Dear Esteemed and Loyal Readers

In this edition, ISAAA AfriCenter proudly aligns with the Food and Agriculture Organization's declaration of the Year of the Woman Farmer, placing women at the center of Africa's agricultural transformation. Our Story of the Month features Mrs. Jennifer Koome, a once-prominent Kenyan farmer whose thriving enterprise faltered with the inaccessibility of modern agricultural biotechnology products. Her experience reflects the reality of thousands of farmers across Kenya whose ambitions could be sustained- and revived- through the timely adoption of modern biotechnology among other tools in production. Her story is both sobering and instructive. Read more.

Echoing this urgency, Mr. Joe Karuri, Chairperson of the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), speaks exclusively to Drumbeat in our Video of the Month. He underscores the consequences of delayed adoption of biotech crops for cultivation, food, feed, and processing. Limited access to raw materials for feed manufacturing - often competing directly with human food needs- continues to strain livestock farmers and the broader value chain. His insights highlight the policy and supply challenges confronting the sector. Watch here.

In our Newsroom segment, we spotlight the growing influence of African women scientists who are transforming communities through innovative solutions in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Their leadership and impact, showcased during a webinar marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11, 2026), challenge outdated narratives about women's roles in science and reaffirm their central place in shaping Africa's future. Read more.

We also feature South African farmer Anelly Mokwena, whose journey powerfully demonstrates what is possible when access to innovation meets determination. Since taking over her father's 50-hectare farm a decade ago, she has expanded it more than tenfold- leveraging GM crops and sound agronomic practices to drive productivity and growth. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and the transformative power of technology. Read her story here.

ISAAA AfriCenter is also proud to celebrate the Special Recognition for Advocacy and Awareness awarded to our Board Member, Dr. Jenny Molloy, at the 2nd Annual European Open Source Awards. This honor recognizes her pioneering contributions to Open Science Hardware and her global leadership in advancing and legitimizing the field. Congratulations, Dr. Molloy! Read more.

Finally, we are pleased to share an exciting calls by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). Interested applicants can learn more here or here.