Economics of biofortification

Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious public health problem in many developing countries. Different interventions are currently used, but their overall coverage is relatively limited. Biofortification—that is, breeding staple food crops for higher micronutrient contents—is a new agriculture‐based...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Qaim, Matin, Stein, Alexander J., Meenakshi, J. V.
Formato: Journal Article
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: Wiley 2007
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/171840
Descripción
Sumario:Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious public health problem in many developing countries. Different interventions are currently used, but their overall coverage is relatively limited. Biofortification—that is, breeding staple food crops for higher micronutrient contents—is a new agriculture‐based approach, but relatively little is known about its ramifications. Here, the main factors influencing success are discussed and a methodology for economic impact assessment is presented. Ex ante studies from India and other countries suggest that biofortified crops can reduce the problem of micronutrient malnutrition in a cost‐effective way, when targeted to specific situations. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings and address certain issues still unresolved.