Biofortification as a sustainable solution to combat micronutrient malnutrition in the global south with a focus on Sri Lanka: potential, challenges, and policy implications

Summary

This narrative review examines biofortification as a sustainable approach to combat micronutrient malnutrition in the Global South, using Sri Lanka as a focal case study. The authors evaluate three biofortification pathways—agronomic practices, conventional breeding, and genetic engineering—across multiple staple crops, with particular attention to rice varieties. The paper synthesises evidence on technical potential whilst critically addressing economic, cultural, and systemic barriers to adoption, ultimately arguing that biofortification must be embedded within integrated policy frameworks and supported by consumer awareness initiatives.

Regional applicability

This review's focus on the Global South and Sri Lanka's specific agroecological and dietary contexts has limited direct applicability to UK farming and nutrition policy. However, UK-based researchers and policymakers may find the review's framework for evaluating biofortification adoption barriers, consumer acceptance, and policy integration relevant to international development initiatives or considerations of food security resilience.

Key measures

Micronutrient content (iron, zinc, vitamin A) in biofortified staple crops; adoption barriers; policy framework effectiveness

Outcomes reported

The review examined biofortification strategies (agronomic practices, traditional breeding, and genetic engineering) for enhancing micronutrient content in staple crops, with emphasis on rice and other crops including pulses, soybean, maize, and cassava. The paper identified challenges to adoption and policy recommendations for integrating biofortification into comprehensive nutrition security frameworks.

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