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Adegbaju MS, Ajose T, Adegbaju IE, Omosebi T, Ajenifujah-Solebo SO, Falana OY, Shittu OB, Adetunji CO, Akinbo O. Genetic engineering and genome editing technologies as catalyst for Africa's food security: the case of plant biotechnology in Nigeria. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1398813. [PMID: 39045572 PMCID: PMC11263695 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1398813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Many African countries are unable to meet the food demands of their growing population and the situation is worsened by climate change and disease outbreaks. This issue of food insecurity may lead to a crisis of epic proportion if effective measures are not in place to make more food available. Thus, deploying biotechnology towards the improvement of existing crop varieties for tolerance or resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses is crucial to increasing crop production. In order to optimize crop production, several African countries have implemented strategies to make the most of this innovative technology. For example, Nigerian government has implemented the National Biotechnology Policy to facilitate capacity building, research, bioresource development and commercialization of biotechnology products for over two decades. Several government ministries, research centers, universities, and agencies have worked together to implement the policy, resulting in the release of some genetically modified crops to farmers for cultivation and Commercialization, which is a significant accomplishment. However, the transgenic crops were only brought to Nigeria for confined field trials; the manufacturing of the transgenic crops took place outside the country. This may have contributed to the suspicion of pressure groups and embolden proponents of biotechnology as an alien technology. Likewise, this may also be the underlying issue preventing the adoption of biotechnology products in other African countries. It is therefore necessary that African universities develop capacity in various aspects of biotechnology, to continuously train indigenous scientists who can generate innovative ideas tailored towards solving problems that are peculiar to respective country. Therefore, this study intends to establish the role of genetic engineering and genome editing towards the achievement of food security in Africa while using Nigeria as a case study. In our opinion, biotechnology approaches will not only complement conventional breeding methods in the pursuit of crop improvements, but it remains a viable and sustainable means of tackling specific issues hindering optimal crop production. Furthermore, we suggest that financial institutions should offer low-interest loans to new businesses. In order to promote the growth of biotechnology products, especially through the creation of jobs and revenues through molecular farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muyiwa Seyi Adegbaju
- Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Titilayo Ajose
- Fruits and Spices Department, National Horticultural Institute, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | | | - Temitayo Omosebi
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | - Olaitan Yetunde Falana
- Department of Genetics, Genomic and Bioinformatics, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Olufunke Bolatito Shittu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | | | - Olalekan Akinbo
- African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, Office of Science, Technology and Innovation, Midrand, South Africa
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Kouassi JHM, Dibi KEB, Boye MAD, Essis BS, Kouakou AM, N'zué B, Dufour D. Sweetpotato cultivation: characteristics, constraints and preferred traits of producers and consumers in Côte d'Ivoire. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:4922-4929. [PMID: 37574585 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an environment where the adoption of improved varieties resulting from plant breeding programs is limited, it is essential to identify end-user preferences beforehand. A participatory survey was conducted in eight localities in Korhogo and Bouaké regions (central and northern Cote d'Ivoire respectively) to identify producers' preferences and increase the adoption of improved varieties. The study involved 160 producers and consumers through focus group discussions and individual interviews. RESULTS Sweetpotato is mostly grown on small plots (<1 ha) of land (89.2%), with women (66%) as the main producers. In the Bouaké region, sweetpotatoes are grown on mounds (100%), whereas in Korhogo they are grown on ridges (86.2%). The main food products or forms of preparation from roots are fries (34.7%), boiled (34.3%), mashed (12.4%), and sweetpotato stew (9.1%). Major constraints, including low price of roots (26.3%), low productivity (16.2%), and post-harvest storage issues (14.5%), were identified as affecting sweetpotato production. CONCLUSIONS The selection of new varieties should be oriented towards high-yielding varieties with high dry matter content, deployed stems, and roots of round, oblong, or elliptical shape with good culinary characteristics (dry matter, sweet taste, dry texture, absence of fiber). Plants must be drought resistant, be tolerant to poor soil, diseases, and pests, and have a good yield. The color of skin and flesh of the sweetpotato, although constituting criteria of choice, are not essential for the acceptance or the rejection of a variety by users. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Hugues Martial Kouassi
