In this issue we focus on introduction of Bt cotton in Malawi. For the longest time, cotton was the most valuable export crop, and it has remained an important earner of foreign exchange in Malawi. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, employing nearly 80% of the population, and it is vulnerable to external shocks, such as weather and health. The COVID-19 pandemic has further negatively impacted economic growth and livelihood. Thus, the introduction of Bt cotton couldn't have come at better time for the predominately small scale cotton farmers in Malawi.

The Video of the Month features, a satisfied Bt cotton farmer from Central Malawi, who concludes by inviting all doubters of technology and other farmers to visit him and witness, how the new variety (Bt cotton) as he calls it, is doing in his farm.

The Story of the Month is written by a Malawian science journalist, who focuses on Malawi move to make Bt cottonseed accessible to all. The journalist narrates how the process that has taken well over 10 years, including back and forth formulation and review of policy, regulation and raising of public awareness on genetically modified (GM) crops, is finally bearing fruits.

In the new publication section we share with you, the latest Kenya Top Ten Facts About Agri-Biotech & Biosafety, please download a copy and be updated.

Finally, we have two announcements to make, one is a reminder to all Kenyan journalists who have interest in reporting on agricultural biotechnology and biosafety and have online presence to submit their concepts for OFAB Kenya Science Journalism Grant 2021, see poster below for details. Secondly, this Wednesday May 26, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EAT (Nairobi), we are pleased to invite you to the inaugural webinar on Communicating COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Infodemic Era. The event will be presided over by the Kenya's Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH. For details and free registration click here.

Enjoy your reading!