Framework for Scaling-up Biofortification in Africa: A Consultancy Report.

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP) and HarvestPlus engaged CAPDEV CONSULTANTS LTD to develop a comprehensive Framework for Scaling-up Biofortification in Africa.  The initiative was intended to outline strategic priorities, pathways, and directions for enhancing biofortification efforts in Africa, focusing on improving micronutrient density of diets to combat what is popularly referred to as "hidden hunger". The latter condition manifests in morbidity, blindness, weakened immunity, impaired physical and cognitive development, and childbirth-related complications.

Development of the scaling-up biofortification framework involved an elaborate process, including in-depth literature review, stakeholder analysis, content analysis, and stakeholder consultations. This approach enabled reaching a thorough understanding of the subject matter, on the basis of which strategic objectives that would guide scaling-up biofortification initiatives were derived. 

The framework provides a roadmap of impact pathways of key biofortified crops, starting from scientific laboratories and ending with nutritious diets of biofortified foods, among all needy men and women, boys and girls, around the African continent.  The framework also highlights priority areas of intervention, key actors and their individual and collective roles, expected deliverables, outcomes and impact. The framework acknowledges that biofortification complements alternative nutritional approaches, such as supplementation, dietary diversification, and industrial fortification.

Keywords: biofortification, hidden hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, scaling-up, strategic framework, agriculture, nutrition, African Union, stakeholders.