African scientists across the continent are hopeful that gene editing is a tool that can support Africa’s food security by helping to increase crop productivity, enhance nutrition and make crops more resilient to climate change. Gene editing research is already being used to improve major staple foods in Africa, such as maize, sorghum, wheat, cassava, yam, sweet potato and banana, among others, and the research results are promising. In this session, Andrew Kiggundu, project manager of Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa (VIRCA) at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, will be discussing gene editing with James Karanja, KALRO; John Odipio, NARO Uganda, and Rose Harriet Okech, IITA-Kenya. The three scientists are working in various capacities to advance gene editing research in Africa. They will discuss opportunities and anticipated challenges as they use this tool in developing improved and climate resilient crops for Africa.
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