Data was collected from secondary and primary sources. The secondary data (literature review) was gathered and assembled from the published literature and stakeholders (institutional) databases including websites. The primary data, on the other hand, was assembled through live interviews using online data collection kit (ODK), surveys, and/or email communications through sharing of questionnaires in a word document format. In special cases, an online link was used to share the questionnaire. The primary data further confirmed and/or improved/strengthened secondary data. Data from these two sources (primary and secondary) were then analysed, synthesized and packaged in terms of: 

Status of and biotech/GEd regulatory and policy frameworks. 

Components of the regulatory and policy framework in Cameroon collected during the secondary and primary data were retrieved, gathered, assembled, synthesized and packaged into tables to give a perspective of the functionality and preparedness of Cameroon to embrace and adopt GEd technologies.

Projects, crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits ready for commercialization and scaling.

Like regulatory and policy frameworks, biotech and particularly GEd projects, crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits including key stakeholders (partnerships) involved, and sources of funding were documented through secondary and primary data acquisitions. The synthesized and analysed data from GEd projects, crop, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits were used to further:

1. identify emerging needs to address economic, social and environmental/climate benefits. 

2. provide information on the status of existing human and infrastructures capacities in GEd technologies in Cameroon.

Staple, Indigenous and Commercial crops that need improvement using GEd technology.

The data on GEd projects, crops and traits were further disaggregated (categorized) in terms of those with highest potential that need GEd technology for national socio-economic impact and the possibility of successful completion in view of national acceptance, resource requirements and scalability. 

Institutional capacity (human capital, laboratory and field infrastructure, equipment). 

During primary data collection, respondents were asked questions on existing institutional capacities in terms of human capital, lab and field infrastructure, equipment to engage in GEd R&D, commercialization and scaling. This information was pooled together to give each institution its data on human capital and infrastructure capacity.

Stakeholder mapping.

Targeted sampling was employed, only selecting individuals knowledgeable and currently engaged in modern Agricultural Biotechnology/ GEd (regulating, policy, R&D and commercialization). Some of these key individuals were identified through 1) secondary data, published literature (scientists), 2) databases of institutional websites (regulators and scientists), and 3) referrals through institutional heads (regulators and scientists) or personal knowledge by the country PI. These individuals are spread across the five (5) stakeholders categories identified in the Questionnaires (Data collection tools), namely, regulatory agencies, research organizations/institutions, universities, private sector/industry and government departments/ministries and policymakers.

Database Systems and Database Management.

The consortium and sponsors of the project had technical backstopping meetings to develop appropriate data collection tools (Questionnaires) and platforms to support primary data collection. The questionnaires were tailor-made and specific to identified and mapped stakeholder categories, namely, regulatory, research, universities, private sector and government platforms and frameworks to produce data sets (data systems) that gauged Cameroon’s preparedness (capabilities) or lack of it to fully embrace, engage and scale up GEd technologies. The data collection tools and platforms were pre-tested before use. 

Data synthesis and statistical analysis.

Where appropriate (quantitative), data collected was synthesized and statistically analysed using the SPSS package.  Scatter plots were employed to map the projects, crops and traits in a continental interactive map.

Interactive map. 

An interactive map akin to that of the Agenda 2063 dashboard was developed.

National Regulatory Framework

Regulatory Agencies

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) oversees the agricultural sector, but its role in the regulation of GMO's /GEd is not clearly defined. Thus, any application for the introduction of GMO's /GEd would need the clearance of Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), since the National Biotechnology Agency provided for by the Biotechnology Law of 2003 has not yet been gazetted and set up. These three ministries have the oversight responsibility on the implementation of the Biotechnology Law and issues related to Recombinant DNA, genetic modification, genetically modified animals, plants, micro-organisms and viruses. The Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MIRESI), on the other hand, oversees the national research policy and granting permission for organizations to conduct research of any kind in Cameroon. Government institutes that conduct medical and agricultural research are under the supervision of MINRESI.

Regulations and Guidelines

The main regulatory instrument on Biotechnology in Cameroon is Law No. 2003/006 of 21st April 2003 to lay down regulations governing Biotechnology in the country. (Prime Ministerial order 2003). There is also the second decree No. 2007/737 of 31 May 2007 fixing modalities for application of law nº 2003/006 of 21 April 2003. (Prime Ministerial decree 2007). 