- Laboratoire d'Amélioration de la Production Agricole (APA), UFR Agroforesterie, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé (UJLoG), Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Mambé Auguste-Dénise Boye
- Laboratoire d'Amélioration de la Production Agricole (APA), UFR Agroforesterie, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé (UJLoG), Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | - Boni N'zué
- Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Dominique Dufour
- CIRAD, UMR Qualisud, Montpellier, France
- Qualisud, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier SupAgro, Université d'Avignon, Université de la Réunion, Montpellier, France
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Weng Z, Deng Y, Tang F, Zhao L, Zhao L, Wang Y, Dai X, Zhou Z, Cao Q. Screening and optimisation of in vitro pollen germination medium for sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas). PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:93. [PMID: 37644497 PMCID: PMC10463589 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sweetpotato is an important vegetable and food crop that is bred through sexual crosses and systematic selection. The use of in vitro germination of sweetpotato pollen to test its viability has important theoretical and practical implications for improving the efficiency of sweetpotato crossbreeding by controlling pollination and conducting research on sweetpotato pollen biology. RESULTS In this study, we observed the morphological structure of sweetpotato pollen under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), developed an effective method for the in vitro germination of sweetpotato pollen, and examined the viability of sweetpotato pollen after treating plants at different temperatures before blossoming. Sweetpotato pollen grains are spherical, with an average diameter of 87.07 ± 3.27 μm (excluding spines), with multiple germination pores and reticulate pollen surface sculpture. We applied numerous media to sweetpotato pollen germination in vitro to screen the initial medium and optimised the medium components through single-factor design. The most effective liquid medium for in vitro sweetpotato pollen germination contained 50 g/L Sucrose, 50 g/L Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000), 100 mg/L Boric acid and 300 mg/L Calcium nitrate, with a pH = 6.0. The optimum growth temperature for pollen development in sweetpotato was from 25 to 30 °C. Neither staining nor in situ germination could accurately determine the viability of sweetpotato pollen. CONCLUSIONS In vitro germination can be used to effectively determine sweetpotato pollen viability. The best liquid medium for in vitro germination of sweetpotato pollen contained 50 g/L Sucrose, 50 g/L Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000), 100 mg/L Boric acid and 300 mg/L Calcium nitrate, with the pH adjusted to 6.0. This study provides a reliable medium for the detection of sweetpotato pollen viability, which can provide a theoretical reference for sweetpotato genetics and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongkuan Weng
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Yitong Deng
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Fen Tang
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Lukuan Zhao
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Lingxiao Zhao
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Xibin Dai
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Zhilin Zhou
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China
| | - Qinghe Cao
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Jiangsu Xuhuai District/Institute of Sweetpotato Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, 221121, China.
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Ojwang SO, Otieno DJ, Okello JJ, Muoki P, Nyikal RA. Do Nutrition Education Approaches With Preschoolers and Their Caregivers Influence Retention of Biofortified Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato on Farms? Evidence From Homa Bay County, Kenya. Food Nutr Bull 2021; 42:347-360. [PMID: 34225479 DOI: 10.1177/03795721211025445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofortified staples have been promoted widely in sub-Saharan Africa to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Contemporary projects are increasingly using elementary schools to target households with these foods. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effects of integrated nutrition education approaches, targeting preschoolers and their caregivers, on retention of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) on farms in the second season after lapse of free vine dissemination initiatives. METHODS Rural farming households, with preschoolers and no prior engagement with OFSP, were targeted. A multistage sample of 431 preschooler-caregiver pairs was recruited for a cluster-randomized controlled trial. After issuing routine OFSP promotion activities, 15 village-level clusters of the pairs were randomized into 1 control group (3 villages) and 3 treatment arms (4 villages each) for the interventions. Baseline and follow-up household-level survey data were collected from the caregivers. The interventions included: (1) OFSP-branded exercise books, posters, and a poem to preschoolers only; (2) OFSP-oriented mobile phone mediated text messages to caregivers only; and (3) both 1 and 2 provided to individual households concurrently. Interventions 1 and 2 were single-channeled, while 3 was multichanneled. We estimated the intention-to-treat (ITT) and treatment-on-the-treated (TOT) effects using a binary logit model and a special regressor method, respectively. RESULTS Only the multi-channeled nutrition education approach had significant effects (ITT = 0.167, P = .001; TOT = .243, P = .007) on the caregivers' likelihood to retain OFSP on their farms. CONCLUSIONS The finding implies that multi-channeled agriculture nutrition education interventions through Early Childhood Development institutions can be effective in ensuring sustainable adoption of OFSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester O Ojwang
