofortification expands the role of agriculture by using it as a tool for public health.

"Addressing micronutrient malnutrition requires a paradigm shift," said Howarth Bouis, director of HarvestPlus. "Agricultural research needs to move beyond increasing productivity to improving food quality as well. In this way, biofortification can play a critical role in improving health."

Readers can access the press release at http://www.ifpri.org/pressrel/2006/20060502.asp.