This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
Climate change, unstable prices for agricultural produce, and land degradation have long plagued smallholder farmers in Africa, preventing them from reaping the rewards of their labor.
However, agricultural biotechnology offers a promising solution to these challenges, enabling the development of drought-tolerant and pest-resistant crops that can thrive in Africa's diverse environments.
Speaking at the 4th Calestous Juma Executive Dialogue (CJED) event on Innovation and Emerging Technologies in April 2021, Dr. Kyetere emphasized the potential of biotechnology to accelerate agricultural development and increase farmer profit margins.
According to the ISAAA 2020 report, farmers who planted biotech crops globally have seen significant economic gains, with incomes increasing by $224.9 billion over the past 23 years, benefiting over 16 million farmers.
Dr. Kyetere also highlighted the benefits of using Bt genes to produce insect-resistant crops, which can reduce the excessive use of insecticides and save farmers costs on inputs, while also contributing to human health and the environment.
He urged African leaders to allocate more funding for research and development in emerging technologies like biotechnology, which would increase capacity in biotechnology research in Africa and benefit the continent.
“Investment in biotechnology research will produce a critical mass of expertise to enable the continent to exploit the benefits of the technology in improving agricultural productivity among farmers,” Dr. Kyetere said.
He also called for public-private partnerships to support biotechnology research and increase capacity in the field, citing the AATF's efforts to reduce ineffective regulatory systems and improve biotech research in Africa.