- Department of Agricultural Economics, 309371University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David J Otieno
- Department of Agricultural Economics, 309371University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Penina Muoki
- 54718International Potato Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rose A Nyikal
- Department of Agricultural Economics, 309371University of Nairobi, Kenya
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Donato K, McConnell M, Han D, Gunaratna NS, Tessema M, De Groote H, Cohen J. Behavioural insights to support increased consumption of quality protein maize by young children: a cluster randomised trial in Ethiopia. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002705. [PMID: 33355261 PMCID: PMC7751204 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biofortified crops have tremendous potential to improve child nutrition. We tested whether complementing the distribution of quality protein maize (QPM) with a package of interventions informed by behavioural insights could support greater consumption of QPM by young children and translate into improved growth. Methods We conducted a cluster-randomised trial in Oromia, Ethiopia. Clusters of households with a child between 6 and 35 months were randomised into an arm receiving QPM seed only (320 households, 203 clusters) or an arm receiving QPM seed and a child consumption targeting intervention (290 households, 183 clusters). The intervention package included tools to help caregivers keep QPM separate from conventional maize and to earmark QPM specifically for child consumption, as well as encouragement regarding cooking QPM specifically for young children. We analysed the impact of the intervention on food storage, cooking and consumption behaviours and on anthropometric measures (weight-for-age, height-for-age z scores). Results The consumption targeting intervention increased the probability of child consumption of QPM in the past week by 17.3 percentage points (pp) (95% CI 9.4 pp to 25.1 pp; p<0.01), increased the probability that QPM flour was stored separately from conventional maize by 46.5 pp (95% CI 38.3 pp to 54.7 pp; p<0.01) and increased the probability that caregivers cooked QPM specifically for young children in the past week by 14.4 pp (95% CI 7.9 pp to 20.9 pp; p<0.01). These effects persisted, but were attenuated, 10 months postintervention. No significant effects on anthropometric outcomes were found. Conclusions Enhancing the distribution of new, biofortified crop varieties with a consumption targeting campaign can change storage, cooking and consumption behaviours. However, these improved behaviours did not translate into increased growth in this setting. Trial registration number NCT02710760 and AEARCTR0000786.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret McConnell
- Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan Han
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Masresha Tessema
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | | | - Jessica Cohen
- Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Examining Heterogeneity of Food Fortification and Biofortification Business Models: Emerging Evidence for a Typology. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041233. [PMID: 33917974 PMCID: PMC8068339 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to address Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been gaining pace in recent years. Commodities such as staple foods (e.g., cereals, roots, and tubers) and condiments (e.g., salt) have been targeted as ‘vehicles’ for fortification and biofortification through numerous projects and initiatives. To date, there have been mixed experiences with delivery and coverage with very little documented on the range of business models applied in different geographies, business conditions and polities and this makes classification and measurement of success and failure difficult. This research aims to address this gap in knowledge through proposing a typology that clarifies similarities (internal heterogeneity) and differences (external heterogeneity) between models and that can allow all types to be defined by the combination of attributes. Building on a comprehensive literature review; NVivo was used to code initiatives from 34 key references (955 cases in total) which have been grouped into 17 categories. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) we find evidence of four business model groupings that typify fortification initiatives: (1) Large-scale private, unregulated, (2) Mixed-Scale, private, unregulated (3) Large-scale, public-private, regulated; and (4) Large-scale, private, regulated. We characterise these four groups with country examples and suggest that this typology can help the discourse around viability of food fortification initiatives.
