Summary
This spatial study characterised selenium concentration variation across teff and wheat grain in Amhara, Ethiopia, using geostatistical modelling informed by soil properties and environmental covariates. Selenium concentrations differed between the two grains but exhibited consistent broad spatial patterns, with substantial regional variation. The authors present a general methodological framework for mapping micronutrient adequacy in grain and identifying geographical targeting opportunities for nutritional interventions.
UK applicability
The methodology for spatial micronutrient mapping and uncertainty quantification is transferable, though UK cereal systems differ in climate, soil conditions, and current selenium status. The application to identifying population-level micronutrient deficits may be more relevant to other low-income settings with documented micronutrient gaps.
Key measures
Selenium concentration in grain (teff and wheat) and soil; remote-sensed covariates; digital elevation model predictors; prediction error variances; probability of inadequate selenium intake per serving
Outcomes reported
The study mapped predicted selenium concentrations across teff and wheat grain in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, and quantified spatial variation and uncertainty using geostatistical methods. It computed the probability that standard servings of grain would fail to provide the recommended daily allowance of selenium.
Topic tags
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