How cost-effective is biofortification in combating micronutrient malnutrition? An ex ante assessment

Meenakshi, Jonnalagadda V.; Johnson, Nancy; Manyong, Victor M.; de Groote, Hugo; Javelosa, Josyline; Yanggen, David; Naher, Firdousi; González Carolina; Garcia, James and Meng, Erika. 2007. How cost-effective is biofortification in combating micronutrient malnutrition? HarvestPlus Abstract 10. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). https://hdl.handle.net/10568/154496

Biofortification is increasingly seen as an additional tool to combat micronutrient malnutrition. This paper presents, for the first time, evidence on the costs and potential benefits of biofortification for a large number of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We use a modification of the Disability-Adjusted Life Years framework to conclude that the intervention can make a significant impact on the burden of micronutrient deficiencies in the developing world, and can do so in a highly cost-effective manner.