Bühler and dsm-firmenich join hands to tackle hunger in Nigeria

Rice fortification is one of the most cost-effective interventions in addressing hidden hunger and improving the nutritional footprint of the Nigerian population

In collaboration with Bühler, dsm-firmenich, a leading innovator in health and provider of nutritional solutions, is committed to combatting hidden hunger through the provision of nutritional solutions such as fortified rice. “Nigeria’s malnutrition is growing steadily due to factors such as suboptimal diets, economic conditions, and environmental change; it poses a great health risk. Rice fortification is one of the most cost-effective interventions in addressing hidden hunger and improving the nutritional footprint of the Nigerian population,” says Sridhar NB, Technical Business Development Manager, EMEA & South Asia, dsm-firmenich. Given Nigeria’s substantial rice consumption rate, fortification presents a promising way to boost the nutritional status of millions of people without changing consumption habits.

Rice can be made more nutritious by adding vitamins, minerals, such as iron and folic acid, and other nutrients to replenish micronutrients lost in the milling process, and is a cost-effective way of improving nutritional value. The cost impact is only 1 per cent-4 per cent of the current retail price of rice and a small initial investment in fortification technology and infrastructure can help to provide increased nourishment and deliver numerous health, social, and economic benefits.