Trends in production and consumption of selected biofortified crops by rural communities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Poor dietary diversity is one of the leading causes of high rate of malnutrition in rural communities. Biofortification provides a solution for global micronutrient deficiency through consumption of crops rich in essential micronutrients.This study sought to assess trends in production and consumption of selected biofortified crops by rural communities of Zimbabwe. Information was collected from farmers and district food and nutrition security committee through seven focus groups using open-ended questions and key informant interviews to determine the knowledge, production and consumption patterns of biofortified crops. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire to gather quantitative data such as sources of knowledge, production and consumption patterns of biofortified crops. Secondary data on biofortified crops production was obtained from the AGRITEX department. This study revealed that biofortified crops production and consumption were low due to factors such as unavailability of biofortified seeds, poor yields of the orange maize variety, low producer price at the Grain Marketing Board, and failure by farmers to distinguish orange maize from yellow maize. Few people had consumed biofortified beans and orange maize. To combat hidden hunger, the research recommends promotion of biofortified crops production through public media and inclusion under government programs targeted to boost food production such as command agriculture.