The Impact of Micronutrient Training on High-Zinc Rice Demand Among Mothers: A Randomized Control Trial Study in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper measures the impact of a micronutrient training among women farmers with young children on the demand for zinc-enhanced varieties. We conducted a randomized control trial by providing micronutrient training in randomly selected villages in May-June 2017. These farmers were also given information on the biofortification of rice with zinc. One week after the training, we conducted a phone-based bidding for high-zinc rice seeds among trainees and their counterparts in control villages. More than 70% of the treated female farmers participated in the bidding for high-zinc rice seed, but only 23% of the women in the control group participated in the bidding. Female farmers who self-reported that they had input into most or all decisions on the use of income generated from rice bid a higher price than other female farmers. The results suggest the effectiveness of the micronutrient training, at least in a short period immediately after the training.