Projected future distribution of date palm and its potential use in alleviating micronutrient deficiency

Background: Micronutrient deficiency develops when nutrient intake does not match nutritional requirements for maintaining healthy tissue and organ functions which may have long-ranging effects on health, learning ability and productivity. Inadequacy of iron, zinc and vitamin A are the most important micronutrient deficiencies. Consumption of a 100 g portion of date flesh from date palm ('Phoenixdactylifera' L.)has been reported to meet approximately half the daily dietary recommended intake of these micronutrients. This study investigated the potential distribution of 'P. dactylifera' under future climates to address its potential long-term use as a food commodity to tackle micronutrient deficiencies in some developing countries. Results: Modelling outputs indicated large shifts in areas conducive to date palm cultivation, based on global-scale alteration over the next 60 years. Most of the regions suffering from micronutrient deficiencies were projected to become highly conducive for date palm cultivation. Conclusions: These results could inform strategic planning by government and agricultural organizations by identifying areas to cultivate this nutritionally important crop in the future to support the alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies.