Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting as many as 43 million children across the continent. Children affected by it are more likely to become blind or contract diseases, but scientists say there may be a solution in the form of a special sweet potato. They are orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and they’re rich in a color pigment that is vital in preventing Vitamin A deficiency. They are not native to Africa, but scientists in Uganda are on the forefront of using a technique called biofortification to increase their availability. Scientists are now urging households to adopt this abundant crop as a staple in order to nourish children properly, which is proving to be successful in Uganda so far.
Can the sweet potato prevent malnourishment in Africa?
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