Keywords: Monitoring and Surveillance

Regulatory Provisions for Post-Release Monitoring of Genetically Modified Organisms in Africa

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Julia Njagi, John Muriuki, Paul Mbugua, et al.,  Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology,  2026-03-10 09:22:44.
Genetically modified (GM) crops with improved traits such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and enhanced nutritional profiles have been commercially cultivated for over three decades. Despite extensive safety data and long-term cultivation experience, concerns continue to be raised about the potential risks and benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is particularly true for the African region, where only eight out of fifty-four countries have so far commercialized GMOs. Upon release into the environment, GM crops may interact with ecosystems in complex ways, possibly leading to unanticipated ecological effects. Consequently, post-release monitoring of GMOs is essential to identify early signs of adverse impacts, enabling timely responses such as adjustments in risk management strategies, mitigation measures, or re-evaluation of previous regulatory decisions. A supportive policy and regulatory environment are critical for facilitating the safe development, testing, and commercialization of GMOs. This study conducted a desktop review of post-release monitoring frameworks for GMOs in selected African countries, as well as interviews with key informants in countries that have commercialized at least one GMO product. The findings reveal that most sampled countries lack clearly defined environmental protection goals and specific provisions regarding the scope and duration of post-release monitoring of GMOs. Where the duration of monitoring is prescribed, it is a blanket cover for all GMOs regardless of their life cycles. Moreover, the responsibility for monitoring is often delegated entirely to the applicant, and where local institutions are involved, there is no clear coordination mechanism for data sharing. These findings underscore the need for case-by-case monitoring approaches, guided by clearly articulated national protection goals and clear roles and coordination among stakeholders to ensure the safe and responsible deployment of GMOs.

Ecological analysis of mosquito larval communities in Burkina Faso to inform environmental monitoring of genetic control programs

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Toé, I., Kientega, M., Lingani, A.J. et al.,  Scientific Reports,  16. 2026-02-24 14:26:04.
In Burkina Faso, the development of the gene drive technology targeting Anopheles coluzzii raises important ecological questions about potential non-target effects. Understanding interactions in mosquitoes’ natural environments is crucial for developing effective post-release environmental safety monitoring. This study assesses the ecological exposure and potential risks to non-target organisms associated with An. coluzzii suppression. Using co-occurrence, niche overlap metrics, and characterisation of physicochemical parameters, we evaluated interspecific relationships among mosquitoes and macroinvertebrate taxa from larval habitats in Burkina Faso. Combined index revealed distinct ecological relationships, ranging from competitive or facilitative coexistence to spatial segregation driven by predation or behavioural avoidance. Based on these interactions, an exposure score was developed to quantify the potential susceptibility of non-target organisms to ecological changes following the removal of An. coluzzii. The results showed variable exposure among taxa, with An. gambiae s.s. having the highest score, followed by An. arabiensis and Culex spp. Predatory taxa such as Corixidae showed niche overlap but limited spatial co-occurrence, suggesting effective predation. The detection of hybrid forms (An. coluzzii x An. gambiae s.s.) further highlights the potential for gene flow. This study introduces a quantitative framework that combines ecological indices and exposure scores to predict potential risks to non-target organisms.