Economics of Biofortification

Abstract: Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious public health problem in many developing countries. Different interventions, such as food supplementation and industrial fortification programs, 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. In this project, the main factors influencing success are analyzed and a methodology for economic impact assessment is developed. The ex ante methodology takes into account health and nutrition details, as well as socioeconomic and policy factors. This framework is used for empirical analyses in India and other countries, focusing on staple food crops rich in iron, zinc, and Provitamin A. Among various examples involving conventional breeding techniques, also the potential impact of genetically modified Golden Rice is analyzed. Results suggest that biofortified crops can reduce the problem of micronutrient malnutrition in a cost-effective way, when targeted to specific situations. Yet. further research is needed to corroborate these findings and address certain issues still unresolved.

Researchers involved: Alexander Stein, Matin Qaim, J.V. Meenakshi, and other partners from the HarvestPlus framework

Funding: DFG, IFPRI

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