Composite flour: a promising and sustainable avenue for achieving food security in developing countries

Food insecurity is still a significant problem in developing countries, which is made worse by factors like climate change, unstable economies, and heavy dependence on imported foods such as wheat. This review examines the potential of composite flour as a promising option in improving food security in developing countries. The article points out that composite flour can boost nutrition by providing more protein, fibre, and micronutrients while also cutting down on postharvest losses and agricultural waste. Examples from various developing countries demonstrate its effectiveness in creating more diverse diets, reducing production costs, and helping farmers adapt to climate change. However, some challenges must still be addressed. These include the existence of antinutritional compounds in unprocessed materials, consumer reluctance due to flavor variations, and inconsistent policy initiatives. The review also shows that improved processing techniques are necessary to improve product safety. In addition, while community-led education is crucial for greater acceptance, relevant policies are also important to promote the utilisation of local agricultural products.