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African nations warm to crop biotechnology for potential food security gains
Though only a few African countries are now growing genetically modified (GM) crops commercially, governments across the continent are increasingly recognizing the crucial role that biotechnology can play in improving food security. In response, African governments are moving to establish an enabling policy framework to support adoption of biotechnology, including…
How the anti-vaxxers could win the COVID information war
We’re facing two nightmare scenarios for the future of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The first is that no successful vaccine is ever developed, and therefore virtually all of us have to take our chances with the virus. The second is that a vaccine is successfully developed, one that works and…
Mozambique sees GMO crops as way to reduce poverty, achieve food security
Mozambique is exploring the use of biotech crops to boost food security following its successful field trials of genetically modified (GM) corn. Since 2017, Mozambique has been conducting field trials of GM corn under the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project. Known now as TELA maize, the drought-tolerant,…
Fighting blight with GMO potatoes
Dr. Eric Magembe is committed to using the tools of genetic engineering to fight the devasating potato late blight disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the onset of his career, Magembe, a research scientist with the International Potato Center (CIP), has been curious to see how science can be translated into…
Using media to connect African farmers with scientific innovation and technology
I had one of those way-cool moments — and what I now call the most memorable experience of my life — this past week in Mombasa, Kenya. It all started in late October, when I received an invitation from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) to attend the Open Forum…
‘What will I eat today’ vs. ‘will I eat today?’ – It’s time to trust African scientists
In the West, on a daily basis, people are asking themselves, “What will I eat today?” But in my home, Africa, people daily are asking themselves a more challenging question: “Will I eat today?” In reflecting on the second question, I have come to the conclusion that it…
AfS at 5: Five young change-makers in agriculture
The Cornell Alliance for Science has been heartened to meet and work with young people who are passionate about transforming farming and feeding the world. As our organization turns five, we take this opportunity to highlight five young change-makers who are making a difference in global agriculture. Narain TM is…
Swaziland (eSwatini) finds success with GMO cotton
The chief executive officer of the Swaziland Cotton Board is urging African leaders to put their political egos aside and support agricultural biotechnology in the overall interest of their people. Dr. Daniel Khumalo, in an exclusive interview with the Alliance for Science, discussed the country’s recent success with genetically modified (GM)…
Nigeria’s approval of GMO crops boosts Africa’s hopes for the technology
Nigeria’s decision to approve the introduction of genetically modified (GM) cowpea and cotton has boosted hopes for the technology across Africa. Farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector express confidence that their nations will soon follow in the footsteps of the continent’s most populous country to help ensure food…