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| Biography |
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Florence M. Wambugu: Ph.D. Virology, Biotechnology University of Bath, England 1991,Post-Doctoral Research Associate in genetic engineering-Biotechnology, life Science company, USA. Principle Scientist KARI Kenya and Director ISAAA AfriCenter Authored/co-authored over 100 papers and publications in local and international journals and written a book Modifying Africa: How Biotechnology can benefit the Poor and the Hungry. (2001), second edition, 2004. Recipient of several awards and honors from local and international institutions in recognition of her outstanding work. In June 2005 provided leadership for Africa Harvest (and consortium organisations) to be awarded US$ 17.5 million global competitive grant from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health Challenge to develop biofortified sorghum. Previous member of DuPont Biotech Advisory Panel-USA, current member of International Plant Genetic Research Institute, UN Millennium Development goals Hunger Task Force, and Council member of Science Technology and Society of Japan.
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| Abstract |
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Africa Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) Project |
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Nutritionally-Enhanced Sorghum for the Arid and Semi-Arid Tropical Areas of Africa
Nutritional enhanced Sorghum for the Arid and Semi Arid Tropical Areas of Africa, also called African Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) Project (www.supersorghum.org) is a nine member consortium based project consisting of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International (AHBFI), (www.ahbfi.org) as the lead organization & eight other organizations. ABS is funded (US$ 17.5 million) by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (www.gatesfoundation.org) as one of the 43 global competitive projects called Grand Challenges for Global Health; to develop nutritionally enhanced sorghum for arid and semi-arid tropical regions of Africa. The consortium is composed of public and private institutions from USA & Africa all playing complimentary and specific roles. They include Pioneer HiBred International, University of California Berkeley in USA, and in Africa ICRISAT – CGIAR, Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Agricultural Research Council, University of Pretoria & AHBFI. The goal of this project is to develop transgenic sorghum varieties that will deliver essential amino acids (lysine, threonine and tryptophan); vitamins A and E; iron; and zinc which are deficient in sorghum to African populations in the arid and semi-arid tropics targetinf 300 million people. Additionally, ABS will increase caloric uptake as a result of improved grain product digestibility. Taking cognizance of the limitations of classical breeding in the area of nutrition in fortifying sorghum with these essential nutrients our strategy will rely on genetic engineering. Development of the new varieties of staple sorghum food plants will aid in improving nutrition and human health. The project has a strong component of advanced technology transfer and capacity building for African Scientists, which will be presented during the conference. |
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