As Africa’s population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the continent faces increasing challenges in ensuring food and nutrition security. With an estimated population of 11 billion by 2025, the urgency to enhance food production and address the underlying challenges of agriculture has never been more critical. Biotechnology, with its promising innovations, is poised to play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
During the second Rwanda National Seed Congress held in Kigali, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, the Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), emphasized the importance of biotechnology in overcoming the agricultural challenges exacerbated by climate change, pests, and diseases.
He highlighted the success stories of genetically modified crops like TELA maize and Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, which are paving the way for increased productivity and sustainability in African agriculture.
The Power of Biotechnology in Agriculture
Dr. Kanangire pointed out that the efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition are often thwarted by several factors, including low crop productivity, soil degradation, emerging pests and diseases, and the impacts of climate change. Biotechnology offers a viable solution to these challenges by enhancing crop resilience and reducing dependency on harmful chemical pesticides.
One such success story is the development of the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) TELA maize, a genetically modified maize variety designed to withstand drought and resist pests like the stemborer and Fall Army Worm.
Since its introduction in 2016, over 288 tons of TELA certified seed have been sold to smallholder farmers in South Africa, benefiting more than 28,000 farmers.
The recent launch of TELA hybrids in Nigeria in June 2024 has already seen over 2,000 farmers planting TELA seeds for the first time, marking a significant step toward enhancing food security in the region.
Similarly, the PBR cowpea, introduced in Nigeria in 2019, has shown remarkable success in combating the Maruca vitrata pest, which can cause up to 90% yield loss in severe infestations.
Through a Public-Private Partnership, AATF has facilitated the development and distribution of this transgenic cowpea variety, with 126 tons of Bt cowpea seed produced and supplied to over 63,000 farmers in Nigeria alone.
The initiative has extended to Ghana and Burkina Faso, demonstrating the potential of biotechnology in improving crop yields and farmer livelihoods across the continent.
Addressing Food Production Challenges
The use of genetically modified crops like Bt TELA maize, Bt cotton, and PBR cowpea is not only about increasing productivity but also about reducing the environmental and health impacts associated with traditional farming methods. These crops are engineered to be resistant to specific pests, thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health.
In addition to pest-resistant crops, biotechnology has also led to the development of herbicide-tolerant crops, such as Roundup Ready soybeans and maize. These crops allow farmers to use effective weed control methods without damaging the crops themselves, further enhancing agricultural efficiency.
Another notable innovation is Golden Rice, a genetically modified rice variety enriched with vitamin A. This crop is designed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a significant health issue in many parts of Africa.
Such nutrient-enhanced crops represent a critical step in addressing not just food security but also nutrition security across the continent.
The Role of AATF in Promoting Agricultural Biotechnology
Founded in 2003, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has been at the forefront of addressing Africa’s food security challenges through agricultural technology.
The organization’s mission is to facilitate access to innovative technologies for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that the continent can meet its growing food demands and achieve sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. Kanangire underscored the importance of effective stewardship in the commercialization of biotech products. Maintaining the integrity of these products is essential for ensuring their long-term success and acceptance among farmers and consumers alike.
As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of food and nutrition insecurity, the role of biotechnology cannot be overstated. With the right policies, partnerships, and innovations, biotechnology holds the potential to transform Africa’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that the continent can feed its growing population and secure a prosperous future.
source: AATF
