Mmbando Gideon Sadikiel, Missanga Julius
Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P. O. BOX 259, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P. O. BOX 259, Dodoma, Tanzania.
J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2024 Dec;22(4):100445. doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100445. Epub 2024 Nov 27.
Africa is a continent where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common and malnutrition is a major problem. Genetic biofortification (GB) offers a promising way to combat malnutrition. But little is still known about how widely used GB is in Africa today. This review explores the status, achievements, and challenges of GB on the continent today. It draws attention to the potential for enhanced nutritional results from biofortified crops that are enhanced with vital elements like zinc, iron, and vitamin A. Biofortification has a demonstrable positive effect on health and wellness, as evidenced by success stories from several African nations. However, obstacles like a lack of farmer awareness, difficulty obtaining biofortified seeds, and complicated regulations make adoption difficult. Research and collaboration advances hold the potential for increasing GB's effectiveness. This study offers guidance for the future and calls for coordinated efforts to implement GB programs to achieve a well-nourished Africa.
非洲是一个营养不良和微量营养素缺乏现象普遍、营养不良是一个主要问题的大陆。基因生物强化（GB）提供了一种对抗营养不良的有前景的方法。但目前对于GB如今在非洲的使用广泛程度仍知之甚少。本综述探讨了当今非洲大陆GB的现状、成就和挑战。它提请人们注意通过用锌、铁和维生素A等关键元素强化的生物强化作物提高营养效果的潜力。生物强化对健康具有明显的积极影响，几个非洲国家的成功案例证明了这一点。然而，缺乏农民意识、难以获得生物强化种子以及法规复杂等障碍使得采用生物强化技术变得困难。研究与合作的进展有可能提高GB的有效性。本研究为未来提供了指导，并呼吁各方协同努力实施GB计划，以实现一个营养良好的非洲。
