Genome Editing In Africa'S Agriculture 2021 An Early Take-off

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GENOME EDITING INAFRICA’S AGRICULTURE 2021AN EARLY TAKE-OFF

TABLE OF CONTENTSAbbreviations and Acronyms 31. Introduction 41.1 Milestones in Plant Breeding51.2 How CRISPR genome editing works in agriculture62. Genome editing projects and experts in eastern Africa72.1 Kenya 82.2 Ethiopia 142.3 Uganda 153. Gene editing projects and experts in southern Africa173.1 South Africa 184. Gene editing projects and experts in West Africa194.1 Nigeria 205. Gene editing projects and experts in Central Africa215.1 Cameroon 226. Gene editing projects and experts in North Africa236.1 Egypt 247. Conclusion 2528. CRISPR genome editing: inside a crop breeder’s toolkit269. Regulatory Approaches for Genome Edited Products in Various Countries2710. Communicating about Genome Editing in Africa28

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMSCRISPRClustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic RepeatsDNADeoxyribonucleic acidGMGenetically ModifiedGMOGenetically Modified OrganismHDRHomology Directed RepairISAAAInternational Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech ApplicationsNHEJNon Homologous End JoiningPCRPolymerase Chain ReactionRNARibonucleic AcidLGS1Low germination stimulant 13

1.0 INTRODUCTIONGenome editing (also referred to as gene editing) comprises agroup of technologies that give scientists the ability to change anorganism’s DNA. These technologies allow addition, removal oralteration of genetic material at particular locations in the genome.The technologies make use of site-directed nucleases that createbreaks in the DNA strands and thereafter use the cell DNA repairmechanisms to introduce desired changes.In 2012, Jennifer Doudna, Emmanuelle Charpentier, and their teamselucidated the biochemical mechanism of Clustered RegularlyInterspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology. Bymaking precise targeted cuts in DNA, CRISPR ushered in endlesspotential in areas of medicine, agriculture, biomaterials and soon. In nature, CRISPR-Cas9 is a bacterial adaptive immune system,whereby pieces of DNA from invading viruses are cut by a bacterialnucleases, CRISPR associated proteins. The DNA fragment that is cutoff is saved as memory for fighting future infections. The CRISPRCas9 system can be engineered to edit eukaryotic DNA by designingguide RNA complementary to the target sequence.The guide RNA has a 20 base pair protospacer motif with flankinghomology to the cut site of interest. Cas9 binds to this protospacermotif in the guide RNA, which in turn binds to the site of interest.Cas9 then binds to a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) in thegenomic DNA, and catalyzes a double strand break (DSB) in the DNAat a position three base pairs upstream of the PAM. If a homology4arm is provided with the CRISPR-Cas9 cassette, homology-directedrepair (HDR) will occur, otherwise the cell will employ nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) to create small indels at the cut siteof interest.To date, CRISPR genome editing technology has been appliedin studying gene function, human disease research includingpathogenesis of hereditary diseases, gene therapy, livestock andcrop genetic improvement. Genome editing differs from geneticmodification in that the latter generates modifications in thegenome via stable integration of DNA elements which do not occurnaturally. The resulting organisms and (most) products thereofcan be identified with event-specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-based methods targeting the insertion site. New breedingtechniques such as genome editing have diversified the breeder’stoolbox for generating useful genetic variability in both plants andanimals. Several of these techniques can introduce single nucleotidechanges without integrating foreign DNA while generatingorganisms with the intended phenotypes.Since the discovery of CRISPR technology, scientists in many partsof the world have sought to use it to achieve different objectivesin their research involving plants or animals. The purpose of thisbooklet is to highlight genome editing projects and experts in Africamaking use of this technology in their respective fields.

