Concept of plant genetic engineering towards food security in Africa

Abstract

Modern biotechnology tools are paramount for improved and sustainable agriculture aimed at achieving food security in Africa. The continent is continually faced with the challenge of providing for its increasingly growing population amongst rapidly diminishing resources and inevitable interferences of environmental biotic and abiotic factors. It is therefore pertinent to leverage on technologies that have aided developed countries of the world to attain self-reliance. Efforts to create positive public opinion and thus alleviate fear associated with biotechnology products and GM crops require a comprehensive understanding of the concept of plant genetic engineering. This review highlights the basic concept of genetic engineering and measures taken to ensure its safety to life and the environment. Keywords: Genetic engineering, GMO, Transgenic, Agrobacterium, Particle bombardment