The Cameroon National Laboratory Policy (2022) serves as a compass for all laboratory activities in Cameroon, aiming to establish an efficient laboratory system by 2030. It guides the implementation of quality laboratory services across the country, covering various aspects from biosafety and biosecurity to quality management systems. The policy is supported by several guidelines and strategic plans, including a roadmap for implementing quality management systems and a national laboratory strategic plan.

The Biosafety law (2003) attempts to ensure the requirements and principles of Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety into local context and perspective. The objective of this law is to: ensure safety and ethics in modern biotechnological research and development and to lay down the procedure for cross border movement of genetically modified organisms, provide a mechanism for assessing, managing, communicating and controlling the risks inherent in the use, release and cross border movement of genetically modified organisms or those having new traits because of modern biotechnological activity that may negatively affect the environment, and by extension the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. The law shall be achieved by taking into consideration the risks to human, animal and plant health and their socio-economic effects and by fully developing the benefits of biotechnology, as opposed to traditional technology.

Components of the regulatory framework for GEd products:

The components of the regulatory framework for GMO/GEd products can be found in Table 1 and Table 2 below.

Table 1: Status of Cameroon’s Participation in Key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) 

Table 2: Regulatory and Institutional Landscape for Genome Editing (GEd) in Cameroon

Political Landscape

The Cameroonian government has expressed interest in agricultural biotechnology, including New Breeding Techniques (NBTs), GMOs, as part of its national strategy for agricultural development. The government's "Vision 2035" policy document (https://minepat.gov.cm/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Vision-2035_English.pdf) aims to restructure the rural world and promote larger-scale agriculture, which some interpret as a move towards adopting biotechnology. The introduction of GMOs by SODECOTON sparked public debate, with civil society organizations and some researchers raising concerns about potential health risks, environmental impacts, and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Public awareness and understanding of agricultural biotechnology remain limited in Cameroon. Addressing these gaps through proper communication, education and public engagement is crucial for building trust and acceptance of the technology.

Regional Perspective

The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) has developed a "Common Agricultural Strategy" (Ehode and Ngouna, 2014) to address challenges like food insecurity, declining agricultural populations, and the need to increase productivity.  While some countries within CEMAC are cautiously moving towards the use of GMOs, others remain cautious. The region's strategy includes aspects related to the safe and responsible use of GMOs, potentially guided by international protocols like the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety which has been signed and ratified by all members. There is no regional regulation in place on GEd.

Socio-economic considerations for decision-making in GEd technology and application:

The landscape study revealed that in Cameroon, socio-economic considerations would play a vital role in decision-making regarding GEd, particularly in the agricultural sector. These considerations involve assessing the potential impact of GEd technologies on various aspects of society, including economic conditions, social structures, cultural practices, and ethical values. 

Key economic outputs captured during the study included:

• Increased agricultural productivity: GEd could potentially improve crop yields, leading to higher incomes for farmers, food security and reduced import substitution on some major commercial crops in Cameroon.

• Market access and trade: The introduction of GEd crops could impact international trade and market access, requiring careful consideration of trade regulations and agreements.

• Job creation and displacement: GEd could create new jobs in research and technology development but might also displace workers in traditional agricultural practices.

• Intellectual Property (IP): Issues related to IP, which can affect the accessibility and control of GED technologies for local farmer.

   

Social Impact outcomes:

• Public perception and acceptance: Public awareness and understanding of GEd is crucial for successful adoption of GEd in Cameroon. Concerns about safety, ethics, and potential risks were highlighted and need to be addressed.

• Health and nutrition: GEd could offer solutions for addressing nutritional deficiencies and diseases, but careful consideration must be given to potential health risks and equitable access to benefits. 

• Social equity and justice: GEd technologies should be developed and implemented in a way that promotes social equity and does not exacerbate existing inequalities.

Cultural and Ethical Considerations coming out from the study include:

• Respect for traditional practices: GEd technologies should be introduced in a way that respects local cultures and traditional farming practices. 

• Ethical concerns: Ethical considerations related to the manipulation of genes and the potential for unintended consequences was highlighted and needs to be carefully addressed. 

