Concerned about the high prevalence of malnutrition in Nigeria, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and HarvestPlus have taken steps to commercialize Vitamin A Maize and Vitamin A Cassava, targeting a total of 34 million Nigerians across eight states. The initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Netherlands, aims to reach 23 million people in Imo, Oyo, Niger, and Kaduna states with Vitamin A Maize, and 11 million people in Cross River, Anambra, Osun, and Nasarawa states with Vitamin A Cassava.
During the National Project Close-out Ceremony of the Commercialization of Biofortified Crops (CBC) Project, Yusuf Dollah, the Country Director of HarvestPlus, explained that biofortification involves developing crop varieties with higher levels of micronutrients and vitamins to address nutritional deficiencies in staple crops commonly grown and consumed in Nigeria. The goal is to ensure that as these crops are naturally grown and consumed, individuals have access to the essential micronutrients and vitamins necessary for a healthy life.
Dollah emphasized the importance of commercialization throughout the value chain, enabling seed companies, agro-dealers, farmers, and processors to generate income. This approach aims to promote sustainability and encourage active participation in the value chain.
The project aims to create access and availability of biofortified crops, particularly for rural communities that primarily consume what they produce on their farms. Dollah noted that people living in rural areas often lack access to packaged foods fortified with micronutrients, making biofortified crops a practical solution for addressing their nutritional needs.
Dr. Abbas Yusuf, the Deputy Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, highlighted the significance of proper processing to ensure food safety and quality in the production of vitamin A maize and vitamin A cassava. Dr. Yusuf emphasized that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of malnutrition, and biofortification provides a sustainable solution by incorporating essential nutrients into locally grown crops like maize and cassava. This allows for the consumption of nutrient-rich food within the community, reducing the reliance on supplements, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Godwin Ehiabhi, the Senior Project Manager of Supply Chains for Commercialization at GAIN Nigeria, discussed the awareness campaigns carried out over the past three years to educate Nigerians about the importance of consuming biofortified staples. He noted that many Nigerians prioritize consuming starchy foods without considering their nutritional value. The objective of the commercialization effort is to promote the consumption of nutrient-rich staples among all Nigerians, including children, by integrating biofortified varieties into their daily diets.
