HarvestPlus coordinates Nigeria’s staple crop biofortification program, which launched in 2010 to help address micronutrient deficiency—particularly vitamin A deficiency, which affects 30 percent of Nigerian children under five.
COUNTRY MANAGER
Yusuf Dollah
HarvestPlus Nigeria c/o IITA Idi-Ose,
PMB 5320 Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria
+234 806 5423977
So far, nine vitamin A biofortified varieties of cassava, eleven varieties of vitamin A maize, and three varieties of vitamin A orange sweet potato have been released. Several other crops are in development, with iron-zinc sorghum and iron pearl millet in advanced stages.
At the end of 2020, 1.76 million smallholder farming families were growing vitamin A cassava and 756,000 were growing vitamin A maize. Through innovative programs such as the annual Nutritious Food Fair and the Smart Mother Platform.
HarvestPlus Nigeria also engages stakeholders in seed and food value chains, and sensitizes farming families on the importance of nutritious diets and empowers them to grow biofortified crops.
The Nigerian government is committed to improving the health of its citizens, therefore we encourage the consumption of biofortified foods.” Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Productivity (2019-2023) 9th National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Biofortified Crops in Nigeria*
*Includes varieties shown to meet HarvestPlus standards. Other varieties may be available in the country.
Varieties Released Database
This searchable database provides information on all biofortified crops variety releases by country.
Areas of Expertise
- Crop Development
- Seed Multiplication
- Seed and Grain Distribution
- Consumer Engagement
- Market Development
Crop Development
We breed, test and release biofortified varieties of cassava and maize in partnership with IITA, the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI-Umudike), the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR-Zaria), and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). We are in advanced development stages for biofortified varieties of sorghum and pearl millet with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and banana with IITA.
Seed Multiplication
HarvestPlus works with over 50 public and private sector partners to multiply and deliver these varieties to farmers using sustainable value chain platforms.
Seed and Grain Distribution
Our network of extension agents, aggregators, and rural facilitators receive periodic training on best agronomic and cost-saving practices to achieve maximum yield. They pass along this knowledge to farmers at the household level.
Consumer Engagement
We create public awareness campaigns and leverage the power of media and advocacy platforms (including Nollywood) to increase consumers’ knowledge of biofortified foods and their benefits.
Market Development
We create and strengthen consumer demand by supporting commercial processing of vitamin A cassava and maize into popularly consumed products such as gari, fufu, tuwo, and custard that are marketed nationwide. Innovative strategies to promote adoption and consumption include model one-stop shops and an online market (Agroshop) where consumers can buy vitamin A cassava stems, tubers, and ready-to-eat products such as pies, cakes, and fufu.
Vitamin A Maize and Vitamin A Cassava in Nigeria
The Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops Programme produced this guide to facilitate trade in vitamin A cassava and maize products in Nigeria, by helping food producers and sellers to accurately label and promote them.
Learn MoreBiofortification news in Nigeria
HarvestPlus Launches Minimum Standards for Vitamin A Maize and Iron Pearl Millet Seed to Tackle Hidden Hunger in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria — In a major step toward improving nutrition and food security in Nigeria, HarvestPlus, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has officially launched minimum standards for the variety release of biofortified vitamin A maize and iron pearl millet seeds. This landmark initiative is set to accelerate the adoption of these nutrient-rich crops, helping to […]
Commercializing Iron Pearl Millet in One Year: A Success Story of HarvestPlus in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the journey from crop variety release to commercialization typically takes a minimum of three years, leaving many promising varieties stranded before they can reach farmers. This slow adoption process is especially problematic for nutrition-focused initiatives, where timely access to nutrient-dense crops can significantly impact public health. However, 2023 marked a turning point with […]
Strengthening Nigeria’s Seed Sector: A Step Towards Improved Nutrition
The Nigeria seed sector has faced persistent challenges, including inconsistent seed quality, limited regulatory oversight, and inadequate awareness among farmers. These gaps have hindered the effective adoption of quality seeds, including biofortified varieties that can combat malnutrition. To address these challenges, HarvestPlus, in collaboration with Propcom+, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the […]
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We have more than 85 partners in the public, private, NGO, and policy engagement sectors who share our mission to improve nutrition and lives of people in Nigeria.
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