• Religious beliefs: Religious groups in Cameroon were indifferent on introduction of GEd in Cameroon. 

Decision-Making Recommendations:

Regulatory frameworks: Cameroon, therefore, needs a robust GEd regulatory framework to govern the development and application of GEd technologies, ensuring safety, transparency, and public engagement. Six African countries have approved GEd guideline and AUDA-NEPAD also has a policy framework for application of GEd.  These documents could be used as the basis for developing Cameroon’s GEd guideline.

Public participation and consultation: Engaging the public in decision-making processes is crucial for building trust and ensuring that GEd technologies are developed and used in a way that is socially acceptable and beneficial. 

Capacity building, infrastructure and international networking: Investing in training and education to build local capacity in GEd research, development, and regulation is essential. Furthermore, it is important for key institutions to have the basic infrastructural need and the studies also revealed that Camerron researchers need to collaborate/network with international partners who can provide access to expertise, resources, and best practices in GEd.

An Analysis of Genome Editing Programs and Projects

Table 3: Genome Editing Projects and Programs in Cameroon

There is no GEd project currently going on in the country. However, in 2012, the National Cotton Development Company (SODECOTON) in collaboration with Bayer Crop Sciences, the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and the Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development, conducted a confined field trial of Genetically Modified (GM) cotton. In 2015, Sodecoton launched a series of public consultations in the Far North region to seek producers’ views on the opportunity to introduce GM cotton cultivation. After consultations, open field trials were conducted under the observation of the National Biosafety Committee and the Competent National Authority in the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development.  The outcome of this research was supposed to be introduced in the cultivation of highly prized cereals such as rice, maize or sorghum (Mbah 2018), Mbodiam 2018). 

However, in 2018, the Managing Director of SODECOTON discontinued the trials. The management issued a statement stating “The experimentation of genetically modified cotton was conducted for research purpose. This research stopped during the 2017-2018 crop year, in accordance with the authorization received from the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), on the implementation phase in an open environment. As this experimental phase was completed since April 2018, and so far, no regulation has been obtained from the public authorities to continue this activity, Sodecoton has put an end to this research component,”

Instead of introducing GM cotton cultivation, SODECOTON and its research partners, IRAD and CIRAD have developed conventional varieties that are not genetically modified but high-yielding 3.5tons/ha IRMA Q302 variety grown throughout the cotton zone, which has good agronomic and technological characteristics. He ended his quote “Sodecoton has no intention of opting for genetically modified cotton to achieve its cotton production objectives,” (Mbah 2018; Mbodiam 2018).

The studies revealed that there is a review paper on ‘CRISPR-Cas-Based Genome Editing for Crop Improvement. Progress, Challenges and Future prospects’ where two Cameroon universities contributed Ntsefong et al. 2023 and a poster on a combination of genome editing and BioID approaches to characterize a mitochondrial STAT3 function as a therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma Serges P. Tsofack (2023).

Analysis of Human Capital and Institutional Capacity

There are a few Cameroonians who have benefited by participating in GEd courses at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases in Yaounde. Other researchers from IRAD and the University of Bamenda have also graduated from CRISP Cas9, year-long capacity building course offered by the Innovative Genomics Institute in partnership with the African Orphan Crops Consortium, the Seed Biotechnology Center at University of California Davis, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, as part of the African Plant Breeding Academy. A researcher from University of Ngaoundere has also benefitted from the Teaching and Research in (Neuro) science for Development (TReND) in Africa course. 

Cameroon has over 30 private Universities, but none has research and development project on GEd. There are eleven state universities distributed in ten regions of Cameroon. Cameroon universities may not have specific degree programs dedicated solely to "genome editing,". However, they offer relevant courses and research opportunities within programmes like Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the University of Buea and Yaounde that have GEd content. These programs often include modules on gene editing techniques, particularly CRISPR, and the broader field of genomic research.

