Feasibility of Cassava Semolina (Attiéké) as a Vehicle for Food Fortification: A Survey in Areas of Côte d'Ivoire with High Levels of Childhood Micronutrient Deficiencies

Abstract

Aims: This study constitutes the first approach to a food program. It was carried out in order to make up a useful database for a nutritional intervention by evaluating the level and practices of consumption of cassava semolina (Attiéké) among school children in rural communities. Study Design: This study was conducted from May 14 to 21, 2021 in elementary school in six villages in an area of Côte d'Ivoire that previously had a high incidence of childhood anemia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected data from first- to sixth-grade school children and aged from five to fifteen years (n = 460). Children provided data on their cassava semolina consumption in response to individual structured interviews conducted in their elementary schools and in the presence of one of their parents. Results: The results suggest that cassava semolina is an accessible, familiar and acceptable vehicle for food fortification to overcome nutritional deficits in children in this area. Cassava semolina is available throughout the year in this area. Children consumed an average of 95.5 g/day of cassava semolina and over three quarters of them (88.5%) had consumed this food on at least one day during the week prior to the survey. Cassava semolina was most often eaten for the midday meal (77.2%) in combination with fish (86.3%) and/or vegetables (79.1%). Finally, although cassava can be grown in this area, most children’s families (75.9%) purchased processed cassava semolina. Conclusion: The fortification of semolina would have high penetration in the population. However, the survey also identified a major challenge to using cassava semolina as a vehicle for micronutrient fortification. This is the shelf life of fresh cassava semolina, which is only 3 to 4 days in the absence of refrigeration.