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Sadikiel Mmbando G. The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public's Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges. GM CROPS & FOOD 2024; 15:1-15. [PMID: 38651587 PMCID: PMC11042066 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2345401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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2
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Han X, Lu M, Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhang Q, Bai X, Man S, Zhao L, Ma L. A Thermostable Cas12b-Powered Bioassay Coupled with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification in a Customized "One-Pot" Vessel for Visual, Rapid, Sensitive, and On-Site Detection of Genetically Modified Crops. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11195-11204. [PMID: 38564697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified crops (GMCs) have been discussed due to unknown safety, and thus, it is imperative to develop an effective detection technology. CRISPR/Cas is deemed a burgeoning technology for nucleic acid detection. Herein, we developed a novel detection method for the first time, which combined thermostable Cas12b with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to detect genetically modified (GM) soybeans in a customized one-pot vessel. In our method, LAMP-specific primers were used to amplify the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (CaMV35S) of the GM soybean samples. The corresponding amplicons activated the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12b, which resulted in the change of fluorescence intensity. The proposed bioassay was capable of detecting synthetic plasmid DNA samples down to 10 copies/μL, and as few as 0.05% transgenic contents could be detected in less than 40 min. This work presented an original detection method for GMCs, which performed rapid, on-site, and deployable detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Minghui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xinru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Branch of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Liangjuan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
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3
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Naveen AK, Sontakke M. A review on regulatory aspects, challenges and public perception in acceptance of genetically modified foods. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:791-804. [PMID: 38371681 PMCID: PMC10866814 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
A clear vision for the future of the world's food supply must be developed by all stakeholders, including consumers, farmers, and governments, especially in light of the rapid improvements in the production of genetically modified crops. It has been possible through biotechnology and genetic engineering, genetically modified (GM) crops have been engineered to have certain qualities, such as resistance to pests, illnesses, or herbicides. Concerns about risks and unintended effects of GM crops include ecosystem impacts, new pests or diseases, and health effects on humans and animals. There is mounting evidence that consumers may respond unfavourably to the introduction of genetically altered foods. This research focuses at how genetic engineering can raise agricultural yields, improve nutrient content, and lessen the use for hazardous pesticides and herbicides in food production. Regulatory framework for GM foods may impact on perception and acceptance of consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Kanthi Naveen
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144001 India
| | - Manmath Sontakke
- Department of Food Processing Technology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, MGM University, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra 431003 India
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Kharbikar L, Konwarh R, Chakraborty M, Nandanwar S, Marathe A, Yele Y, Ghosh PK, Sanan-Mishra N, Singh AP. 3Bs of CRISPR-Cas mediated genome editing in plants: exploring the basics, bioinformatics and biosafety landscape. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1825-1850. [PMID: 38222286 PMCID: PMC10784264 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The recent thrust in research has projected the type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system as an avant-garde plant genome editing tool. It facilitates the induction of site-specific double-stranded DNA cleavage by the RNA-guided DNA endonuclease (RGEN), Cas9. Elimination, addition, or alteration of sections in DNA sequence besides the creation of a knockout genotype (CRISPRko) is aided by the CRISPR-Cas9 system in its wild form (wtCas9). The inactivation of the nuclease domain generates a dead Cas9 (dCas9), which is capable of targeting genomic DNA without scissoring it. The dCas9 system can be engineered by fusing it with different effectors to facilitate transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) and transcriptional interference (CRISPRi). CRISPR-Cas thus holds tremendous prospects as a genome-manipulating stratagem for a wide gamut of crops. In this article, we present a brief on the fundamentals and the general workflow of the CRISPR-Cas system followed by an overview of the prospects of bioinformatics in propelling CRISPR-Cas research with a special thrust on the available databases and algorithms/web-accessible applications that have aided in increasing the usage and efficiency of editing. The article also provides an update on the current regulatory landscape in different countries on the CRISPR-Cas edited plants to emphasize the far-reaching impact of the genomic editing technology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01397-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Kharbikar
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Rocktotpal Konwarh