The landscape study identified some capacity gaps / needs and knowledge transfer gaps that are slowing down the application of gene editing in many crops, especially for underutilized indigenous crops where R&D work has started. These include:

• Transformation and Regeneration: Lack of human capital with experience in transformation and regeneration protocols in many crops, especially underutilized ones slowing down the application of gene editing 

• GEd Skilled Personnel: The country has very few trained GEd researchers scattered in the universities and research institutions. Cameroon researchers must participate in specialized GEd courses like AfPBA, IITA courses, ICGB courses, TReND etc. Researchers also need to be trained in related fields like bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular biology.

• Collaborative Research and Networking: Collaboration is crucial, and this is not peculiar to Cameroon researchers only. Genome editing is a new science, and it is advisable for researchers to work in consortium with experienced local and international partners. Having such networks will lead to knowledge transfer and easy grant access.

• Regulatory Frameworks: A lack of clear, forward-thinking regulations can lead to skilled researchers pursuing opportunities elsewhere, potentially in countries with more favourable biotech policies.

Research, Development and Academic Institutions

The Agricultural Research Institute for Development (l'Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Dévelopement du Cameroun (IRAD) is a public administrative institution, and a secular arm of the Cameroonian state in agricultural development. It is the main research institute that provides scientific research and the promotion of agricultural development throughout Cameroon, often in partnership with other state, regional and international institutions.

The aims of IRAD include improving the livelihoods of local populations, diversifying their sources of income, transferring innovative technologies, and creating intellectual property assets.

IRAD has five (05) Agricultural Research Centres namely: Agricultural Research Center of Maroua, Agricultural Research Center of Mbalmayo, Agricultural Research Center of Ekona, Agricultural Research Center of Bambui, Agricultural Research Center of Wakwa. These centers are structures with responsibility for carrying research and solving problems in the five agro-ecological zones. They have a national and regional mandate to cover all the problems of agricultural development in the country. Table 4 below gives an overview of the academic and research institutions working on GEd and related capacity in Cameroon.

Table 4: Overview of Academic and Research Institutions Working on Genome Editing (GEd) and Related Capacity in Cameroon.

Training and Professional Development 

There are a few Cameroonians who have benefited by participating in GEd courses. These researchers could be considered as ambassadors in training and introduction of the technology in their various institutions in the country. Table 5 below highlights the training programs on GEd.

Table 5: Overview of Training Programmes on Genome Editing

Functional Genomics course

On the 24-28^th March 2025, A 5-day functional genomics course was held at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) in Yaounde. Participants explored the last module of the training, entitled: “Promoter Analysis and Introduction to gene editing by CRISPR-Cas9 technology”. To facilitate this course, they benefitted from the expertise of Dr Theofelix Tekoh, freshly back from the Harvard School of Public Health. Other facilitators of the workshop were Carlos Djoko, Vanessa Ngannang and Nelly Tatchou, all research assistants at CRID and Dr Mersimine Kouamo and Dr Abdullahi Muhammad, Post docs at CRID. On terminating this one-week intensive training program, the 15 participants feel greatly empowered by the skills acquired and are eager to apply in their various research activities.

Other international courses were Cameroonian researchers participated include:

Innovative Genomic Institute 

The CRISPR Course is a year-long program offered by the Innovative Genomics Institute in partnership with the African Orphan Crops Consortium, the Seed Biotechnology Center at University of California Davis, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, as part of the African Plant Breeding Academy. The course sessions are held in Nairobi, Kenya. (https://innovativegenomics.org/programs/public-impact/afpba-crispr-course-africa/).

Participants from Cameroon included Dr. Walter Nchu Ajambang from IRAD and Dr Liliane Tandzi Ngoune from the University of Bamenda. Both were AFPBA 2018/19 Class IV graduates.

TReND courses on Genome editing

Teaching and Research in (Neuro) science for Development (TReND) in Africa, is non-profit organization run entirely by volunteer scientists at universities worldwide. They train students and researchers in Africa on genome-editing techniques. Form a network of students and researchers with a shared interest in genome editing (https://trendinafrica.org/courses/). Dr Jacqueline S. Njapdounke Kameni from the university of Ngaoundere participated in the 2021 course held at University of Ghana and funded by the International Brain Research Organization

Analysis of Infrastructure and Equipment

Most of the work on the application of Biotechnology and molecular biology techniques in agriculture takes place in Cameroon government research institutes (IRAD) and state universities like University of Buea and Yaounde 1. Human capacity to carry out GEd studies is available in the country with few researchers already publishing on genome editing research work.

