Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, an expert in agricultural research and Technical Lead at the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, has highlighted the importance of prioritising research on key crops and livestock to improve African agriculture. 

Speaking in Abuja, he remarked that targeted crop research could drive innovation and lead to the establishment of a flexible regulatory framework that adapts to scientific advancements and upholds ethical and safety standards as well.

Akinbo stressed the need for effective collaboration among stakeholders in the genome editing sector, urging scientists, researchers, product developers, and biosafety regulators to align their efforts. 

He noted that improving capacity and infrastructure, such as equipping laboratories with modern genome editing tools and creating specialised centres of excellence, is important for improving food production on the continent.

He also advocated for comprehensive training programmes to keep African scientists at the forefront of advancements in techniques like base editing and prime editing. 

He urged collaboration between stakeholders such as farmers, policymakers, civil society and trained journalists to relay complex information simply.

Source: News Diary Online

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