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Ssali R, Carey E, Imoro S, Low JW, Dery EK, Boakye A, Oduro I, Omodamiro RM, Yusuf HL, Etwire E, Iyilade AO, Adekambi S, Ali A, Haliru M, Etwire PM. Fried sweetpotato user preferences identified in Nigeria and Ghana and implications for trait evaluation. Int J Food Sci Technol 2021; 56:1399-1409. [PMID: 33776241 PMCID: PMC7984236 DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fried sweetpotato quality is important for variety adoption in West Africa. To inform breeding efforts, the study developed a product profile for sweetpotato chunk fries using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. Root characteristics, processing attributes, in-mouth attributes and appearance of fried product were critical to final product quality. Raw roots should be hard, have smooth skin and no off-odours. Peeled roots should be hard to slice and not sticky. Stickiness and moist surface indicate high moisture content, associated with excessive oil absorption during frying. Hard to slice roots connote high dry matter. Fried product should be crisp, slightly sugary and mealy, have a uniform colour with brown tint and not be soggy. Crispness, mealiness and short frying time with limited oil absorption may be functions of starch. Understanding starch characteristics and other attributes that contribute to quality fried sweetpotato is critical for breeding sweetpotato genotypes with superior quality for frying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Ssali
- International Potato Center (CIP)c/o CSIR‐CRI, P.O. Box 38785, FumesuaKumasiGhana
| | - Edward Carey
- International Potato Center (CIP)c/o CSIR‐CRI, P.O. Box 38785, FumesuaKumasiGhana
| | - Simon Imoro
- International Potato Center (CIP)c/o CSIR‐CRI, P.O. Box 38785, FumesuaKumasiGhana
| | - Jan W. Low
- International Potato Center (CIP)P.O. Box 25171Nairobi00603Kenya
| | - Eric Kuuna Dery
- International Potato Center (CIP)c/o CSIR‐CRI, P.O. Box 38785, FumesuaKumasiGhana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyUPO PMBKumasiGhana
| | - Abena Boakye
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyUPO PMBKumasiGhana
| | - Ibok Oduro
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyUPO PMBKumasiGhana
| | - Rachel M. Omodamiro
- National Root Crops Research InstituteP.M.B 7006 UmuahiaUmudikeAbia State440001Nigeria
| | | | - Eunice Etwire
- Independent consultantc/o CSIR‐Savanna Agricutural Institute, P.O. Box TL 52TamaleGhana
| | - Abigail O. Iyilade
- Agricultural and Rural Management Training InstituteP. O. Box 4503IlorinKwara StateNigeria
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Mwanga ROM, Mayanja S, Swanckaert J, Nakitto M, zum Felde T, Grüneberg W, Mudege N, Moyo M, Banda L, Tinyiro SE, Kisakye S, Bamwirire D, Anena B, Bouniol A, Magala DB, Yada B, Carey E, Andrade M, Johanningsmeier SD, Forsythe L, Fliedel G, Muzhingi T. Development of a food product profile for boiled and steamed sweetpotato in Uganda for effective breeding. Int J Food Sci Technol 2021; 56:1385-1398. [PMID: 33776240 PMCID: PMC7983908 DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study sought to understand user preferences of raw, boiled and steamed sweetpotato, a staple food in Uganda. A sequential methodology involving state of knowledge review, gendered food mapping, processing diagnosis and consumer testing was used in Lira and Kamwenge districts. Preferred raw sweetpotato characteristics were large roots (≥ 3 cm diameter) with a sweet taste, smooth skin and hard texture, while mealiness, sweet taste and good sweetpotato smell were important attributes for boiled sweetpotato. Processors, mostly women, highlighted ease of peeling and sappiness of raw roots. There were gender differences in quality characteristic preferences and perceived importance. The released variety, NASPOT 8, had the highest overall liking in Kamwenge and was well liked in Lira. Penalty analysis of consumer data showed that sweetness and firmness were key drivers of overall liking. The results will support breeding programmes in meeting specific end-user product profiles, selection criteria and uptake of new varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert O. M. Mwanga
- International Potato CenterNtinda II Road, Plot 47, Naguru Hill, Box 22274KampalaUganda
| | - Sarah Mayanja
- International Potato CenterNtinda II Road, Plot 47, Naguru Hill, Box 22274KampalaUganda
| | - Jolien Swanckaert
- International Potato CenterNtinda II Road, Plot 47, Naguru Hill, Box 22274KampalaUganda
| | - Mariam Nakitto
- International Potato CenterNtinda II Road, Plot 47, Naguru Hill, Box 22274KampalaUganda
| | | | | | | | - Mukani Moyo
- International Potato CenterBox 25171NairobiKenya
| | - Linly Banda
- International Potato CenterBox 25171NairobiKenya
- Department of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyPan African University Institute of Basic Science, Technology and InnovationJKUATP.O Box 62000 00200NairobiKenya
| | | | - Sarah Kisakye
- National Agricultural Research LaboratoriesP. O Box 7065KampalaUganda
| | - David Bamwirire
- National Agricultural Research LaboratoriesP. O Box 7065KampalaUganda
| | - Beatrice Anena
- National Agricultural Research LaboratoriesP. O Box 7065KampalaUganda
| | - Alexandre Bouniol
- Faculté des Sciences AgronomiquesUniversité d’Abomey‐Calavi01 BP 526CotonouBenin
