Biosafety and Bioethics in Biotechnology: Policy, Advocacy, and Capacity Building

Biotechnology has the potential to address global food insecurity, but there is a need for more training and policy advocacy to enhance its adoption in Nigeria.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce food and address global food insecurity. With recent advances in the field, there is an increasing need to deploy biotechnology in Nigeria to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security for the growing population.

One of the key challenges facing Nigeria in agriculture is the lack of adequate training and expertise in biotechnology. To address this, universities and research institutes need to increase their focus on biotechnology training and research. This can be achieved through the establishment of dedicated biotechnology departments, the recruitment of experienced faculty members, and the provision of scholarships and research grants.

In addition to training, there is a need to domesticate biotechnology and promote its adoption in Nigeria. This can be done through the development of innovative technologies, the establishment of demonstration farms, and the provision of technical support to farmers. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector companies can play a crucial role in promoting biotechnology adoption by providing funding, technical expertise, and market access.

Another area of focus in biotechnology is the development of informal capacity building courses and professional certification. These courses can help to increase the skills and knowledge of farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders in the biotechnology field. They can also provide a platform for networking and collaboration, which can help to promote the adoption of biotechnology in Nigeria.

In addition to training and adoption, there are new frontiers in the area of organizing informal biotechnology capacity building courses and professional certification. These courses can be designed to cater to the specific needs of different stakeholders, such as farmers, researchers, and policymakers. They can also be delivered in a variety of formats, such as online, face-to-face, and mobile, to ensure accessibility and convenience.

Biosafety and bioethical guidelines are also important considerations in the adoption of biotechnology. These guidelines ensure that the use of biotechnology is safe and ethical and does not have negative impacts on human health, the environment, or society. Governments, research institutions, and private sector companies need to develop and implement biosafety and bioethical guidelines that are aligned with national priorities and research agenda.

Current biotechnology policy advocacy, enlightenment, and public engagement with stakeholders and policy makers are also critical to the successful adoption of biotechnology in Nigeria. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector companies need to work together to promote biotechnology policy and engage with stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of biotechnology are realized by all.

In conclusion, biotechnology has the potential to transform the way we produce food and address global food insecurity. With recent advances in the field and the need to deploy biotechnology in Nigeria, there is an increasing need to focus on training, adoption, and policy advocacy. By increasing the capacity of the biotechnology workforce, promoting the adoption of biotechnology, and developing biosafety and bioethical guidelines, we can ensure that the benefits of biotechnology are realized in Nigeria and beyond.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367767020