1.1 MILESTONES IN PLANT BREEDINGEmmanuelle CharpentierMax Planck Unit for theScience of Pathogens,Berlin, GermanyJennifer DoudnaUniversity of California,Berkeley, USAThe pair won the NobelPrize in Chemistry 2020for development ofCRISPR/Cas9, a methodfor genome editing.5

1.2 HOW CRISPR GENOME EDITING WORKS IN AGRICULTURE6

2.0 Genome editingprojects and expertsin eastern AfricaThe eastern Africa region is made up of 19countries that comprise Burundi, Comoros,Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar,Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Réunion,Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Somaliland,Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.Genome editing projects for improvement ofboth plants and animals are ongoing in three EastAfrican countries. These include Kenya, Ugandaand Ethiopia, featuring eight research scientists.7

Evaluation of Striga resistance in Low Germination Stimulant 1PROJECT TITLE: (LGS1) mutant sorghumKENYAThe challengebeing addressed:Prof. Steven RunoProfessor of Molecular BiologyObjectives of theproject:Parasitic weed Striga is a huge constraint to productionof sorghum and other cereal crops. Most cultivatedcereals, including maize, millet, sorghum, and rice, areparasitized by at least one Striga species, leading toenormous economic losses. The Striga genus has overthirty species distributed over 50 countries in subSaharan Africa (SSA), causing an estimated 7 billiondollars worth of crop losses every year.Evaluate LGS1 gene knock-out in conferring Strigaresistance in sorghum.Affiliation: Kenyatta UniversityLGS1Specifics ofthe targetgene(s) andphenotype(s):8Mutant alleles at the LGS1 locus drastically reduceStriga germination stimulant activity.

PhD Graduate FellowAffiliation: InternationalLivestock Research InstitutionSpecifics ofthe targetgene(s) libisaefehtetagitsenioTv2(Generation of African indigenous goat carrying the APOL1transgene that confers resistance to trypanosomiasis*2.*Objectives ofthe project:,Wilkister NakamiNabulindo!"# #%& '&" (& ) * ' ,- ) ' *#. *"/ 0 "1 ( !#. &2- &.! "&:1The challengebeing addressed:nAnimal trypanosomiasis is one of the diseases that cause huge lossesto livestock-dependent communities in sub-Saharan Africa and effortsfor its control and eradication have not been successful for decades.Scientists have in the recent past discovered a gene (ApolipoproteinL1) in primates that encodes proteins that cause lysis of trypanosomesin the body hence making the primates resistant to trypanosomiasis.A group of scientists from New York State University (Jayne Raper andco- team) have developed a synthetic version of the ApoL 1 gene thatis compatible with caprine genome. This gene could be transferred tolivestock to develop genetically resistant animals through transgenesisKENYAApplication of reproductive biotechnologies to develop atransgenic goat as a model for genetic control of animaldiseases.PROJECT TITLE:Genomic regions that have been validated in mice and encompassing thevalidated synthetic APOL1 sequence will be transferred into the ‘protected’ROSA26 locus using a ROSA26 miniBAC. Establish cultures of donorspermatogonial stem cells from the Kenyan Galla goats’ testis, after whichthe ApoL 1 clone will be introduced into the ROSA26 locus of thespermatogonial stem cells by homologous recombination (CRISPR- Cas9system). Validate synthetic APOL1 in the goat ROSA26 sequence betweenintron 1 and exon 2, which will also carry the neor selection marker gene.Integrants will be selected with G418 and single copy integration eventswill be selected by quantitative PCR-based loss of allele assay. Theantibiotic resistance genes that will be used to select transformed cells willbe excised before creation of transgenic animals.9

PROJECT TITLE:Gene editing to control maize lethal necrosis in Africafor improved maize productivity and grain harvestsJames Kamau KaranjaIntroduce resistance against MLN disease directlyinto parent inbred lines of popular commercial maizevarieties, which are currently susceptible to thedisease, and reintroduce them into the farmers’ fieldsin Kenya with possible scaling out to other countriesin East Africa Build expertise of Kenyan scientists and stakeholdersthrough seminars, workshops, scientific visits, supportand mentor one Kenyan student to conduct PhDresearch within the project.Senior Research Scientist, Head ofMaize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) SectionAffiliation: Kenya Agriculture and LivestockResearch Organization (KALRO)National Agricultural Research Laboratories(NARL), KabetePartnership with other institutions & Roles: CIMMYT - Initial mapping, germplasm,breeding, phenotyping Corteva - Genotyping, fine mapping,cloning, editing, phenotyping USDA-ARS - Phenotyping support(validation of edits) KALRO – Field support, advocacy,consulting, deployment10 Objectives of theproject:Specifics ofthe targetgene(s) andphenotype(s):A strong quantitative trait locus (QTL) on maizechromosome 6 confers a high-level of resistanceagainst MLN disease. KENYAThe challengebeingaddressed:Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease causes severe lossesto maize in Kenya and neighbouring countries. Traditionalbreeding approaches are time consuming and disruptthe favorable characteristics of elite varieties, whereasgene editing can achieve MLN resistance without alteringdesirable traits and performance of the target susceptibleelite lines and varieties.

