Harnessing biotechnology to release the potential of the bioeconomy for Africa

Africa faces several challenges for realizing sustainable development of the food system. The bioeconomy, understood as the conversion of biological resources into food and other products, has the potential to generate a wide range of solutions to adapt to climate change, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience of the food systems and hence food security. Harnessing biotechnology can help to release the potential of bioeconomy in Africa. Modern biotechnology provides support to the development of novel biobased products in Africa, which can ensure sustainability, food security, and reduction of the negative effects of climate change. Using modern biotechnology tools, breeders have developed biotech crop varieties with agronomic and nutritional traits that are beneficial to farmers, consumers, and the environment. However, the uptake of these technologies lags in most African countries. Therefore, countries in Africa need to develop supportive and less stringent regulations, strategies, and policies. This chapter summarizes how bioeconomy can support sustainable development of food systems and highlights important issues that are of relevance.