Hidden hunger, a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals in daily diets, affects more than two billion people worldwide, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. This leads to severe health issues such as stunting, weakened immunity, and even death. In Bangladesh and Uganda, high rates of micronutrient deficiencies are widespread, especially in rural areas and poverty-affected regions. The Scaling Production of Biofortified Crops project aims to tackle these nutritional gaps through biofortification, which increases the nutrient content of staple crops like rice, maize, sweet potato, and beans.
The project, implemented by HarvestPlus and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, seeks to address hidden hunger by introducing biofortified crops that provide essential nutrients missing from typical diets. By working with local seed cooperatives and larger corporations, the project will ensure the widespread adoption of these nutrient-rich varieties. Training on climate-smart agricultural practices will empower smallholder farmers, helping them boost crop yields, improve food security, and increase incomes. The project focuses on creating sustainable, long-term solutions to malnutrition and poverty.
The project targets rural areas in Bangladesh and Uganda, regions identified with high levels of hidden hunger. In Bangladesh, the initiative will focus on the production and consumption of zinc-enriched rice, while in Uganda, it will center around vitamin A maize, vitamin A sweet potato, and iron beans. The project aims to provide training and access to biofortified seed to 38,000 farmers in Bangladesh and 20,000 farmers in Uganda over 12 months. The project aims to:
- Improve nutrition security by increasing access to biofortified crops in Bangladesh and Uganda
- Equip 58,000 farmers with the tools and training to adopt nutrient-enriched, climate-resilient crops
- Enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, by increasing their agricultural productivity and income. The project is planned for a 12-month implementation period
Key Activities:
- Distribution of biofortified zinc rice in Bangladesh and vitamin A maize, vitamin A sweet potato, and iron beans in Uganda
- Collaboration with local seed cooperatives and corporations to ensure broad adoption of biofortified seeds
- Comprehensive training on best agricultural practices to boost climate resilience and crop productivity
- Capacity building for smallholder farmers, with a focus on women and youth, to improve income-generating opportunities
Expected Outputs and Outcomes:
- 38,000 farmers in Bangladesh and 20,000 farmers in Uganda trained on biofortified crop cultivation
- Increased adoption of biofortified seeds, leading to improved nutrition for communities
- Enhanced income for smallholder farmers through increased yields and market opportunities
- Strengthened climate resilience and agricultural practices for long-term food security