Review of Bio Fortification Challenges Limitations and Opportunities in Crops in Ethiopia

Bio fortification is the process of increasing micronutrient density in staple crops. Bio-fortified crops offer significant benefits for enhancing rural food systems in low-income and middle-income countries. Micronutrient deficiencies are a significant global public health challenge, affecting over 2 billion individuals worldwide, with pregnant women, lactating women, and young children being the most vulnerable groups. Crop bio fortification can be achieved through breeding, agronomy, and genetic modification, with fertilization-based and biotechnological approaches being the main methods. Bio fortified crops, such as pulses, show promise for addressing malnutrition challenges and improving overall health. Malnutrition is a significant issue in Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of enhancing nutrient intake and dietary diversity to combat deficiencies. Research on bio fortification has primarily focused on zinc, iron, and provitaminA crops, with efforts to develop multi-nutrient bio fortified maize. Monitoring changes in micronutrient status and health outcomes in randomized trials is crucial for evaluating the nutritional effectiveness of bio-fortified crops. While positive effects have been observed on children’s health, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of bio-fortification on different populations.