Addressing Malnutrition among Rural and Urban Households Using Bio-Fortified Cassava (Pro-Vitamin A Cassava): A Review

The paper reviewed the potentials of consuming bio-fortified cassava among rural and urban households in Nigeria. It explained the concept, prospect, health, nutritional benefits and opportunities presented by bio-fortification of cassava. Bio-fortification is the process of increasing the bio-available micronutrient density of staple crops through conventional plant breeding and modern biotechnology to achieve a measurable and positive impact on human health. The prospect of bio-fortification through biotechnology provides the nation with ample opportunities to alleviate food and nutrition insecurity, as well as create jobs for a new crop of researchers. Bio-fortified staple foods can contribute to body stores of iron, zinc, and vitamin A throughout the lifecycle, including those of children, adolescents, adult women, men, and the elderly. Micronutrients are required in the diet in small amounts but deficiencies can result in serious health consequences. Bio-fortification provides micronutrients which are essential for human health and nutrition and can also significantly contribute to reduce morbidity, malnutrition and mortality. The study concluded that bio-fortified cassava has the potential to improve the nutrition and health status of rural and urban households which can contribute to household productivity and improve the overall Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Nigeria. The study recommended that more awareness on the nutritional benefits of bio-fortified cassava should be intensified and all stakeholders in the government and non-governmental area should be saddled with the responsibility of promoting the consumption of bio-fortified cassava