- Department of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Baba Kinaram Research Foundation (BKRF), Bramsthan, Mau, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Monoswi Chakraborty
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Biotech Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Shweta Nandanwar
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Ashish Marathe
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Yogesh Yele
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Probir Kumar Ghosh
- ICAR - National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, India
| | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Anand Pratap Singh
- Baba Kinaram Research Foundation (BKRF), Bramsthan, Mau, Uttar Pradesh India
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Akbari M, Fozouni Ardekani Z, Pino G, Valizadeh N, Karbasioun M, Padash H. Consumer Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods in Iran: Application of Three-Dimensional Model of Corporate Social Responsibility. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071553. [PMID: 37048375 PMCID: PMC10093832 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although GM food production is considered an important strategy to meet the growing food needs of the population around the world, a majority of the GM food consumers express doubts about purchasing and eating them. However, it can be argued that consumers have different opinions about GM foods and their influence on human health and the natural environment. GM food producer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may significantly affect such opinions, but the effect of this variable has been partially neglected in previous research studies. To address this gap, the present study investigates Iranian consumers' concerns about GM foods, trust in these products, and perception of GM food producer CSR as determinants of attitudes towards GM food. Data were collected from Iranian consumers. A cross-sectional survey research with a multi-stage random sampling approach was employed to capture the responses of 372 Iranian consumers. The results showed that consumers have both negative and positive attitudes towards GM foods. Perceived social equity, trust, and health concerns were the most important determinants of attitude towards GM foods. According to the results, these variables could account for 52.9% (Cox and Snell R2) and up to 70.6% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance of the dependent variable. Furthermore, results revealed statistically significant differences among the consumers with different educational levels in terms of perceived social equity, perceived environmental responsibility, and environmental concern. The research contributes to the body of knowledge in GM food consumption by evolving the CSR to assess attitudes of users concerning GM foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Akbari
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439813141, Iran
| | - Zahra Fozouni Ardekani
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1439813141, Iran
| | - Giovanni Pino
- Department of Management and Economics, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Naser Valizadeh
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7144165186, Iran
| | - Mostafa Karbasioun
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord 64165478, Iran
| | - Hamid Padash
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439813141, Iran
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Prasanna BM, Bruce A, Beyene Y, Makumbi D, Gowda M, Asim M, Martinelli S, Head GP, Parimi S. Host plant resistance for fall armyworm management in maize: relevance, status and prospects in Africa and Asia. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2022; 135:3897-3916. [PMID: 35320376 PMCID: PMC9729323 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-022-04073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable control of fall armyworm (FAW) requires implementation of effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, with host plant resistance as a key component. Significant opportunities exist for developing and deploying elite maize cultivars with native genetic resistance and/or transgenic resistance for FAW control in both Africa and Asia. The fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith); FAW] has emerged as a serious pest since 2016 in Africa, and since 2018 in Asia, affecting the food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, especially those growing maize. Sustainable control of FAW requires implementation of integrated pest management strategies, in which host plant resistance is one of the key components. Significant strides have been made in breeding elite maize lines and hybrids with native genetic resistance to FAW in Africa, based on the strong foundation of insect-resistant tropical germplasm developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico. These efforts are further intensified to develop and deploy elite maize cultivars with native FAW tolerance/resistance and farmer-preferred traits suitable for diverse agro-ecologies in Africa and Asia. Independently, genetically modified Bt maize with resistance to FAW is already commercialized in South Africa, and in a few countries in Asia (Philippines and Vietnam), while efforts are being made to commercialize Bt maize events in additional countries in both Africa and Asia. In countries where Bt maize is commercialized, it is important to implement a robust insect resistance management strategy. Combinations of native genetic resistance and Bt maize also need to be explored as a path to more effective and sustainable host plant resistance options. We also highlight the critical gaps and priorities for host plant resistance research and development in maize, particularly in the context of sustainable FAW management in Africa and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boddupalli M Prasanna
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya.
