Revolutionizing African Agriculture: Genomics for Food Security and Climate Resilience

Our research is at the forefront of applying genomics to improve the resilience and productivity of African crops and livestock, directly addressing critical food security and sustainability challenges across the continent. Africa's agricultural sector is the backbone of its economies and livelihoods, yet it faces immense pressure from a rapidly growing population, increasingly erratic climate patterns, and persistent biotic (pests, diseases) and abiotic (drought, heat, soil degradation) stresses. Genomics offers a powerful set of tools to overcome these hurdles.

We are actively working to explore the genetic basis of adaptation to climate change in African agricultural systems. This involves identifying specific genes and genetic markers in indigenous crop varieties (like drought-resistant maize, cassava, or sorghum) and local livestock breeds (such as cattle adapted to heat stress and tick-borne diseases) that enable them to thrive in challenging environments. For crops, this means pinpointing genes associated with:

• Drought tolerance: Allowing crops to produce viable yields with less water.

• Heat resistance: Enabling plants to withstand rising temperatures without significant yield loss.

• Pest and disease resistance: Reducing reliance on chemical inputs and preventing widespread crop failure.

Similarly, for livestock, we are investigating genetic traits linked to:

• Heat and drought tolerance: Enhancing the ability of animals to survive and remain productive in harsh, arid conditions.

• Disease resistance: Breeding animals that are naturally more resilient to prevalent African diseases like trypanosomiasis or tick-borne illnesses.

• Efficient feed conversion: Improving how livestock utilize available forage, particularly important in areas with sparse vegetation.

By leveraging advanced genomic techniques, including marker-assisted selection and potentially gene editing, we can accelerate breeding programs far beyond traditional methods. This allows for the rapid development and dissemination of improved crop varieties and livestock breeds that are not only more productive but also inherently resilient to the challenges posed by a changing climate. Our work directly contributes to strengthening food systems, ensuring consistent food availability, and building a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for African farmers and communities, particularly in regions like Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands.