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Role of modern biotechnology in Africa nutrition | 23177
Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences

Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

ISSN: 2155-9600

Role of modern biotechnology in Africa nutrition


2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Nutritional Science & Therapy

July 15-17, 2013 Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, USA

Ademola A. Adenle

Accepted Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci

Abstract :

The protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, continues to be a major health burden in sub-Sahara Africa. Most women and young children that represent agricultural labour force lack adequate intake of essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Intervention to prevent or reduce protein- energy malnutrition is to apply new innovation to improve human nutrition. Modern biotechnology, especially, genetic modification (GM) technology has a significant role to play in the improvement of essential micronutrients. Biofortification of orphan crops such as cowpea, potato, yam, banana and cassava through GM technology is fundamental to nutrition and food security. But, the lack of scientific capacity, lack of functional biosafety system and potential risks of GM represent a significant challenge in introducing the new technology in Africa. Moreover, global conflicts over development and regulation of GM have major consequences for African countries. Only four countries such as South Africa, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Egypt have commercialized GM crops in Africa. Our recent study based on stakeholder interviews in African countries shed more light on factors that may hinder the development and adoption of GM biofortified products.

Biography :

Ademola A. Adenle holds a M.Sc in Genetic Manipulation from University of Sussex, UK and a Ph.D in Toxicology from the University of Nottingham, UK. He has published in several peer-reviewed international journals including book chapters. He has won prestigious awards including the best student prize for his Ph.D. research presentation at the British Toxicology Society's Annual Congress in Surrey, UK. He first authored a reviewed paper on impact of space flight on the human body and health which attracted interest from UK and US media respectively. His current research at the United Nations University-Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) is based on the role of biotechnology in health improvement, sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation/adaption in developing countries, particularly countries in Africa. He has visited and looked into the procedures leading to the development of biosafety regulatory frameworks across different African countries

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