Out of the universities mentioned above, six state universities highlighted have faculties of agriculture and strong science faculties that are capable to carry out GEd research.  These universities have basic PCR equipment, laminar flow benches, greenhouses etc. However, they all lack high-front end research equipment.  They can work in a collaborative manner to achieve their goals.

In the 1986 the precursor of the Cameroon government Institute, IRAD established a Biotechnology laboratory in Ekona with the help of USAID and used in vitro culture techniques to produce seedlings/plantlets for yams, and cocoyam’s. It later established a laboratory and experimental station at Njombe in collaboration with the French Government owned institute CIRAD to produce banana plantlets.  Simultaneously, in 1986 with funds from the Cameroon Government and some international organizations (ISP, USAID, EU) the Biotechnology Center, Nkolbisson, at the University of Yaounde (now Yaounde 1) was set up. This center concentrated on the application of Recombinant DNA technology and hybridoma technology to the study of tropical diseases including onchocerciasis, malaria and tuberculosis. 

The Plant Section of the Biotechnology Center did some work on in vitro cultures of cocoyams, but did not carry out any genetic modifications.  Dr. Nwaga and colleagues prepared Rhizobial and Mycorrhizal fertilizers for use in environmentally friendly farming. In early 2000, palm seedlings were produced by Dr Bell an alumnus of the BTC using regular plant breeding techniques at the IRAD station, Disangue now called Dibamba in the Littoral region of Cameroon.

In 2004, the procedures for detection of GM food and feeds at the Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, with funds from the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, which also accredited the Biotechnology Unit as a Reference Laboratory for GMO testing. Other centers have now been set up in Yaounde at IRAD, IITA Nkolbisson and the Biotechnology Centers of University of Yaounde 1. Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) also has one in Douala.

The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) carries out biotechnology work on disease identification using PCR techniques and field trials. They focus on cassava, cocoa and banana. Most of the GEd research is done at their research stations in Kenya and Tanzania. Table 6 below shows the status and needs assessment of biosafety laboratory facilities by the different institutions in Cameroon. Most of the institutions highlighted above have 60-75% of the equipment mentioned in Annexure A.

Table 6: Status and Needs Assessment of Biosafety Laboratory Facilities by Institution

Analysis of Indigenous and Staple Crops, Livestock, Agroforestry, and Fisheries Varieties/ Breeds for Improvement Using GEd

Genome editing in livestock and Fishery can address several critical challenges in Cameroon Livestock/Fisheries industry. GEd can be utilized in disease resistance, productivity traits, and animal welfare. CRISPR-based tools can be used for rapid and accurate disease diagnosis, helping to prevent and control outbreaks. Increasing productivity could increase growth rate and feed efficiency of cattle, sheep, goat and poultry birds. GEd could also be used in modifying milk composition to better meet nutritional needs, such as increasing levels of beneficial proteins like lactoferrin or reducing allergens like beta-lactoglobulin and the technology could also be used to improve meat quality especially for the Cameroon cattle industry where some breeds have tough meat. Environmental challenges where GEd could play a role include heat stress on cattle, sheep and goats in Cameroon. Researchers have not started using this technology in Cameroon.

Genome editing technology has the potential to significantly advance the agroforestry industry in Cameroon by improving crop yields, enhancing resilience to climate change, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. While the technology is still relatively new in the region, there are ongoing efforts to understand its potential and address the associated challenges.

Staple, Indigenous and Cash Crops that Can benefit from Genome Editing in Cameroon.

Cameroon’s rich agricultural biodiversity has for many years provided food, shelter, medicinal, social and economic benefits to individuals, communities and the country. The wide range of products seen in the internal and external markets and the food sufficiency; make trade partners rank Cameroon among the countries with huge agricultural potentials. The various agro-ecological zones in Cameroon have their variety of products from biodiversity-related activities. In addition to the 21 common and regular food items produced in Cameroon, the country is proud to register more than 300 plant species yielding edible fruits while over 500 species are classified as Non-Timber Forest Products used for food and agriculture in Cameroon (MINADER 2015).

