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  • Publication | 2025

Assessing the Impact of New Agricultural Technologies on Food Safety in Sub-Saharan Africa

Global Food and Nutrition Security

The agricultural sector has been focused on meeting the nutritional needs of the growing world population, but it faces numerous challenges including increased climate change, urbanisation, and environmental degradation. Innovative technologies used in the agricultural sector to meet these needs include genetically modified organisms, nanotechnology, and vertical farming. However, there are concerns surrounding these new technologies, such as their effects on the environment and health of the populace. African countries cultivating genetically modified crops have implemented regulatory frameworks and risk assessments to address these concerns. Nanotechnology raises concerns about the migration of nanoparticles into food, necessitating the development of specific regulations. Aquaculture carries risks of pathogenic microorganisms and antimicrobial residues. This article discusses the effect of these emerging technologies on food safety in Sub-Saharan Africa and emphasises the need to address the challenges faced with managing these technologies and opportunities to address the risks associated with them.