Growing population results in growing food demands and need for increased agricultural productivity for food security and poverty alleviation. The tools and knowledge of plant biotechnology, coupled with plant breeding and crop physiology, have great potential to contribute to agricultural productivity and quality. These tools include tissue culture, marker assisted selection, DNA or antibody based diagnostics and genetic modification.

To support the use of Biotechnology to improve Agriculture in Africa

Objectives: 

• Recruit Members
• Build a database of Laboratories, Personnel, Techniques, Projects, Crops, Traits of crop, biotechnologists and breeders working in Africa
• Promote information exchange and collaboration
• Improve public awareness
• Encourage formation of positive policies
• Run a website which is well functioning, information rich, up to date, accurate, clear

ABNETA has been initiated by the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. The ABNETA hub is run by ABSF from Nairobi, Kenya and Country Coordinators acts as a focal point for flow of information to and from the ABNETA hub and also contribute technical information and develop proposals for projects that supports the biotechnology community in Africa.

Below is a list of the key staff members in the ABNETA who serve with dedication to ensure the network success.

We believe that the responsible use of biotechnologies, in combination with conventional plant breeding, can contribute to the food security of Africa. However, informed decisions about their use must be left to individual countries. GM is one important biotechnology, but other non-GM biotechnologies include Tissue Culture, Marker Assisted Selection, Diagnostics. The Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa (ABNETA) is made up of people from across Africa who want to discuss, support, develop or use biotechnology in support of agriculture on the continent.