18 June, 2025
Agency report
Prof. Olalekan Akinbo of African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) says genome editing has the ability to improve crop traits without introducing foreign genetic materials.
The Scientist, who said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, noted that this has made the technology particularly appealing to scientists and researchers.
Akinbo is the Technical Lead, Genome Editing Initiative of the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Genome editing is a technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of a cell or organism.
According to Akinbo, the technology enables precise genetic modifications in plants, leading to the development of crop varieties that exhibit resistance, climate resilience, and improved nutritional quality.
He said that it would, potentially, transform global agriculture and impact lives.
“In agriculture, genome editing promises to enhance food security, sustainability, and productivity.
“Despite its advantages, the adoption of genome editing innovations remains limited, particularly in Africa,’’ he said.
The expert said that the regulatory landscape for these innovations remained complex.
He said that some advocates argued that regulators should treat genome-edited crops the same as conventional GMOs.
“Others contend that the precise modifications enabled by genome editing techniques do not pose the same level of risks and therefore requires distinct management approaches.
“Moreover, interviews conducted by researchers revealed a mix of enthusiasm and caution among African scientists regarding genome editing,’’ he said.
Akinbo said that while many expressed optimism about its potential, they also acknowledged significant challenges.
He disclosed that political and economic barriers hindered progress in African research institutions, ultimately limiting the benefits of genome editing for farmers and societies across the continent. (NAN)