CGIAR research program on roots, tubers and bananaPROJECT TITLE: (CRP-RTB)Genome editing disease susceptibility loci of popular Roots, Tubers and Banana varietiesand promising breeding stocksBanana diseasesKENYAThe challengebeingaddressed:Dr. Leena TripathiPrincipal ScientistAffiliation: International Institute of TropicalAgriculture (IITA)Jaindra TripathiGroup memberValentine NtuiGroup memberObjectives of theproject:To develop disease resistant varietiesof bananaSpecifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s) Phenotype:Disease resistance11

Modulation of energy homeostasis in maize to develop linestolerant to drought, genotoxic and oxidative stressesPROJECT TITLE:Maize – drought susceptibility Overall objective: Metabolic engineering ofPoly(ADP-ribosyl)ation pathway (a stressresponse pathway) to broaden stresstolerance in plants by maintaining energyhomeostasis during stress conditions. One approach: Knock-down of the maizePARP gene expression using CRISPR/CAS9gene editing as a strategy for abiotic andgenotoxic stress tolerancewolleflarotcodremroDr. Elizabeth NjugunaFKENYAThe challengebeingaddressed:Affiliation: VIB-UGENT Center for Plant SystemsBiology, Ghent University, Belgium Plant Transformation Laboratory,Kenyatta University, KenyaObjectives ofthe project:Genes: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1 andPARP2)Specifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s):12Expected Phenotype: Maize tolerant to drought,DNA damage and oxidative stresses.

PROJECT TITLE:1. Accelerating African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) vaccinedevelopment via CRISPR-Cas9 and synthetic biology technologies2. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of Theileria parva for the developmentof vaccine against East Coast fever (ECF)KENYAThe challengebeingaddressed:Animals: pigs (African Swine Fever Virus) and cattle(Theileria parva)Dr. Hussein AbkalloPost-Doctoral FellowAffiliation: Vaccine Biosciences/Objectives of theproject:Generation of live-attenuated vaccinesAnimal and Human Health (AHH)/International Livestock ResearchInstitute mune response when animals are vaccinated.tSpecifics ofthe targetgene(s) andphenotype(s):Targets viral (ASFV) and parasite (Theileria parva)virulence genes to weaken (reduce the virulence of)13

PROJECT TITLE:Improving oil qualities of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata)through application of CRISPR/CAS 9-based genome editingProf. TeklehaimanotHaileselassie TekluAssociate ProfessorThe challengebeing addressed:Misteru Tesfayei.PhD Student /Senior OilseedsResearcherii.Affiliation: Addis AbabaUniversity, Institute ofBiotechnology n: Institute ofBiotechnology, Addis AbabaUniversityStudies show that the level of erucic acid inEthiopian germplasm materials as well as inBrassica carinata varieties released earlier isin the range of 31-51% of total fatty acid muchbeyond the nutritionally acceptable level ( 5%).The emergence of novel gene editing tools likeCRIPR/Cas9 has opened a good opportunity forimproving the quality of B. carinata throughediting targeted genes so that the crop can beapplicable for both food/feed and oleochemicalindustries.iv.Tileye Feyissa14To explore the distribution of metabolitesamong 144 B. carinata genotypes for itsbio-industrial applicationsTo develop B. carinata genotype with lowerucic and glucosinolate for food and feedapplicationTo develop B. carinata genotypes with waxester for industrial applicationTo enhance the level of erucic acid forindustrial applications.Associate ProfessorTarget geneAffiliation: Institute ofBiotechnology, Addis AbabaUniversity For food- FAE1 and FAD2 genes, For feed – GTR1 and GTR2 genes For industry- FAR and WS genesSpecifics ofthe targetgene(s) andphenotype(s):

