Statements on Gene Editing Technology

Summary

Africa is the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and it is currently facing severe food shortages, with some regions experiencing devastating famine. To address these challenges, transformative changes in agricultural and pastoral practices are urgently needed. Such changes are essential to ensure food security for Africa’s growing populations and to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.

There is also a pressing need to reduce the displacement of communities whose traditional agricultural practices are no longer sustainable and to mitigate conflicts arising from forced migrations driven by resource scarcity.

In light of these challenges, this statement focuses on the potential of gene editing for plants and animals as a tool to enhance agricultural productivity and food production. Gene editing offers a promising pathway to increase crop yields, improve drought resistance, and build resilience in farming systems.

However, the emergence of gene editing has sparked both enthusiasm and debate, creating complex regulatory and governance challenges globally. To fully realize its potential, careful attention must be given to developing policies, governance frameworks, and regulatory systems tailored to gene editing in agriculture. The success of gene editing technologies depends not only on scientific advancements but also on political support and social acceptance, which are critical to the market performance of gene-edited crops. For this technology to be widely adopted, it must be supported by clear legislative and policy frameworks established by national governments.

The role of science in shaping policy and decision-making is vital. It is imperative to foster dialogue between government agencies, scientists, and other stakeholders to guide informed decisions on gene editing technology, particularly at the national level. Such collaborative efforts will ensure that the benefits of gene editing are realized while addressing ethical, social, and environmental concerns.