Tropentag, September 10 - 12, 2025, Bonn "Reconciling land system changes with planetary health"

Role of biotechnology in advancing African agriculture for planetary health

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kenya

Abstract

Biotechnology offers transformative solutions to the critical challenge of enhancing agricultural productivity with the principles of planetary health, which emphasise the intrinsic link between human well-being and the integrity of Earth’s natural systems. In Africa, where food insecurity, climate stress, and environmental degradation intersect, innovative approaches are needed to sustainably increase food production while safeguarding ecosystems. Modern biotechnologies, particularly genome editing, enable the development of climate-resilient, nutrient-rich, and pest- and disease-resistant crops without introducing foreign DNA. These tools allow for the sustainable intensification of agriculture, producing more food on less land, with fewer inputs, thus reducing pressure on biodiversity, soil, and water systems. In African contexts, genome editing is being applied to key staple crops such as banana, maize, sorghum and yam to combat threats like bacterial wilt, lethal necrosis, and parasitic weeds such as Striga, while enhancing nutritional content. These innovations not only improve food security but also contribute to climate adaptation and ecological sustainability. To fully realise these benefits, African nations must foster enabling environments with science-based, transparent regulatory frameworks. Progress is underway, as seen in several African countries, where national guidelines for genome editing have been established. This presentationr will highlight recent advancements in genome editing and explore how biotechnology can serve as a catalyst for resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable agriculture across Africa and beyond, central to the vision of planetary health.

Contact Address: Leena Tripathi, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya, e-mail: l.tripathicgiar.org