- Biofortification refers to the process of increasing the nutritional value of staple crops through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. It plays a crucial role in addressing "hidden hunger" by enriching crops with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
- The market is witnessing growing interest across the Middle East and Africa due to rising health awareness, government and NGO-led nutritional intervention programs, and a strong need to enhance the nutritional profile of staple foods without altering dietary habits.
- South Africa is expected to dominate the biofortification market with a market share of 31.52%, driven by its structured agricultural research ecosystem, partnerships with international organizations, and increasing prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in rural populations.
- Nigeria is projected to be the fastest-growing country in the biofortification market during the forecast period, supported by large-scale public health initiatives, favorable climatic conditions for staple crops, and international collaborations promoting biofortified seed adoption.
- The Vitamin A segment is anticipated to lead the market with a share of 34.79%, owing to its significant role in reducing child mortality and vision-related disorders, alongside ongoing development of vitamin A-enriched sweet potatoes and maize varieties in the region.
