CGIAR News; December 19, 2017

Figure: Farmers group & demonstration drought tolerant (DT) maize plot in farmers field, Lobu Koromo village, Hawassa Zuria district. Photo: CIMMYT/P. Lowe

A multidisciplinary team of researchers including those working in agriculture, nutrition, socio-economics, geography, and ethics has received more than $8.9m (£4.4m) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help alleviate micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs).

The GeoNutrition project, led by the University of Nottingham, will focus on Ethiopia and Malawi where MNDs – also known as hidden hunger – are widespread. The project aims to improve baseline evidence on the prevalence and causes of MNDs, and test a promising strategy to alleviate MNDs called biofortification which seeks to improve the micronutrient content of food crops.

The problem

Micronutrients including vitamins and minerals are required in small quantities in the diet for a range of functions in the body. MNDs pose a serious risk to human health including the growth and development of children. For example, zinc deficiency in children increases risks of infection and stunting (low height for age), while adequate dietary selenium is essential for a healthy immune system and thyroid function.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of MNDs including zinc and selenium is high, especially among poor and rural populations. There are multiple causes including nutrient-poor soils, a lack of access to diverse diets, low nutrient bioavailability in staple crops such as maize (corn), and nutrient losses following infection (e.g. diarrhea). Other MNDs including iodine, iron and vitamin A are also widespread.

See: http://www.cimmyt.org/press_release/8-9m-investment-to-reduce-malnutrition-in-ethiopia-and-malawi/