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We bring to you yet another exciting Issue spotlighting the Feed the Future Striga Smart Sorghum for Africa (SSSfA) project. The multi-institutional, collaborative project in Kenya and Ethiopia is employing genome editing (GEd) technology to build durable resistance to Striga parasite, commonly known as 'witchweed' - a serious threat to production of sorghum and other cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Moreover, through the Africa Biosciences Hubs (AfriBIOHubs) initiative, SSSfA aims to foster innovation, promote bio-entrepreneurship, and enhance the local capacity for routine GEd research and commercialization.
In this month's video, we feature the voices of select SSSfA partners as they highlight how the project will impact both sorghum farmer livelihoods, and the local capacity to conduct and translate GEd research in SSA. By establishing a technology platform for developing and commercializing Striga-resistant sorghum, SSSfA showcases how science, technology, and innovation can tackle societal challenges. It also underscores the importance of fostering an enabling environment for translating research into tangible outcomes.
In our story of the month, we feature Francis Onyekachi, the Product Stewardship Manager at African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) - a SSSfA project partner. Francis highlights the status of GEd stewardship in Africa. Drawing upon SSSfA as a model, he delineates the essential policies, processes, and procedures needed to uphold the integrity of GEd products throughout their lifecycle.
Finally, how much do you know about the parasitic weed Striga? Prof. Steven Runo, an Associate Professor of Molecular Biology at Kenyatta University has elucidated how the notorious witchweed parasitizes crops, and how SSSfA is using GEd to provide a sustainable solution to the menace. Watch the animated video here.
Enjoy your Read!
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