Modifying Africa: How Biotechnology Can Benefit the Poor and Hungry; A Case Study from Kenya

Dr. Florence M. Wambugu, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International (AHBFI) (www.ahbfi.org), is an agricultural plant pathologist with a specialization in virology and genetic engineering for viral diseases and crop protection. She has over 25 years experience in plant improvement research to increase productivity. She has also worked in agricultural and development institutions in Africa, Europe and America. She has made enormous contributions to modern scientific research and development. Over the last ten years, Dr. Wambugu has successfully provided leadership in public and private partnerships and in scientific consortiums for the implementation of various major projects for crops and tree improvement. She has made a significant impact on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The Tissue Culture (TC) banana project facilitated under her leadership has impacted over a half million small-scale farmers and lifted them from poverty to sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Wambugu is a strong believer in the power of science and technology including biotechnology to boost food production. She has also participated in many international forums in support of biotechnology for developing countries and Africa. She has authored or co-authored over 100 papers and publications in local and international journals and has written this book, Modifying Africa: How Biotechnology can benefit the Poor and the Hungry (2001). The 2nd edition (2004) describes the expansion of projects throughout Africa and other developing countries (www.modifyingAfrica.com). Dr. Wambugu holds a Ph.D. degree in Virology/Biotechnology, M.Sc. degree in Pathology, and a B.Sc. degree in Botany.Wambugu, Florence is the author of 'Modifying Africa: How Biotechnology Can Benefit the Poor and Hungry; A Case Study from Kenya' with ISBN 9780975410103 and ISBN 0975410105.