GEd is now being applied to a wide range of crops in several countries, primarily focusing on enhancing crop yield and related traits such as tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This aims to increase agricultural productivity, thus mitigating hunger, while also addressing nutritional deficiencies by enhancing the nutrient content of crops (Tiwari et al 2021)

As GEd technologies become more accessible and cost-effective, they hold significant promise for a wide array of benefits. For consumers, these advantages encompass improved nutrition, enhanced food safety, and reduced food waste. Farmers will benefit from increased resistance to diseases, weeds, and pests, as well as more affordable seeds due to lower production costs. Additionally, genome editing offers opportunities to bolster climate resilience and enhance biodiversity within cropping systems (Ceasar and Kavas 2024)

Cameroon plays a leading role in production of cash crops like 

Cocoa: Over 500,000 Cameroonians are dependent on cocoa production for their livelihoods. With this huge production of cocoa, Cameroon has become Africa's fourth-biggest grower of quality cocoa and presently the world's fifth-quality cocoa-producing country. Cameroon cocoa has a slight unique advantage over the regular West African basic beans. The beans are darker, more reddish break and has a more unique pungent flavour (International Trade Centre, 2001). Cocoa beans from Cameroon tends to be preferred by European cocoa-pressing industry for its higher-than-average cocoa butter content and higher level of antioxidant polyphenols. Additionally, Cameroon cocoa can be processed into a highly prized red powder, used as a colouring and flavouring agent in the dairy and baking industry (ONCC 2024) 

GEd can enhance these qualities and can also be used in controlling a major disease in the industry known as black pod caused by the fungus Phythopthora palmivora. Ndoumbe-Nkeng et al. 2004. 

 Banana and plantains. Cameroon's banana exports totaled 16,004 tons, down from 19,866 tons during the same period in 2023 according to Buisness in Cameroon (https://www.businessincameroon.com/agriculture/1012-14376-cameroons-banana-exports-drop-19-4-in-november-2024). Plantains are also a major staple crop. The major cost driver in production is controlling the black sigatoka leaf spot disease caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis. (Etebu and Young-Harry 2001). GEd technology can be used here to control this devastating disease to save costs and preserve the environment.

Cassava: Cassava production in Cameroon is expected to increase from 5.5 million tons to 10 million tons annually and from 25 tons to 30 tons per hectare (https://www.cameroon-tribune.cm/article.html/58091/fr.html/cassava-production-yields-double-nationwide). Major problem is diseases and pests.  GEd technology can be used to harness the potential of this crop.

Grains: Sorghum, millet, maize can also benefit from GEd technology-Traits like drought resistance, improved nutrition and disease and pest resistance could be improved in these crops.

Livestock: Cattle and chicken diseases like Foot and mouth etc.

Other Staple and Indigenous crops/Livestock/Forestry and Fisheries that need improvement using GEd technology are listed in Table 7 below with the trait to be improved ranging from agricultural productivity, reduction of post-harvest losses, climate adaptation to drought, pests and disease stress, nutrition security, diversified and healthy diets, and the socio-economic importance of the product. Improving the yields of these crops will result to Cameroon’s food sovereignty, reducing the huge import bills goals for the country.

Table 7: Priority Organisms for Genome Editing Application

Analysis of Intellectual Property Rights and Benefit Sharing

Several organizations play a role in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Cameroon. The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is a key intergovernmental body that regulates IPR in many Francophone African countries, including Cameroon. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations agency, also works to ensure innovators' and creators' ideas are protected globally, and Cameroon is a member. Additionally, the International Intellectual Property Commercialization Council (IIPCC) has a local chapter in Cameroon, focusing on IP commercialization. Intellectual property (IP) rights in Cameroon's agriculture sector is protected by various legal instruments, including patents, copyrights, and plant variety rights. These rights aim to safeguard innovations in plant breeding, agricultural technologies, and associated knowledge, ensuring that creators and innovators benefit from their work. Patents can be obtained for new plant varieties, genetic traits, and agricultural technologies, providing exclusive rights to the inventors for a set period. Intellectual property rights for genome-edited crops will be primarily governed by the Bangui Agreement, which forms the basis for the regional intellectual property system within the [1]Organization for the Harmonization of Law in Africa (OHADA).  Cameroon has not managed any IPR related issues relevant for GEd and modern Agricultural Biotechnology.  The only study which would have led to the management of IPR was the SODECOTON project which discontinued at the Confined field trial stage in 2018.

