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Ghana farmers optimistic about GMO crops, survey finds
As Ghana considers approving its first genetically modified crop, a new report finds the country’s smallholder farmers are increasingly optimistic that GM crops hold sustainable solutions to low farm productivity and incomes. Researchers from the University for Development Studies in Kumasi surveyed 360 smallholder farmers across 10…
Africa struggles to improve climate change literacy as its effects worsen across the continent
From scorching temperatures and devastating floods to continuous droughts and poor crop harvests, the heavy hand of climate change is too apparent to ignore in Africa. But though they are already feeling its effects, most Africans are not literate about the glaring climate crisis, according to…
Blue economy seen as catalyst for Africa’s economic resurgence
Africa’s much-touted blue economy is primed for growth as the continent’s coastal and island nations tap into marine biotechnology and molecular aquaculture to support renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and other products. The global marine biotechnology market is expected to grow by US$2.5 billion between 2020-2024, progressing at a compound annual…
Anti-GMO stances ‘insult smallholder farmers’ in Africa and Asia
Science advocates in Africa and Asia reject claims that genetically modified (GM) crops have been hijacked by big companies from the West to promote “a neo-colonialist agenda.” Citing studies and the fact that Asian and African scientists are developing GM crops for their own countrymen, the science advocates said the…
Biotechnology is boosting yields of high-protein African yam bean
African scientists are using the tools of biotechnology to boost the climate-resiliency and yields of the high-protein African yam bean. Scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Genetic Resource Center are employing marker-assisted selection and other biotech tools, as well as conventional plant breeding, to add traits…
China pushes ahead with GMO crops to safeguard food security
As China moves to expand production of genetically modified crops, it’s taking steps to counter pockets of GMO opposition that have stymied adoption of the technology. Though China was the first country to grow GM crops commercially, starting with virus-resistant tobacco plants in 1988, it has lagged behind other…
5 ways gene editing is making crops climate-resilient
Our world is undergoing climate changes that have triggered a spate of calamitous disruptions on agricultural production and overall food security. From the devastations of tropical typhoons to droughts that are increasingly pervasive and severe, it appears that Nature is trumpeting her rather boisterous bid to furnish us…
Developing countries pay hefty price by restricting GMO crops, new research shows
Two new studies show that countries pay an economic, environmental and health cost by restricting GMO crops.
CRISPR scientist Echo Pan delivering a new type of gut punch
Scientist Echo Pan is using the tools of CRISPR-Cas to deliver a gut punch that heals, rather than harms. Pan, a Ph.D. candidate and Rockey Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellow at North Carolina State University, hopes that her research will aid the development of highly customized…