The Future is Bio
The negative effects of climate change, pests and diseases, inaccessible markets and rapid population amongst other factors threaten food and nutrition security in Africa, with over 256 million people facing undernutrition.
ASARECA, however, believes that highly inclusive sustainable agricultural transformation in eastern and central Africa is plausible with the adoption of biotechnology and functional biosafety systems. For research to move from laboratories to farm and markets, different sector players must leverage science and digital technologies to adapt agriculture and food systems to the numerous changes threatening millions of livelihoods.
We must work together with member states, development partners, implementing agencies and other sub-regional research organizations to appreciate the role of science and technology in sustaining Africa’s food and nutrition security. It is urgent and imperative to harmonize the laws and regulations to facilitate the adoption of modern agricultural biotechnology and biosafety.
Prof. Jean Jacques M. Muhinda is Executive Director, Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). You can reach him at j.mbonigaba-muhinda@asareca.org
