Programs

Impact

• Identify Target Populations
• Assess Improvements in Nutritional Status of Target Populations

Identifying target populations and measuring the impact biofortified crops have on them is crucial.

HarvestPlus seeks to project and maximize the impact of biofortification on populations most at risk from micronutrient malnutrition. This will depend on the extent to which biofortified staple crops are grown and consumed. "Impact" reviews consumption patterns and micronutrient malnutrition statistics to determine where biofortified crops can be deployed cost-effectively.

Baseline and post-dissemination surveys are conducted in target regions to determine the degree to which biofortification improves human nutrition.

It will be important to document and measure the impact of the introduction of biofortified varieties of staple food crops. In doing this, HarvestPlus will address pressing questions related to impact and policy analysis in five broad areas.

1. Agricultural Research, Production, and Adoption of Biofortified Varieties

• What are the effects of biofortification on crop diversification (ex ante modeling and sensitivity analysis)?
• What is the extent of adoption of biofortified varieties (ex ante modeling and sensitivity analysis)?
• What are the effects of mineral-dense seeds in improving agricultural productivity (ex ante modeling and sensitivity analysis)?
• What is the awareness of plant scientists in developing countries of breeding for human nutrition objectives?
• What levels of investments are being made and what is the priority given to human nutrition breeding objectives by plant breeders in developing countries?

2. Changes in Diets/Level of Nutrient Intakes

• What is the degree of acceptance of biofortified varieties by consumers (ex ante modeling and sensitivity analysis; focus group interviews; early experience with adoption of orange-flesh sweet potatoes in Africa)?
• What are the effects of processing, storage, marketing, and cooking on the level of nutrients?
• What is the extent of coordination/complementarities between biofortification activities and commercial fortification and supplementation programs?

3. Bioavailability of Nutrients

• To what extent are the extra nutrients in biofortified varieties absorbed and utilized? (in vitro and animal studies, efficacy and effectiveness studies are planned for each crop)

4. Functional Outcomes

• Are there any improvements in health and nutrition outcomes due to adoption of biofortified varieties? (ex ante analysis through analysis of variance of micronutrient status and functional outcomes)

5. Incomes of the Poor

• What potential effects will biofortified crops have on income through:
  (i) improvements in health outcomes and
  (ii) improvements in agricultural productivity? (ex ante modeling and sensitivity analysis).
• Additionally, the potential impact of biofortified crops will also depend on the food policies in which governments implement and how those policies influence the diets of those who suffer from micronutrient malnutrition.

Publications on Impact