ABSTRACT

Biofortification of staple crops is a promising strategy for increasing the micronutrient density of diets in order to improve human health. Biofortification of staple crops is a promising strategy for increasing the micronutrient density of diets in order to improve human health. Developing nations are having challenges of provision of adequate food for their population, Nigeria is in great need to feed its rising population of 140 million at an annual rate of at least 2%.This study shows the level of awareness, perception and utilization of biofortified cassava and OFSP in Ikwuano and Umuahia North Local Government Areas of Abia State. This study randomly selected 370 households, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from the households. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages were used for socioeconomic characteristics, awareness, perceptions and utilization of OFSP and biofortified cassava. Results in this study show that 81% of the respondents are aware of biofortified OFSP, 92.4% of the respondents are aware of yellow cassava while 86.5% had a positive perception about OFSP and yellow cassava. However, 59.2% consume biofortified OFSP and yellow cassava daily while 85.9% purchased yellow cassava and OFSP from the market. Furthermore, 54.1% consume OFSP and biofortified cassava by frying. These results therefore suggest that projects seeking to promote the level of awareness and utilization of orange-fleshed sweet potato and yellow cassava as an intervention for vitamin A deficiency control should promote production of orange-fleshed sweet potato and sensitization of communities on the health benefits of orange-fleshed sweet potato consumption and also increase the source of awareness about OFSP and yellow cassava. However nutrition education should be provided to educate them on the proper preparation methods so as to retain vitamin A during preparation and processing.