Bio:

Theogene is a Lecturer at the University of Rwanda. He received his PhD in Nutritional Science from Massey University. His dissertation focused on factors associated with child stunting in northwest Rwanda, with an emphasis on care practices related to child feeding and health. As part of his dissertation, he also examined the factors influencing access to and use of micronutrients powders intended to combat iron-deficiency among young children and the findings from this work revealed the need for research to inform the design and implementation of nutrition programs in Rwanda.

Project summary:

Biofortification, a process of increasing micronutrients content in staple crops through breeding, is recognized as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies such as iron-deficiency. Randomized trials conducted in various settings have demonstrated that consumption of biofortified crops increases iron status in women and children. However, there are limited data and indicators that can help track the progress of biofortification program implementation. The aim of this study is to measure programme coverage for adoption and use of biofortified crops, with the goal to generate data that can inform the decisions to scale up biofortification program in Rwanda. In addition, this study will assess how well biofortified crops reach the most nutritionally vulnerable households so we can address inequity in the biofortification program implementation.

Briefing note: Coverage of iron-biofortified beans and influencing factors in the Northern Province of Rwanda