Training on Biotech Solutions for Food Production
Drive food security and agricultural innovation in Africa with this results-driven 5-module biotech course focused on practical tools, regional strategies, and sustainable impact.
Next intake
20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru
Duration
5 days
Live instruction
Delivery
Physical + Virtual
Cohort based
Level
Intermediate
Working professionals
Certification
NITA reimbursable
For Kenyan cohorts
Language
English
All materials
About this programme
This specialized training course explores how biotechnology can address food production challenges and opportunities in Africa. Designed for professionals in agriculture, food security, research, and policy, the course highlights cutting-edge biotech tools and practices that can enhance productivity, improve crop resilience, and support sustainable agricultural development. With a strong focus on regional case studies and implementation strategies, participants will be equipped to champion biotech innovations that transform food systems across the continent.
Duration
5 Days
Who Should Attend
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Agricultural Extension Officers
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Biotechnologists and Agronomists
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Food Security Experts
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Policymakers and Government Officials
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Researchers and Development Partners
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NGO Representatives Working in Agriculture
What you'll walk away with
By the end of this course, participants will:
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Understand core principles and tools of agricultural biotechnology
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Analyze the role of biotech in improving food security and productivity
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Evaluate region-specific biotech innovations for African agriculture
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Examine the policy, regulatory, and ethical aspects of biotech adoption
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Develop action plans to apply biotech solutions in local food systems
What we cover, module by module
Module 1: Introduction to Agricultural Biotechnology
- Definition and scope of agricultural biotechnology
- Types of biotechnology applications in agriculture (traditional, modern, and molecular biotech)
- Relevance of biotechnology in improving African food systems and resilience
- Overview of genetically modified (GM) crops and adoption trends in Africa
- Case Study: Impact of drought-tolerant maize adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa and its effects on food security
- Practical Activity: Identifying and analyzing locally adopted biotech crop innovations and their performance outcomes
Module 2: Biotech Tools and Innovations in Food Production
- Overview of key biotech tools: tissue culture, genome editing (CRISPR), and marker-assisted selection
- Applications in pest and disease resistance improvement
- Biofortification and nutritional enhancement of staple crops
- Role of biotechnology in climate-smart agriculture
- Case Study: Development and impact of insect-resistant (Bt) cotton in African agricultural systems
- Practical Exercise: Reviewing and evaluating real or simulated biotech crop trial data for performance and adoption potential
Module 3: Biosafety, Regulation, and Policy Frameworks
- Overview of biosafety principles and regulatory systems in Africa
- International agreements and regional harmonization efforts (e.g., Cartagena Protocol)
- National GMO approval processes and regulatory case examples
- Risk assessment and compliance requirements for biotech products
- Case Study: GMO regulatory approval process and challenges in selected African countries
- Practical Activity: Group discussion and analysis of regulatory barriers and enabling factors for biotech adoption
Module 4: Public Perception, Ethics, and Communication in Biotechnology
- Public concerns, misinformation, and perception of GMOs and biotech foods
- Ethical considerations in biotechnology research and deployment
- Strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and science communication
- Building trust in biotechnology innovations
- Case Study: Public acceptance and resistance dynamics in GMO crop adoption programs
- Practical Simulation: Designing and presenting a public awareness and communication campaign on agricultural biotechnology
Module 5: Implementation Strategies and Scaling Biotechnology Solutions
- Aligning biotechnology innovations with national food security and agricultural policies
- Role of partnerships: governments, private sector, research institutions, and donors
- Financing and scaling pathways for biotech innovations in agriculture
- Developing sustainable biotechnology adoption roadmaps
- Case Study: Successful scaling of biotech-enabled crop technologies in developing agricultural systems
- Final Project: Designing a biotechnology-based solution to address a real-world food production challenge, including implementation and scaling strategy
Where the change lands
Organizational Impact
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The organization can enhance its competitiveness and market share by adopting cutting-edge biotechnologies that improve product quality and reduce production costs.
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By using biotech solutions to enhance crop resilience and productivity, the organization can build a more stable and secure supply chain, which is crucial for long-term viability.
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The training ensures the organization is prepared to navigate the regulatory and public perception challenges associated with biotechnology, which is essential for successful market entry and growth.
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Adopting biotech solutions will enable the organization to meet growing global demands for nutritious, high-yield, and sustainably produced food.
Personal Impact
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The participant will gain a highly valuable and specialized skill set at the intersection of biology, technology, and food systems.
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Expertise in biotech solutions is a key skill for career progression into R&D leadership, product development, or senior management roles.
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The individual will be able to contribute directly to the organization's innovation pipeline by identifying and implementing groundbreaking solutions for food production.
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The training will empower the participant with the knowledge and confidence to make strategic decisions about adopting and managing complex biotechnologies.
Dates and locations
Upcoming intakes
Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.
| City | Starts | Ends | Delivery | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NakuruNext | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kigali | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Accra | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kisumu | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Johannesburg | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Dakar | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
- NakuruNext
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kigali
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Accra
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kisumu
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Johannesburg
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Dakar
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake
Common questions.
Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.
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For corporate teams
Training 10+ professionals?
We deliver Training on Biotech Solutions for Food Production in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.