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Background In this review, we examine the potential of Zn-enriched fertilisers to alleviate human dietary Zn deficiency. The focus is on ten African countries where dietary Zn supply is low and where fertiliser subsidies are routinely deployed on cereal crops. Scope Dietary Zn supply and deficiency prevalence were quantified from food supply and composition data. Typical effects of soil (granular) and foliar Zn applications on Zn concentrations in maize (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains were based on a systematic literature review. Reductions in disease burdens attributable to Zn deficiency and cost-effectiveness were estimated using a disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) approach. Conclusions Baseline Zn supply in 2009 ranged from 7.1 (Zambia) to 11.9 (Mali) mg capita− 1 day− 1; prevalence of Zn deficiency ranged from 24 (Nigeria) to 66%(Zambia). In reviewed studies …