The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa
Africa is a continent where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common and malnutrition is a major problem. Genetic biofortification (GB) offers a promising way to combat malnutrition. But little is still known about how widely used GB is in Africa today. This review explores the statu...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687157X24001483 |
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| author | Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando Julius Missanga |
| author_facet | Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando Julius Missanga |
| author_sort | Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Africa is a continent where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common and malnutrition is a major problem. Genetic biofortification (GB) offers a promising way to combat malnutrition. But little is still known about how widely used GB is in Africa today. This review explores the status, achievements, and challenges of GB on the continent today. It draws attention to the potential for enhanced nutritional results from biofortified crops that are enhanced with vital elements like zinc, iron, and vitamin A. Biofortification has a demonstrable positive effect on health and wellness, as evidenced by success stories from several African nations. However, obstacles like a lack of farmer awareness, difficulty obtaining biofortified seeds, and complicated regulations make adoption difficult. Research and collaboration advances hold the potential for increasing GB’s effectiveness. This study offers guidance for the future and calls for coordinated efforts to implement GB programs to achieve a well-nourished Africa. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-587b16472f0b44d5a7bb8b669c05997d |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1687-157X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology |
| spelling | doaj-art-587b16472f0b44d5a7bb8b669c05997d2025-08-20T01:59:35ZengElsevierJournal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology1687-157X2024-12-0122410044510.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100445The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in AfricaGideon Sadikiel Mmbando0Julius Missanga1Corresponding author.; Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P. O. BOX 259, Dodoma, TanzaniaDepartment of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P. O. BOX 259, Dodoma, TanzaniaAfrica is a continent where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common and malnutrition is a major problem. Genetic biofortification (GB) offers a promising way to combat malnutrition. But little is still known about how widely used GB is in Africa today. This review explores the status, achievements, and challenges of GB on the continent today. It draws attention to the potential for enhanced nutritional results from biofortified crops that are enhanced with vital elements like zinc, iron, and vitamin A. Biofortification has a demonstrable positive effect on health and wellness, as evidenced by success stories from several African nations. However, obstacles like a lack of farmer awareness, difficulty obtaining biofortified seeds, and complicated regulations make adoption difficult. Research and collaboration advances hold the potential for increasing GB’s effectiveness. This study offers guidance for the future and calls for coordinated efforts to implement GB programs to achieve a well-nourished Africa.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687157X24001483Food securityGenetic engineeringSmallholder farmersBiofortified cropsVitamin AUndernutrition |
| spellingShingle | Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando Julius Missanga The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Food security Genetic engineering Smallholder farmers Biofortified crops Vitamin A Undernutrition |
| title | The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa |
| title_full | The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa |
| title_fullStr | The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa |
| title_short | The current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in Africa |
| title_sort | current status of genetic biofortification in alleviating malnutrition in africa |
| topic | Food security Genetic engineering Smallholder farmers Biofortified crops Vitamin A Undernutrition |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687157X24001483 |
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