Zimbabwe: Launch of high nutrient crop seed varieties to reduce malnutrition
18 August 2016, Harare – Today marks the launch of widespread availability of biofortified (high nutrient) seed varieties. This is part of the Livelihood and Food Security Program (LFSP), which is funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development, Mrs Danisile Hikwa, Principal Director in the Department of Research and Specialist Services said, “there is robust evidence that consumption of these traditionally cooked biofortified food crops improves nutritional status”.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa said “Nutritional deficiencies increase pressure on the national health system through increased risk of illnesses, while compromising growth, development and productivity of the nation in the long term.”
Currently, 20 percent of children under the age of five suffer Vitamin A deficiencies, while one in every three children is anaemic. Head of DFID Zimbabwe, Annabel Gerry said “Biofortified seeds including vitamin A enriched maize seeds, and iron and zinc enriched bean will now be widely available across the country in readiness for the 2016/17 planting season. With UK aid support over 127 000 households will have the opportunity to improve the health of their children.”
“Biofortification enhances the availability of vitamins and minerals for people whose diets are dominated by micronutrient deficient staple food crops”, said David Phiri, FAO Coordinator for Southern Africa.
Good results have been recorded on the performance of biofortified varieties in demonstration plots.
“Last year, the maize variety produced two cobs per plant and recorded 12.6 metric tonnes per hectare, while the bean type recorded 3.8 metric tonnes per hectare”, said Lister Katsvairo, Harvest Plus Country Manager.
About LFSP
The Zimbabwe Livelihood Food Security Programme (LFSP) is a four-year programme funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), and implemented by FAO and, Palladium and Coffey. The programme aims to increase agricultural productivity, increase incomes, improve food and nutrition security, and reduce poverty in rural Zimbabwe.
Other components of the programme are raising smallholder farm productivity by introducing improved and climate appropriate agricultural practices, increasing access to finance, and linking smallholder farmers to profitable commercial markets, to stimulate demand and supply of affordable nutritious foods.
The programme is targeting 126 975 smallholder farm households in Mutare, Makoni, Mutasa, Kwekwe, Gokwe South, Shurugwi, Guruve and Mt Darwin districts.
Contacts
Edward Ogolla | FAO Communications | [email protected]