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Sifelani Tsiko Agric, Environment & lnnovations Editor
Zimbabwe needs to develop a battery of new regulations to enhance the safe adoption of new plant breeding techniques such as genome editing to boost agricultural productivity and food security, a senior Government official says.
Mr Willard Manungo, Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination, Devolution and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet said this at a workshop to strengthen the capacity of local institutions on genome editing in biotechnology research and development.
“lt is essential to emphasize that while pursuing these partnerships and collaborations, priority should be in the establishment of a robust regulatory framework for genome editing,” he said.
“As the technology advances, we must ensure that ethical considerations, safety standards, and public engagement be at the forefront of our decision-making processes.”
Mr Manungo said a well-defined regulatory framework will instill public trust and promote responsible use of genome editing.
“It is my fervent belief that the public should understand and accept genome editing tools and its products for successful integration into various sectors,” he said.
“This requires that we invest in communication and advocacy strategies to raise awareness and foster dialogue around the subject matter.”
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) and National Biotechnology Authority organised the workshop to help strengthen the capacity of local universities and colleges to adopt gene editing as a tool to optimise the country’s agricultural sector.
“We need to disseminate accurate information, and address concerns that can be raised by stakeholders,” Mr Manungo said.
“Through these engagements, we can build a supportive ecosystem that embraces the potential of genome editing while upholding ethical and societal values.”
Sirdic CEO Dr Leonard Madzingaidzo said the Government has embraced GE technology, and through SIRDC together with the regulator the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) have led in the crafting of a National Genome Editing Communication and Advocacy Strategy, (GECAS).
“This strategy shows our commitment to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology for the benefit of the country and its people through transparent, honest and timeous communication,” he said.
“With new technologies coming up, we recognize that there is need to continuously review the education curriculum and in this case an inclusion of genome editing modules in the curriculum will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern science,” he said.
“It will empower them to become active contributors to the scientific community, driving progress and innovation in various sectors.”
By embracing genome editing, he said, the country was fostering a generation of scientists who will shape the future of Zimbabwe and contribute to global advancements in science and technology.
The potential applications of genome editing in agriculture can help Zimbabwe to develop crops that are more resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses.
Mrs Florence Nazare, the Acting Director of Knowledge Management and Programme Evaluation said capacity building was a critical component of the successful harnessing of gene editing.
Forging alliances and identifying the needs and capacities of research institution was also important in addressing capacity gaps.
Zimbabwe is among other selected countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya and Malawi that were chosen to pilot the application of genome editing research towards product development.
Gene-editing science and technology is in early stage in Zimbabwe and most African countries and the potential of this technology was still to be harnessed.
Gene editing technology allows scientists to edit any gene they target, enabling them to find and change or replace genetic defects.
Online Reporter