Application of targeted gene editing for development ofPROJECT TITLE: high yielding, stress resistant and nutritious cropsCassava:1) Limited knowledge of molecular basis of floweringThe challengebeing addressed:Dr. John OdipioRice: No sources of resistance to rice yellow mottle virusMaize: No sources of resistance to maize lethal necrosisCompleted:Scheduled1.Efficient proof of conceptdeveloped for gene editingin cassava 273/)1.2.Production of fertileflowers and seeds byCRISPR/Cas9 mediatedediting of endogenousanti-flowering genesin cassava (under peerpublication)Generation of knowledgeand methods for haploidinduction for rapid cassavabreeding and fasterdelivery of stress resistant,high yielding and nutritiousfarmer preferred varieties2.Development of novelsources of resistance todevastating rice yellowmottle virus through geneediting3.Development of novelsources of resistanceto maize lethal necrosisthrough gene editingScientist (Biotechnologist)Affiliation: National AgriculturalResearch Organization (NARO)National Crops Resources ResearchInstitute (NaCRRI)-NamulongeCampusObjectives of theproject:On-going project:Demonstration of proof ofconcept for gene editing bytargeting marker gene PDSunder NARs tissue culturesystemUGANDA2) Lack of double haploid lines and efficient methods for doublehaploid induction in cassava15

Genes:Completed1.Phytoene desaturase2.Terminal flower 1UGANDAScheduled1.Centromere localized genes2.Host susceptibility genesPhenotypes:Specifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s):Completed1.Photo bleaching2.Early floweringScheduled161.Short homozygous plants2.Virus resistant edited plants

3.0 Genome editingprojects and expertsin southern AfricaSouthern Africa is made up of 5 countries. Theseinclude Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa,and Eswatini.17

PROJECT TITLE:High-throughput screening of genes associated with theresponse of cassava to geminivirus South African cassavamosaic virus (SACMV).SOUTH AFRICAChrissie ReyProfessorand PrincipalInvestigatorThe challengebeing addressed:PatienceChatukutaPostdoctoralResearch FellowAffiliation: School of Molecular andCell BiologyObjectives of theproject:Cassava is recalcitrant to transformation, thus makingreverse genetics approaches of studying the plant’s responseto cassava mosaic disease (CMD) time-consuming, takingat least 8 months. We exploit the use of protoplasts tostudy genes putatively associated with cassava’s toleranceto CMD. The use of protoplasts in combination with geneediting techniques drastically reduces the time in which keygenes involved with the response to CMD can be identifiedto 6 weeks. These key genes can then be targeted forbiotechnological improvement of African cassava varieties forimproved tolerance/resistance to CMD and improvement ofyields thereby.1.To silence genes putatively associated with the responseto SACMV infection in susceptible and tolerant cassavalandrace protoplasts using CRISPR gene editing2.To measure target gene expression and viral load inwild and mutant (gene-edited) SACMV-infected cassavaprotoplasts3.To identify the hub or key genes associated with SACMVtolerance in cassava protoplastsUniversity of the WitwatersrandSpecifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s):18Target host genes are those which are known to be targetedby or respond to geminiviruses, such as the ubiquitinproteasome system genes (e.g. E3 ligases), transcriptionfactor genes (e.g. WRKYs), and resistance genes (e.g. NLRs).

4.0 Genome editingprojects and expertsin West AfricaThe West Africa region is made up of 17 countriesthat include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde,Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria,Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Wefeature a research scientist from Nigeria workingon a genome-editing project in Edinburgh, UnitedKingdom.19

PROJECT TITLE:Investigating the role of ANP32 proteins in the replication ofAvian influenza VirusDeveloping novel genetic anti-viral strategies to prevent avian influenzainfections in poultryThe challengebeing addressed:NIGERIAi.Dr. Alewo Idoko-AkohResearch FellowAffiliation: McGrew Group,Division of Functional Genetics& Development, The RoslinInstitute & Royal (Dick) Schoolof Veterinary Studies, TheUniversity of EdinburghObjectives of theproject:Specifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s):20To identify the specific regions of ANP32 proteins needed forinfluenza virus protein interactions.ii. To use genome editing tools that we have developed to modifychicken cells to identify genetic variations in ANP32 genes that willhave the most significant restrictive effect on avian influenza virusreplication.iii. Assess any global changes in the transcriptome of genomeedited chicken cells containing modified ANP32 proteinsiv. Investigate in vivo replication of avian influenza virus in genomeedited chickens expressing modified ANP32 proteinsThis information will inform control strategies for protection of poultryfrom avian influenza infection. It will also be of interest to researchersstudying influenza virus in humans and livestock. See the followingpublication for some background information ( Jason S. Long, AlewoIdoko-Akoh, Bhakti Mistry, Daniel Goldhill, Ecco Staller, JocelynSchreyer, Craig Ross et al. “Species specific differences in use of ANP32proteins by influenza A virus.” eLife 8 (2019): e45066)ANP32 genes encode a family of nuclear proteins implicated in manymolecular functions including transcriptional regulation, apoptosis,tumour suppression, protein phosphatase inhibition, messenger RNAexport and regulation of intracellular transport. ANP32 genes includeANP32A, ANP32B, ANP32C, ANP32D and ANP32E. Differences betweenmammalian and avian ANP32A genes account for the poor replicationof some avian influenza viruses in mammalian cells.

