HarvestPlus supports the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) to breed, test, and release vitamin A cassava developed through our partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Cassava is one of the most widely consumed food staples in Nigeria. 
We work with public and private sector partners to multiply vitamin A cassava stems and distribute to farmers. Our network of extension agents and rural facilitators receive training in best agronomic practices, which they pass along to farmers at the household level.
Creative public awareness campaigns leverage the power of mass media, including of Nollywood, in educating Nigerians on micronutrient deficiencies and the benefits of vitamin A cassava.
We are also creating and strengthening demand by supporting commercial processing of vitamin A cassava into popularly consumed products such as gari and fufu that are marketed nationwide. Innovative strategies to promote adoption and consumption include model one-stop shops where consumers can buy vitamin A cassava stems, tubers, and ready-to-eat products such as pies, cakes, and fufu.
Our advocacy seeks to strengthen national ownership of biofortification through effective integration into national nutrition and agricultural policies.
“Biofortification must be rigorously supported within the broader context of promoting a diversified and healthy food base for improved nutrition.”— Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and Former Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development
Country Contacts
| Paul Ilona, HarvestPlus Country Manager-Nigeria c/o IITA Idi-Ose, PMB 5320, Ibadan Phone: +234 8034035281 x2591 Email: p.ilona@cgiar.org |
Partners
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