Agricultural genomics and sustainable development: perspectives and prospects for Africa
Loading...
Date
2004-02
Authors
Machuka, Jesse
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract
The genomes of various organisms have now been fully sequenced, including human and
representative microbial, insect, animal and plant genomes. The research challenge in the post-genome
era is to establish how genes and proteins function to bring about changes in phenotype. Some of
these phenotypes, and products obtainable through modern biotechnology, are of crucial importance
within the context of sustainable development of African economies. The greatest ultimate impact will
be in agricultural genomics, especially for marker assisted selection and breeding programs in crop
and animal agriculture, development of animal disease diagnostics and vaccines, crop genetic
engineering to overcome abiotic and biotic stresses and for improvement of the nutritional quality of
major food staples. It is imperative that African countries become key players in the “gene revolution”
since the cost of leaving them behind may be higher than the cost of empowering them to become
players in mastering and benefiting from biotechnology. This paper highlights the potential impact of
the latest advances in modern biotechnology, including genomics and bioinformatics, on sustainable
development, in line with the goals of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). These
include acceleration of economic growth, eradication of widespread and severe poverty and efforts to
halt the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process.
Description
Journal Article from 9th biochemical society of Kenya annual symposium
Keywords
Genomics, modern biotechnology, agriculture, Sustainable development, Africa
Citation
African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 3 (2), pp. 127-135, February 2004