5.0 Genome editingprojects and expertsin Central AfricaThe Central Africa region consists of seven countriesthat include Cameroon, Central African Republic,Chad, Congo Republic - Brazzaville, DemocraticRepublic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, SãoTomé & Principe. We feature a research scientistfrom Cameroon working on a genome-editingproject in Canada.21

PROJECT TITLE: A combination of genome editing and BioID approaches tocharacterize a mitochondrial STAT3 function as a therapeuticstrategy for multiple myelomaCAMEROONThe challengebeing addressed:Dr. Serges P. TsofackScientific Research AssociateObjectives of theproject:Affiliation: University HealthNetwork (UNH) /University ofTorontoSpecifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s):22Genome editing in cancer cells, tissues and CRISPR/Cas9approach to develop a new treatment regimen base on genomicinstabilityCRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in genetic diseases (cancers).Understanding the mechanisms behind cancer drugs failureusing different models and developing a next generation ofdrugs targets developing a new drug targets.Approach:1. Understand a genomic instability in cancer patientparticularly after a drug relapse;2. Use a genetic variation to find new treatments. We stronglybelieve a functional genomics approach can lead us tomolecular mechanism, which can be used for geneticdisease treatment in human. These approaches can beeasily translated to animals and plants disease special inagriculture areas. We employ in vitro and in vivo models,patient samples and bioinformatics tools.Specifics of the target gene(s) and phenotype(s): STAT3

6.0 Genome editingprojects and expertsin North AfricaNorth Africa consists of six countries includingAlgeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia.We feature a research scientist in Egypt runninga collaborative genome editing project on wheatimprovement.23

PROJECT TITLE: Developing sal1 mutant drought tolerant wheat using CRISPR/Casgenome editingJoint project between Faculty of Agriculture- Cairo University and USDA-ARS WRRC, Albany, CAEGYPTThe challengebeing addressed:Prof. Naglaa AbdallahProfessor of Genetics1.2.3.4.Objectives of theproject:Affiliation: Department ofGenetics, Faculty of Agriculture,Cairo University EgyptSpecifics of thetarget gene(s) andphenotype(s):24Drought is one of primary stresses that limit crop productivityand cause economic losses. Development of abiotic stresstolerant crops like wheat is an important avenue to mitigatethese problems and enable good agricultural yields, despiteenvironmental challenges.Construction of the CRISPR/Cas9 transformation vectorsGeneration of transgenic wheat plantsScreening of sal1 wheat mutantsScreening for stress tolerance in the sal1 mutant plantsApproach:Use of genome editing techniques to generate drought stresstolerant wheat. Employing CRISPR-Cas9 to inactivate the Sal1genes in wheat.Sal1

7.0 CONCLUSIONCRISPR genome editing technology offers a precise and efficientway of changing an organism’s genetic material. This has presentedthe scientific community with an opportunity to address a myriadof challenges in health, agriculture, industry, environmentalconservation and restoration. The inexpensive, simple and flexibletechnology comprises of an endonuclease protein whose DNAtargeting and cutting specificity can be programmed by a shortguide RNA. Today, CRISPR technology has become an indispensabletool in biological research.In agriculture, CRISPR genome editing is primarily being appliedin improving crops with disease and pest resistance, abiotic stresstolerance and improved nutritional content. Due to its ability togenerate genome-edited crops similar to those developed viaconventional breeding, CRISPR technology is now regarded as oneof the versatile tools for improving agricultural productivity to feedthe rapidly growing population amidst climate change and dwindlingarable land.Modern biotechnologies are projected to play a critical role inbuilding sustainable agricultural systems able to accommodatethe rapidly growing demand for food. Globally, the first quarter ofthe 21st century has seen a major increase in undernourishment.Breeding of ‘climate-change ready’ and adaptable crop varieties isnow more than ever critical in transforming agricultural productivityand ensuring global food and nutrition security.The worsening impacts of climate change on food production,coupled with the increasing demand for food due to the burgeoningpopulation has seen an increased prevalence of undernourishment.In 2019 alone, prior to COVID-19 pandemic, almost 690 millionpeople (8.9% of the global population) were undernourished(WFP Hunger Map 2020). Without fast and efficient interventions,the number of hungry people will reach 840 million by 2030. InAfrica, over 250 million people (20 percent of the population) areundernourished. This situation has necessitated for rapid adoptionof science, technology and innovations that improve the way foodis produced. Genome editing is among the tools being employed inbreeding crop varieties that are resilient and nutritionally superior.As shown by the projects listed here, African scientists are movingfast to harness the potential of genome editing in developing cropvarieties suited for the continent’s modern agriculture. This spellsa promising future where the inevitable impacts of climate changeand the growing population are well mitigated through technologysupported, sustainable agricultural systems.25

