Young African Scientists Drive Genome Editing Revolution for Food Security

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• Young African scientists are leading efforts to use genome editing (GEd) technology to address food security challenges exacerbated by climate change and population growth.
• A policy brief by Seleman Yusuph Kitenge highlights the need for greater youth engagement, funding, and modern infrastructure to advance GEd in agriculture.
• The brief calls for increased investment in labs, mentorship programs, and scholarships, as well as youth involvement in policy-making to drive innovation.
• Empowering young scientists through GEd technology is seen as crucial for building resilient and sustainable food systems across Africa.

A new generation of African scientists is leading a groundbreaking revolution in genome editing (GEd) to address the continent’s pressing food security challenges. Spearheaded by Seleman Yusuph Kitenge from the African Union Development Agency – NEPAD, a recently published policy brief in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems highlights the critical role of young scientists in advancing sustainable agriculture through Genome Editing technology.

Africa’s agricultural sector faces significant hurdles, including climate change and a rapidly growing population. Kitenge’s research emphasizes that engaging youth in agricultural innovation is key to overcoming these challenges. “Improving youth participation, particularly in the application of genome editing technology, is essential for addressing these disparities and ensuring that Africa leverages its youthful demographic to enhance its food systems,” Kitenge stated.

The policy brief identifies several barriers to progress, such as inadequate youth engagement, limited funding, and outdated infrastructure. To address these, it calls for increased investment in modern laboratories, incubators, mentorship programs, and financial support for young researchers. The brief also stresses the importance of involving youth in policy-making processes to foster innovation and address public skepticism about Genome Editing.

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Kitenge’s work underscores the transformative potential of GEd in creating resilient and sustainable food systems. By empowering young scientists, African governments can drive agricultural advancements that not only tackle current challenges but also pave the way for future prosperity. “By fostering an inclusive environment where young scientists are well-informed and actively engaged, African governments can harness the innovative potential of this demographic to drive agricultural advancements,” Kitenge explained.

The policy brief serves as a call to action for African leaders to prioritise youth involvement in agricultural innovation, ensuring the continent’s food security and sustainable development.