| | - Anani Bruce
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | - Yoseph Beyene
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | - Dan Makumbi
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | - Manje Gowda
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | | | | | - Graham P Head
- Regulatory Science, Bayer Crop Science US, Chesterfield, MO, USA
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7
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Hamdan MF, Karlson CKS, Teoh EY, Lau SE, Tan BC. Genome Editing for Sustainable Crop Improvement and Mitigation of Biotic and Abiotic Stresses. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022. [PMID: 36235491 DOI: 10.1007/s44187-022-00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change poses a serious threat to global agricultural activity and food production. Plant genome editing technologies have been widely used to develop crop varieties with superior qualities or can tolerate adverse environmental conditions. Unlike conventional breeding techniques (e.g., selective breeding and mutation breeding), modern genome editing tools offer more targeted and specific alterations of the plant genome and could significantly speed up the progress of developing crops with desired traits, such as higher yield and/or stronger resilience to the changing environment. In this review, we discuss the current development and future applications of genome editing technologies in mitigating the impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses on agriculture. We focus specifically on the CRISPR/Cas system, which has been the center of attention in the last few years as a revolutionary genome-editing tool in various species. We also conducted a bibliographic analysis on CRISPR-related papers published from 2012 to 2021 (10 years) to identify trends and potential in the CRISPR/Cas-related plant research. In addition, this review article outlines the current shortcomings and challenges of employing genome editing technologies in agriculture with notes on future prospective. We believe combining conventional and more innovative technologies in agriculture would be the key to optimizing crop improvement beyond the limitations of traditional agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Fadhli Hamdan
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chou Khai Soong Karlson
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Ee Yang Teoh
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Su-Ee Lau
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Boon Chin Tan
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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8
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Wang J, Wang Y, Hu X, Yang Q, Chen Y, Jiang W, Liu X, Liu H, Zeng H. The development of RPA and CRISPR-Cas12a based immunoassay strip for sensitive detection of genetically modified crops. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Day R, Haggblade S, Moephuli S, Mwang'ombe A, Nouala S. Institutional and policy bottlenecks to IPM. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 52:100946. [PMID: 35772691 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper summarises institutional and policy bottlenecks to IPM in Africa. Agricultural policy in Africa generally prioritises production and productivity above environmental sustainability, so the use of synthetic pesticides for controlling pests is encouraged. Funding for research in IPM is limited, and extension systems struggle to provide the level of farmer support that adoption of IPM often needs. Improved research and extension policies could facilitate uptake of IPM. Public and private food-safety standards can incentivise adoption, but currently this is mainly in production for export. Pesticide and other input regulatory systems unintentionally constrain adoption of IPM, through expensive registration procedures, weak compliance monitoring and limited regional harmonisation. IPM must be seen as a key element of food-system transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Day
- CABI, P.O. Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Steven Haggblade
- Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Morrill Hall of Agriculture, 446 West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Shadrack Moephuli
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, and Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Agnes Mwang'ombe
- Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Simplice Nouala
- Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission, P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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10
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Erenstein O, Jaleta M, Sonder K, Mottaleb K, Prasanna B. Global maize production, consumption and trade: trends and R&D implications. Food Secur 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-022-01288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSince its domestication some 9,000 years ago, maize (Zea mays L.; corn) has played an increasing and diverse role in global agri-food systems. Global maize production has surged in the past few decades, propelled by rising demand and a combination of technological advances, yield increases and area expansion. Maize is already the leading cereal in terms of production volume and is set to become the most widely grown and traded crop in the coming decade. It is a versatile multi-purpose crop, primarily used as a feed globally, but also is important as a food crop, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, besides other non-food uses. This paper reviews maize production, consumption, and international trade to examine the changing trends in global supply and demand conditions over the past quarter century and the implications for research and development (R&D), particularly in the Global South. The inclusiveness and sustainability of the ongoing transformation of agri-food systems in the Global South merit particular attention. There is a need for further investments in R&D, particularly to enhance maize’s food and livelihood security roles and to sustainably intensify maize production while staying within the planetary boundaries.