8.0 CRISPR GENOME EDITING: INSIDE A CROP BREEDER’S TOOLKITInduced immunity againstGeministrusTomato yellow lead curl virusPotyvirusTurnip mosaic sPlant oductionQualityimprovementNutritional ancementTransgenic plantsagainstPowdery mildewVerticiIlium wiltRice sistanceCrops resistance againstDroughtHerbicideMechanicalpost-harvesting processes

9.0 REGULATORY APPROACHES FOR GENOME EDITED PRODUCTS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES27

10 COMMUNICATING ABOUT GENOME EDITING IN AFRICAGenome editing holds great promise and is set to transformhealthcare and agriculture sectors globally. Given the precision,affordability and potential offered for quick win, Africa stands tobenefit most. Although this technology poses tremendous scientific,medical, agricultural and business implications, communicationapproaches will either hamper or facilitate its uptake.In 2019, ISAAA AfriCenter dedicated the 3rd Africa BiennialBiosciences Communication (ABBC) symposium held in Pretoria,South Africa, to conversations on genome editing in the region.Running under the theme “Getting it Right: Communicating aboutGenome Editing”, the symposium provided a unique opportunity toaddress key components that will lay the foundation for uptake ofgenome editing in Africa.The Symposium’s overall objective was to interrogate bestcommunication practices that will facilitate informed decisionmaking on this emerging technology. It was inspired by anAfrican proverb that says “rising early shortens the journey”. Weacknowledge that conversations on how to govern genome editingare gaining momentum. Consequently, public engagement neededto keep pace with these rapid advancements, to avoid inheritanceof restrictive regulatory regimes. Key players in genome editingresearch, development, policies and regulations must embraceconstructive dialogue about the technology early. We believe thatstarting early will enable stakeholders ample time for makinginformed decisions and creating an enabling environment forgenome editing research and development28Recommendations from ABBC 2019; To work together in improving bioscience communication,including the use of new and emerging strategies to ensureeffectiveness. To foster open and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders,including those with divergent views on genome editing, in aneffort to build consensus and common understanding. To encourage public participation in research direction andpolicy formulations on genome editing. To create awareness among the policy and decision makers ongenome editing. To establish an African Coalition for Communicating aboutGenome Editing.To initiate the African Coalition for Communicating about GenomeEditing, ISAAA AfriCenter facilitated launching of the Kenya Chapterin 2020. By developing a blueprint communication strategy forgenome editing in Africa, the Kenya Chapter has set out to lay thefoundation needed to ensure that Africa realizes the full potential ofthe technology in improving agriculture and boosting food security.To join the coalition, contact Dr. Margaret Karembu, DirectorISAAA AfriCenter at mkarembu@isaaa.org.

Karembu M. (MBS) 2021. Genome Editing in Africa’s Agriculture 2021: An Early Take-off. InternationalService for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA AfriCenter), Nairobi Kenya.:noitatiCTo be featured in the second edition of this booklet, contact Dr. Margaret Karembu at mkarembu@isaaa.org

development via CRISPR-Cas9 and synthetic biology technologies 2. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of Theileria parva for the development of vaccine against East Coast fever (ECF) T b Specifics of the target gene(s) and phenotype(s): Animals: pigs (African Swine Fever Virus) and cattle (Theileria parva) PROJECT TITLE: KENYA O p 13 Dr. Hussein Abkallo

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