Scientists optimistic genome editing critical to tackling food insecurity

As Nigeria addresses food insecurity, scientists in the agricultural value chain have advocated for Genome Editing (GEd) to bridge the food insufficiency gap. This was discussed during a workshop on Genome Editing organized by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD).
The scientists highlighted GEd’s safety and efficiency in crop production, describing it as a precise, direct technology that rewrites genetic information in living organisms, yielding quick results. They urged stakeholders, including journalists, to clearly and accurately communicate the potential and breakthroughs of GEd to diverse audiences, noting its distinction from Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
During the workshop’s opening, NABDA’s Director-General/CEO, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, expressed confidence that GEd could address challenges such as crop diseases, climate change, land scarcity, and insecurity, moving Nigeria closer to food security. He emphasized that GEd could prevent significant post-harvest losses, citing research on increasing tomato shelf life to prevent spoilage during transportation.
In her message, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, DG/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency, highlighted GEd’s potential to revolutionize sectors from agriculture to healthcare. She stressed the importance of training communicators to effectively convey the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of GEd, assuring that safety measures are in place for its deployment in Nigeria. Source: The Guardian

OUR REVIEW
Genome Editing (GEd) presents a promising solution to Nigeria’s food insecurity, as discussed in a recent workshop by NABDA and AUDA-NEPAD. Its precision and speed in crop enhancement offer hope for bridging food insufficiency gaps. Stakeholders, particularly journalists, play a crucial role in accurately communicating GEd’s potential and differentiating it from Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
Prof. Mustapha of NABDA anticipates GEd’s ability to tackle various challenges in agriculture, including diseases, climate change, and post-harvest losses. Dr. Asagbra underscores GEd’s transformative potential across sectors but stresses the need for effective communication regarding its benefits, risks, and ethical considerations. For Africa’s agri-food business, understanding and embracing GEd can lead to informed decisions and growth.