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Gbashi S, Adebo O, Adebiyi JA, Targuma S, Tebele S, Areo OM, Olopade B, Odukoya JO, Njobeh P. Food safety, food security and genetically modified organisms in Africa: a current perspective. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2021; 37:30-63. [PMID: 34309495 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2021.1940735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Moving forward from 2020, Africa faces an eminent challenge of food safety and security in the coming years. The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN) estimates that 20% of Africa's population of 1.2 billion people face the highest level of undernourishment in the world, likely to worsen due to COVID-19 pandemic that has brought the entire world to its knees. Factors such as insecurity and conflict, poverty, climate change and population growth have been identified as critical contributors to the food security challenges on the continent. Biotechnological research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) provides a range of opportunities (such as increased crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality) in addressing the hunger, malnutrition and food security issues on the continent. However, the acceptance and adoption of GMOs on the continent has been remarkably slow, perhaps due to contrasting views about the benefits and safety concerns associated with them. With the reality of food insecurity and the booming population in Africa, there is an eminent need for a more pragmatic position to this debate. The present review presents an overview of the current situation of food safety and security and attempts to reconcile major viewpoints on GMOs research considering the current food safety and security crisis in the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefater Gbashi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Oluwafemi Adebo
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Janet Adeyinka Adebiyi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sarem Targuma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Shandry Tebele
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701
| | - Oluwaseun Mary Areo
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Bunmi Olopade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, P.M.B. 1023, km 10, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Julianah Olayemi Odukoya
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Patrick Njobeh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Gauteng, South Africa
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Kleyn FJ, Ciacciariello M. Future demands of the poultry industry: will we meet our commitments sustainably in developed and developing economies? WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2021.1904314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F. J. Kleyn
- Spesfeed Consulting (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
- Department and Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - M. Ciacciariello
- Department and Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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Turnbull C, Lillemo M, Hvoslef-Eide TAK. Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom - A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:630396. [PMID: 33719302 PMCID: PMC7943453 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.630396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Products derived from agricultural biotechnology is fast becoming one of the biggest agricultural trade commodities globally, clothing us, feeding our livestock, and fueling our eco-friendly cars. This exponential growth occurs despite asynchronous regulatory schemes around the world, ranging from moratoriums and prohibitions on genetically modified (GM) organisms, to regulations that treat both conventional and biotech novel plant products under the same regulatory framework. Given the enormous surface area being cultivated, there is no longer a question of acceptance or outright need for biotech crop varieties. Recent recognition of the researchers for the development of a genome editing technique using CRISPR/Cas9 by the Nobel Prize committee is another step closer to developing and cultivating new varieties of agricultural crops. By employing precise, efficient, yet affordable genome editing techniques, new genome edited crops are entering country regulatory schemes for commercialization. Countries which currently dominate in cultivating and exporting GM crops are quickly recognizing different types of gene-edited products by comparing the products to conventionally bred varieties. This nuanced legislative development, first implemented in Argentina, and soon followed by many, shows considerable shifts in the landscape of agricultural biotechnology products. The evolution of the law on gene edited crops demonstrates that the law is not static and must adjust to the mores of society, informed by the experiences of 25 years of cultivation and regulation of GM crops. The crux of this review is a consolidation of the global legislative landscape on GM crops, as it stands, building on earlier works by specifically addressing how gene edited crops will fit into the existing frameworks. This work is the first of its kind to synthesize the applicable regulatory documents across the globe, with a focus on GM crop cultivation, and provides links to original legislation on GM and gene edited crops.
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