Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Nicaragua Through Rice Fortification

This project will prevent neural tube defects in Nicaragua through fortification of rice - a staple food - with folic acid. We will support twelve early adopter rice mills that collectively produce 60% of rice in Nicaragua with training and equipment to enable local production of fortified rice, as well as a comprehensive branding campaign to promote the purchase and consumption of fortified rice. By establishing high consumer demand, high acceptability, and relatively low costs, the program will harvest market forces to drive sustainable production and consumption of fortified rice.