As we all continue to rage war against COVID-19, the DrumBeat team continues to keep you, our esteemed readers, in prayers during these unsettling times. Science offers the most viable tools in fighting the pandemic as evident in the development of COVID-19 vaccines that could prove a game-changer. Crop science too offers additional options in combating crop diseases and pests that have destroyed crops and left farmers desolate and more vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic.

The Video of the Month features struggles of African scientists in the fight against striga weed to ease the labour burden. Led by Prof. Steven Runo, Professor of Molecular Biology at Kenyatta University, the project team aims to address the challenge of parasitic striga weed which is a huge constraint to production of sorghum and other cereal crops. The striga genus has over thirty species distributed over 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, causing an estimated 7 billion dollars' worth of crop losses every year.

The Story of the Month, written by a seasoned Ugandan science journalist, paints a grim picture of the hunger situation in Uganda. The country is experiencing serious malnutrition with the latest Global Hunger Index report showing 29% of children aged five years and below are stunted. Adverse climatic conditions are likely to exacerbate the situation unless drastic mitigation measures are taken. The author observes that modern biotechnology offers effective tools for addressing hunger crisis in the country, and calls on Ugandan President to assent to the Biosafety Bill passed by Parliament in 2019.

In this issue, we also share our latest publications which include FAQs about Bt Cotton in Africa, Global Status and Economic Benefits of Biotech Maize Production by 2019 and 2020 ISAAA Accomplishment Report.

We also remind you that the fourth edition of the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC) Symposium is drawing closer. ABBC 2021 will provide a platform for a coalition of the willing to reflect on the progress made so far, and celebrate Africa's gains in agri-biotechnology. Be on the lookout for registration details.

Enjoy your reading!