Market potential of folate biofortified rice in China

Within the scope of biofortification as a tool to improve human nutrition, folate biofortified rice (FBR) was recently developed to reduce folate deficiency and its adverse health outcomes, among which neural-tube defects. In spite of its consumer benefits, the use of biotechnology in such food products remains controversial. This thesis evaluates ex-ante the market potential of FBR in China and Shanxi Province, a poor, rural and high-risk region. Three lines of inquiry were investigated. At micro-level, FBR acceptance was examined through a consumer survey in Shanxi (N=944), while experimental auctions were organized to elicit women’s willingness-to-pay for FBR (N=252). At macro-level, the potential health impacts and cost-effectiveness of FBR were assessed by applying the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) framework. Both consumer studies demonstrate the market potential of GM crops with consumer benefits in high-risk regions. Shanxi consumers are generally accepting FBR (62.2 %) and are even prepared to pay 33.7 % more than for regular rice. The health impact study further supports FBR as a valuable micronutrient intervention in China. Through its implementation, FBR could save between 62 863 and 188 508 DALYs per year. Moreover, it could be a highly cost-effective health intervention, with an estimated cost between US$21.4 and US$ 64.2 per DALY saved. This PhD thesis provides an important basis for stakeholders in the fields of GM (biofortified) food research, development and commercialization, health prevention and intervention planning, such as the reduction of birth defects

Modelling protection behaviour towards micronutrient deficiencies: case of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes as health intervention for school-going children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite successes recorded in combating iodine deficiency, more than 2 billion people are still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Rural landlocked and mountainous areas of developing countries are the hardest hit, hence the need to explore and advance novel strategies such as biofortification. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We evaluated adoption, purchase, and consumption of iodine biofortified vegetable legumes (IBVL) using the theory of protection motivations (PMT) integrated with an economic valuation technique. A total of 1,200 participants from three land-locked locations in East Africa were recruited via multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected using two, slightly distinct, questionnaires incorporating PMT constructs. The survey also elicited preferences for iodine biofortified foods when offered at a premium or discount. Determinants of protection motivations and preferences for iodine biofortified foods were assessed using path analysis modelling and two-limit Tobit regression, respectively. RESULTS: Knowledge of iodine, iodine-health link, salt iodization, and biofortification was very low, albeit lower at the household level. Iodine and biofortification were not recognized as nutrient and novel approaches, respectively. On the other hand, severity, fear, occupation, knowledge, iodine status, household composition, and self-efficacy predicted the intention to consume biofortified foods at the household level; only vulnerability, self-efficacy, and location were the most crucial elements at the school level. In addition, results demonstrated a positive willingness-to-pay a premium or acceptance of a lesser discount for biofortification. Furthermore, preference towards iodine biofortified foods was a function of protection motivations, severity, vulnerability, fear, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, iodine status, gender, age. and household head. CONCLUSIONS: Results lend support for prevention of iodine deficiency in unprotected populations through biofortification; however 'threat' appraisal and socio-economic predictors are decisive in designing nutrition interventions and stimulating uptake of biofortification. In principle, the contribution is threefold: 1) Successful application of the integrated model to guide policy formulation; 2) Offer guidance to stakeholders to identify and tap niche markets; 3) stimulation of rural economic growth around school feeding programmes