New bio lab to link up African scientists with the world

A multi-million dollar laboratory expected to boost research and put Africa at par with the world’s most advanced research institutions has opened its doors to African researchers.

The laboratory — hosted under the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) hub — is based at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi. It is the first of its kind in the region offering training, research and related services.

Admission to BecA is limited to scientists working on African agricultural problems regardless of the universities they come from.

“The requirement for admission is that they must be working on African agricultural problem — drought tolerant varieties or livestock vaccines suitable for African problems,” said BecA director Dr Segenet Kelemu.

With the labs offering African research cheaper access to world class facilities, it is expected to boost research into some of the biggest tropical diseases that affect man, livestock and plants.

These diseases continue to both affect Africa’s ability to feed itself and lower the quality of life of its people.

African scientists have long suffered from inadequate laboratories, prohibitive costs and restrictive regulations to conduct the same research overseas.

The new facility affords Africa’s researchers access to the latest equipment and technologies.

For instance, there is a $1 million Genome Sequencer computer that does three years’ work in minutes.

“Our aim is in part to support research and build capacity by empowering scientists to lead the coming agricultural revolution from within Africa,” said Dr Kelemu.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) and the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme endorsed the initiative, which is being developed within the framework of centres of excellence for science and technology with a view of employing modern biotechnology.

In addition, it is expected that African scientists will improve on their capacities to conduct bioscience research and produce improved products that can enhance the livelihoods of farmers and promote development in the region.

Already scientists at BecA have found that Uganda has a rich environment for sweet potatoes that can be used to increase food security across the continent.

They have also made a partial breakthrough on discovering the cassava variety that is resistant to the Cassava Brown Streak Disease.

There are about 30 major research crops and 20 projects on livestock including vaccines.