ZAMBIA'S STI COMMUNICATION ADVOCATE VERONICA MWABA PARTICIPATES AT THE AUDA-NEPAD SUPPORTED MEETING ON THE USE,ADOPTION OF GENOME EDITING TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA

 ZAMBIA'S STI COMMUNICATION ADVOCATE VERONICA MWABA PARTICIPATES AT THE AUDA-NEPAD SUPPORTED MEETING ON THE USE,ADOPTION OF GENOME EDITING TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA 





By Alfonso Kasongo 

Zambia's non-governmental organisation championing science technology and innovation, Dziwa Science and Technology Trust (DSaT) founder Veronica Mwaba is among the delegates attending stakeholders consultative meeting in Lagos to develop Nigeria's Genome Editing Communication Strategy. 

The meeting supported by the African Union Development Agency of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) discusses the importance of the application and adoption of genome editing technologies in enhancing agriculture. 

The meeting aims to develop the genome editing national communication strategy for that country. 

Ms Mwaba, whose organisation is championing science communication on new emerging scientific innovations joins the science experts to witness the development of the strategy at the invite of AUDA-NEPAD,the Science,the science Technology and Innovation wing of the AU.

Zambia is among six AU countries which have received AUDA-NEPAD support to develop the gene-editing communication strategy to increase awareness of the importance of embracing new emerging scientific innovations and technologies. Others are Nigeria ,Eswatini, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ethiopia. 

Currently Ngeria is hosting five other African Union (AU) member states to also discuss the application and adoption of genome editing technologies in increasing agricultural output.



In a statement earlier this week, Mrs. Toyin Omozuma, Press Secretary to the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) of Nigeria, disclosed that the genome editing AUDA-NEPAD initiative was launched and is driven by Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eswantini, and Zambia.

“It’s a three-day writing workshop to build a Genome Editing National Communication Strategy for Nigeria beginning December 12  in Lagos,” she explained.
“The workshop is also meant to underscore the importance of this cutting-edge technology, deepen public understanding as well as build confidence in agricultural research and biotechnology.”

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NABDA, stated that a broad range of stakeholders should focus and respond to the country’s acceptance and domestication of genome editing technology and goods.

And Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Ag. Director, Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics Department, who is facilitating the AUDA-NEPAD Project, mentioned that the workshop will bring together Nigerian scientists, media, and key stakeholders.
Dr. Ajenifujah-Solebo said this will explore outcomes of the appraisal exercise conducted during the in-country consultations which sought the buy-in by national stakeholders.

She also disclosed that lead experts were already identified from the six AU member states to constitute a continental platform for gene editing adding that this was to enable a consolidated science-based approach to emerging agricultural transformation technologies on the  continent.

She said: “The goal of the Genome Editing (GEd) project is to foster a broader understanding of GEd among different stakeholder groups through communication and advocacy for enhanced uptake of the tool to optimise agriculture in Africa.
”This includes support for the achievement of key development outcomes, such as adapting to climate change and reducing poverty and sustainability of food systems.”
Genome Editing can be described as a technique for improving food crops, enhancing yields, quality and increasing quantity.

With its application, Nigeria and five other countries are assured of food security, increased productivity and sustainable environment.




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