With crop diseases costing Rwanda billions in lost yield annually, the government has intensified its biotechnology strategy, ushering in a new generation of genetically improved cassava, maize, and potato varieties. Backed by $9.8 million in funding from the Gates Foundation, these biotech crops are tailored to resist cassava mosaic virus, combat late blight in potatoes, ...

L-R: The director, Agricultural Biotechnology department, Dr. Rose Gidado and the director-general, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha making local bean balls ‘akara’ during the eating is believing event in Abuja. Silas Akpe delves into the misconceptions and unscientific claims surrounding Nigeria’s approval of genetically modified crops developed by local scientists, particularly ...