Bio
Abstract
ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN THROUGH MUTATION BREEDING FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Kinyua Miriam Gaceri, Isaac Kofi Bimpong, Emy Chepkoech and Nathan Muasya
ABSTRACT
Food security is a pressing challenge in many regions, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean, where climate change significantly impacts agricultural productivity. There’s great need for climate resilient crop varieties that can withstand adverse climatic conditions, thereby enhancing food and nutrition security for these regions. Mutation breeding offers a promising approach to develop such crop varieties.
Induced mutations create genetic diversity in crops and this technique can accelerate the development of new varieties with desirable traits, such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content.
In Africa, climate change manifests through increased temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events. Mutation breeding can help develop staple crops like maize, cassava, potato and sorghum that are better adapted to these changing conditions and can play a crucial role in developing resilient varieties of crops such as rice and sweet potatoes. For instance, researchers have successfully developed drought-resistant varieties of maize that can maintain yields under water-scarce conditions. The Caribbean faces unique challenges, including hurricanes and saltwater intrusion. Crops can be tailored to withstand high salinity levels and strong winds, thus ensuring stable food supplies. This talk will discuss case studies in: 1. Maize in East Africa: Research has shown that mutated maize varieties exhibit a 20% increase in yield under drought conditions compared to conventional varieties; 2. Cassava in the Kenya: Mutation breeding has led to the development of cassava varieties that are resistant to viral diseases, enhancing food security in regions where cassava is a staple. Challenges and Considerations will also be discussed including that, while mutation breeding holds great potential, regulatory hurdles, public perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the need for funding and resources stand in the way of successful applications. Collaborative efforts among governments, research institutions, and farmers are essential to overcome these obstacles. Mutation breeding presents a viable pathway to enhance climate resilience and food security in Africa and the Caribbean. By investing in research and development, stakeholders can ensure that agricultural systems are better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change, ultimately leading to improved food security in these regions