By Seleman Yusuph Kitenge
The world of agricultural biotechnology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and Africa is not left behind in this transformation. One of the most promising tools in this space is genome editing, specifically the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is increasingly being used to address challenges in food security, climate change resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices. A recent two-part webinar series, titled “Young Scientists Leading the Way in Genome Editing,” showcased the cutting-edge research and innovations spearheaded by African scientists in this field. The webinars highlighted several promising projects and opened a dialogue on the role of genome editing in addressing some of the most pressing agricultural challenges on the continent.
The webinars brought together experts including researchers, regulators, academics, media personnel, the public and private sector from across Africa and beyond, with participants from countries including Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Ghana, South Africa, and others. Over 1,000 participants tuned in to the online sessions, representing a broad geographical spread across continents, illustrating the global interest in genome editing and its potential to revolutionize agriculture, particularly in Africa.
The Power of Genome Editing in Agriculture
It is possible to rectify, introduce, or delete nearly any known DNA sequence in a variety of cells and organisms through genome editing. Despite the existence of DNA modification techniques for several decades, genome editing has been made more efficient, cost-effective, and rapid by the development of new methods. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has garnered substantial attention as a result of its relative specificity, simplicity, low cost and efficacy, among these technologies. It enables researchers to “edit” specific genes within plants or animals to enhance characteristics such as adaptability to changing environmental conditions, resistance to pests and disease, or enhanced nutritional content. Genome editing has the potential to significantly enhance the nutritional content of crops, increase crop yields, and establish resilience to climate-induced stresses in agriculture.
Africa, which is facing significant food security challenges and a swiftly expanding population, has the potential to benefit substantially from these technological advancements. The webinar series emphasized initiatives that are already demonstrating significant potential in the application of genome editing to resolve specific agricultural challenges in Africa.
CRISPR-Cas9 in Crop Breeding for Climate Resilience
One of the standout presentations was made by Ms. Abigarl Ndudzo from the Pan-African University, Institute of Science, Technology Innovation (PAUSTI), who focused on the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in crop breeding to enhance climate change resilience for smallholder farmers in Africa. Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Africa’s agriculture sector, but they are highly vulnerable to climate variability, droughts, and other environmental stresses. By using CRISPR to target genes responsible for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, scientists are working to develop crops that are more resilient in the face of climate change.
Ms. Ndudzo’s presentation emphasized the potential for genome editing to not only improve crop yields but also to safeguard livelihoods by making farming more sustainable. She also discussed the regulatory frameworks that are critical for the adoption of genome editing technologies, noting the importance of harmonizing regulations across African countries to ensure the benefits of these technologies are realized continent-wide.
Reducing Cooking Time for Common Beans Using CRISPR
Dr. Mary Esther Toili from Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology presented on a fascinating application of CRISPR in improving the cooking quality of common beans. Common beans are an essential protein source in many African diets but require a significant amount of energy to cook, which can be a burden in regions with limited access to energy resources.
Dr. Toili’s research has focused on identifying the genes responsible for the hard-to-cook trait in beans and using genome editing to modify these genes, making the beans easier and quicker to cook. This project is not just about convenience; it is also about reducing energy consumption and improving nutrition by making beans a more accessible food source. The project has already made significant progress, with a protocol for editing the genes successfully developed. Future work will focus on evaluating the fitness of the mutant beans and ensuring they maintain their nutritional and agronomic value.
Improving Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Crops
Another exciting presentation came from Dr. Ejeoghene Rita Ogbimi of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, who reported on the application of genome editing to enhance the nutritional and medicinal properties of crops. Dr. Ogbimi’s work demonstrated how CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to target genes responsible for enhancing nutritional content, such as vitamins and minerals, in key staple crops. Given Africa’s challenges with malnutrition and food insecurity, this research is vital for improving health outcomes and ensuring that populations have access to nutritious food.
Dr. Ogbimi’s presentation also emphasized the role of genome editing in addressing the increasing food demands brought about by Africa’s growing population. As the continent seeks to achieve the goals set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, technological innovations like genome editing will be crucial in meeting the dietary needs of its population.
Phosphorus-Efficient Soybean Cultivars
Another notable presentation came from Dr. Benjamin Karikari of University Laval in Quebec, Canada, and Tamale University in Ghana. His research is focused on breeding phosphorus-efficient soybean cultivars using CRISPR. In many parts of Africa, phosphorus deficiency in soils is a major problem, leading to reduced crop yields and poorer soil health. By using genome editing to develop soybean cultivars that can thrive in phosphorus-deficient soils, Dr. Karikari’s work has the potential to significantly boost soybean production in regions where this crop is vital for both food security and income generation.
The development of phosphorus-efficient crops is also critical for reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment. By focusing on more sustainable farming methods, Dr. Karikari’s research aligns with broader global efforts to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Liguleless Sorghum: A Breakthrough for Biofuel and Fodder Production
Dr. Valter Nuaila from Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique presented on the development of liguleless sorghum varieties using CRISPR. Sorghum is an important crop for both human consumption and livestock feed in many parts of Africa. Liguleless sorghum, which lacks a certain structure in its leaves, has been shown to have increased biomass and improved light perception, making it more suitable for biofuel production and fodder.
Dr. Nuaila’s research is still in its early stages, but the potential applications of liguleless sorghum are wide-ranging. From biofuel production to livestock feed, this innovation could have a significant impact on both food security and renewable energy production in Africa.
The webinar series closed with remarks from Ms. Susan Dada, who emphasized the importance of continuing to build capacity in genome editing across Africa. She noted that while the potential of genome editing is immense, it is critical to ensure that researchers, policymakers, and farmers alike are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to safely and effectively implement these technologies.
The questions raised during the webinars, from regulatory challenges to ethical considerations, highlight the complexity of introducing genome editing technologies into Africa’s agricultural systems. However, the enthusiasm and dedication of the young scientists leading this research offer hope for a future where African agriculture is more resilient, sustainable, and capable of feeding the continent’s growing population. As the research presented in these webinars moves from the lab to the field, the impact of genome editing on Africa’s agriculture could be transformative. From reducing cooking times for common beans to creating phosphorus-efficient soybean cultivars, these innovations are not just about improving yields—they are about securing Africa’s food future.
Seleman Yusuph Kitenge – Communications and Advocacy Officer at African Union Development Agency-NEPAD
