Africa continues to be regarded as the region with the biggest potential to benefit from biotech crops adoption because of immense challenges relating to new pests' infestation and climate change impacts. This is according to the latest report on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops, 2019 (ISAAA Brief 55), released by ISAAA in November 2020. According to the report Africa doubled the number of countries planting biotech crops from three in 2018 to six in 2019, leading the progress among the regions of the world in GM crop adoption. In this issue, we summarize Africa's progress towards adoption of biotech crops, as detailed in the report.

We take note that 2020 has been a tough year for the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More focus is now on science and scientists, and we can only say, it shall be well! We the DrumBeat team wishes you peace, joy and prosperity throughout the festive season and coming year. Thank you so much for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to continue keeping you informed in the years to come.

It is in this spirit that we wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

'Aluta continua, Victoria e certa' meaning 'Struggle continues, Victory is certain'

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I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to be conferred with a State honour - Moran of the order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by our President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President and Commander in Chief of the Defense Forces of the Republic of Kenya ref: The Kenya Gazette Notice No. 10901 of 18th December 2020. The Honour came at a very important time when Kenyan farmers have started planting biotech cotton, while Africa has 3 new countries to a total of six countries growing biotech crops, which I firmly believe will better their socio-economic welfare. My deepest thanks to our President for this recognition and his resolve to facilitate access to cutting-edge agri-innovations that will contribute to attainment of the government’s big four agenda. My appreciation too to my employer @ISAAA , colleagues and our collaborators for providing me with the launching pad to advance science communication and the cause for safe, proven biotechnologies. I know alot still needs to be done to address misconceptions about cutting-edge biosciences and public engagement will remain a key ingredient in the mix. I pledge to do my best in this area to merit this recognition.

Our warmest wishes and Happy Holidays to you all. As we bid bye to 2020 – a year that visited unprecedented misery upon us all, our prayers are with all our friends, partners, their families and colleagues. May the New Year wrestle down the catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic and gift us immeasurable blessings.

In spite of the tumultuous storm fuelled by the pandemic, ISAAA AfriCenter remained resilient and determined to support Africa's agricultural growth by helping ease farmers' access to agricultural biotechnology. The Center adjusted its operations from physical meetings to virtual engagements as the pandemic forced the world into a 'new normal'. Read More