Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Management 

Biotechnology provides modern tools for improving agricultural productivity for millions of resource-poor farmers, consumers, and the entire agricultural product value chains. Biotechnology research and utilization of genetic resources offer innovative ways of providing solutions to some of the most crucial agricultural challenges that would result in the development of improved crops, foods, livestock, and vaccines/drugs, increased efficiency, better returns, and improved environment among others.

The Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Management thematic area of research will be expected to contribute to the attainment of the overall institutional purpose through the attainment of its purpose of generating and promoting biotechnology and genetic resource management knowledge, information, and technologies that respond to clients' demands and opportunities.

This purpose will be delivered through the attainment of the following five results: 

1. Technologies and innovations for demand-driven biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains generated and promoted. 

2. Markets and marketing strategies for biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains developed and promoted. 

3. Policy options for enhancing demand-driven biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains facilitated and advocated. 

4. Capacity for implementing integrated biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains research strengthened. 

5. Availability of knowledge, information, and technologies on biotechnology and genetic resource product value chains research enhanced.

To deliver the expected results, the Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Management thematic area of research will be structured into broad-based and interrelated research programmes as outlined below. Each of the research programmes will be expected to contribute to the attainment of the five thematic areas of research results. 

(i) Development and promotion of biotechnology product value chains; 

(ii) Acquisition and conservation of genetic resources product value chains;

(iii) Maintenance, multiplication, and promotion of pre-released product value chains.