Appraising the potential of gene editing in Zimbabwe’s crop improvement programmes: a review

Abstract

Zimbabwe and Sub-Saharan Africa face urgent pressure to feed a rapidly growing population expected to double by 2050, while coping with climate variability. The agriculture sector contributes 15–18% to Zimbabwe’s GDP and over 40% of export earnings. With 70–80% of Zimbabwe relying on rain-fed agriculture, conventional breeding methods are deemed too slow. Genome editing offers a faster and more precise alternative. This paper reviews how gene editing can enhance food security and farmer adaptability, and align with national economic goals. Key editing technologies discussed include CRISPR-Cas9 and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), which allow for targeted genetic changes without introducing foreign DNA. Opportunities for maize crop improvement include heat and drought tolerance, nutrient fortification, and pest and disease resistance. In wheat, rust resistance, abiotic stresses, and grain quality. In sorghum, priorities include striga and fodder quality. In potatoes, edits could address late blight tolerance and tuber quality. Commercialization of these innovations involves several strategies; we recommend utilizing public-private partnerships to share intellectual property and mitigate costs. Zimbabwe prioritizes capacity building and establishes clear regulations to distinguish gene-edited products from GMOs. This approach would empower the country to leverage genome editing for the production of resilient, high-yielding staple crops.