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ d'Avignon, Univ de La RéunionMontpellier34 398France
| | - Damalie Babirye Magala
- National Agricultural Research Organisation‐Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development InstituteP.O. Box 164MukonoUganda
| | - Benard Yada
- National Agricultural Research OrganizationNational Crops Resources Research InstituteNamulonge, P.O. Box 7084KampalaUganda
| | - Edward Carey
- International Potato CenterC/O Crops Research InstituteP.O. Box 3785KumasiGhana
| | - Maria Andrade
- International Potato CenterIIAMAv. FPLM 2698, P.O. Box 2100MaputoMozambique
| | - Suzanne D. Johanningsmeier
- United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Research ServiceSoutheast Area Food Science and Market Quality & Handling Research Unit322E Schaub HallRaleighNC27695USA
| | - Lora Forsythe
- Natural Resources InstituteUniversity of GreenwichChathamME4 4TBUK
| | - Geneviève Fliedel
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ d'Avignon, Univ de La RéunionMontpellier34 398France
- CIRADUMR QUALISUDMontpellierF‐34398France
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Heck S, Campos H, Barker I, Okello JJ, Baral A, Boy E, Brown L, Birol E. Resilient agri-food systems for nutrition amidst COVID-19: evidence and lessons from food-based approaches to overcome micronutrient deficiency and rebuild livelihoods after crises. Food Secur 2020; 12:823-830. [PMID: 32839664 PMCID: PMC7381414 DOI: 10.1007/s12571-020-01067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had an instant effect on food systems in developing countries. Restrictions to the movement of people and goods have impaired access to markets, services and food. Unlike other concurrent crises, rather than threatening the material hardware of food systems, COVID-19 has so far affected the 'software' of food systems, highlighting again that connectivity is at the heart of these systems. Drops in demand, the loss of markets and employment and growing concerns about international cooperation are indications of possible deeper disruptions to come. Amidst this uncertainty, strategies to safeguard food and nutrition security of the world's poor need to prioritize diversification of production and markets. Nutritious, biofortified crops such as potato, sweetpotato, but also wheat, maize and beans among others, can play a more significant role to provide key micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc) at large scale. Strong local market chains, robust smallholder production systems and increasing commercial utilization make these crops powerful vehicles for securing nutrition when markets and mobility look uncertain. We posit that the evolving impacts of COVID-19 provide an opportunity to focus agricultural innovations, including the development and delivery of biofortified crops, on new and more specifically defined 'jobs to be done' throughout the food system. This will help bridge some of the current disruptions in supply and demand and will help prepare food systems for future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Heck
- International Potato Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ian Barker
- International Potato Center, Basel, Switzerland
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Which Choice of Delivery Model(s) Works Best to Deliver Fortified Foods? Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071594. [PMID: 31337126 PMCID: PMC6683040 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) occur as a result of insufficient intake of minerals and vitamins that are critical for body growth, physical/mental development, and activity. These deficiencies are particularly prevalent in lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs), falling disproportionately on the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the society. Dietary diversity is considered the most effective method in reducing this deficiency but is often a major constraint as most foods rich in micronutrients are also expensive and thereby inaccessible to poorer members of society. In recent years, affordable commodities such as staple foods (e.g., cereals, roots, and tubers) and condiments (e.g., salt and oil) have been targeted as "vehicles" for fortification and biofortification. Despite efforts by many countries to support such initiatives, there have been mixed experiences with delivery and coverage. An important but little understood driver of success and failure for food fortification has been the range of business models and approaches adopted to promote uptake. This review examines the different models used in the delivery of fortified food including complementary foods and biofortified crops. Using a keyword search and pearl growing techniques, the review located 11,897 texts of which 106 were considered relevant. Evidence was found of a range of business forms and models that attempt to optimise uptake, use, and impact of food fortification which are specific to the 'food vehicle' and environment. We characterise the current business models and business parameters that drive successful food fortification and we propose an initial structure for understanding different fortification business cases that will offer assistance to future designers and implementors of food fortification programmes.
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