An overview of the state of agricultural biotechnology in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Biotechnology is any technique that utilizes biological systems, living organisms and their products to make or modify products or processes for the benefit of mankind. Although the legal framework to support biotechnology has been put in place by the government of Zimbabwe, the adoption and application of biotechnology has been relatively slow due to several challenges that include finance, lack of public support and limited collaboration. Despite these challenges, some great strides have been made in this field of biotechnology especially in the area of tissue culture, marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering, pest control and artificial insemination. Zimbabwe is highly optimistic in reaping the benefits of biotechnology in both the short and long term projections.

Keywords: Biotechnology, tissue culture, genetic engineering, Zimbabwe.