Analysis of Private Sector Participation

The private sector plays a crucial role in the innovation, partnerships, and commercialization of GEd products, primarily through investment in research and development, technology licensing, and the eventual development of new crop varieties. This involves strategic collaborations with public research institutions and other stakeholders to navigate the complexities of intellectual property, regulatory landscapes, and the specific needs of diverse farming communities. In Cameroon, the private sector, industries and associations are not yet very active in the application of biotechnology or GEd technologies although as stated above, the first authorization to cultivate a GM crop (GM cotton) was given to a para-public company (SODECOTON). Cameroon has many Small Medium Enterprises in the Agriculture sector who are open for new technologies such as JMAO, AgriTech, Cresus Agro, SG Sustainable Oils Cameroon, Cameroon Development Corporation, PAMOL etc.

Most of the private sector companies in Cameroon rely on Research and Development carried out by their parent companies overseas. Cameroon has different Association responsible for major cash crops like cocoa and coffee, (National Cocoa and Coffee Board, SODECAO) oil palm-(Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies (Socapalm), banana and plantain (National Association of Actors of the Banana-Plantain Sector of Cameroon (FBPC), cotton (Société de Développement du Coton (SODECOTON) sugar cane (Association des Opérateurs de la Filière Production Sucre du Cameroun & Cameroon sugar Corporation) and rice (North West, South West and North rice corporation). These associations make major decisions on the crops of their mandates.

Private seed sector seed companies primarily focus on vegetable seeds, with locally based companies like Grenier du Monde Rural, Semences de Qualité Garantie, and Farmers' House specializing in indigenous species. International companies include MAÏSCAM, PANAAR, Seed Co, Bayer, Corteva. PANAAR, and Semagri. Corteva and Bayer are involved in communications, advocacy for modern biotechnology regulation in Cameroon.

Analysis of Funding and Investment landscape

Funding for universities in Cameroon come solely from the Ministry of Higher Education’s (MINESUP) budget allocation and for the Research Institution from the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) allocation.  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) also supports IRAD with funding on crops of interest.  Researchers also apply for competitive international grants to boost their research funds as highlighted in Table 8 below. 

It is difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage of Cameroon's total spending dedicated to biotechnology. However, Cameroon's plant breeding programs which is closely related to biotechnology, have been affected by economic challenges and budget constraints. Funding from the government and other organizations, the country’s agricultural research spending as a share of Ag GDP (was 0.34 percent in 2014) remains well below the minimum 1 percent target https://www.asti.cgiar.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Cameroon-Factsheet-2017.pdf

Table 8: Overview of National and Other Funding Sources for Genome Editing

Stakeholder Map and Engagement for Critical Data and High Influence.

Several key stakeholders were identified and mapped in the Cameroon landscape study to obtain critical primary data and high influence on GEd adoption. 

Regulatory and other Government agencies: Members of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MIRESI) responsible for implanting the Biotechnology Law.

Universities and Teaching institutions:University of Buea; University of Yaounde 1; University of Bamenda; University of Dschang, University of Douala and the University Ngoundere.

National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Centers: IRAD and centres, IITA.

Private sector: Cameroon Development Corporation, PAMOL, SODECOTON, SEMRI, SOCAPALM, Corteva Agriscience; Bayer; Syngenta, BASF, Grenier du Monde Rural, Semences de Qualité Garantie, MAÏSCAM, PANAAR and Seed Co,

Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), Ministry of Economic Planning, Ministry of Forestry and Ministry Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry.

These stakeholders were engaged through their institutional heads when collecting primary data through live interviews using online data collection kit (ODK) and surveys through emailing of questionnaires. The list of the stakeholders is attached.

A comprehensive policy plan for genome editing in Cameroon requires both short-term and long-term strategies. Short-term goals should focus on establishing a regulatory framework, building capacity for research and development, and engaging stakeholders. Long-term objectives include fostering innovation, ensuring responsible use of the technology, and promoting its benefits while mitigating potential risks.

Based on the landscape studies, the following recommendations are made to ensure Cameroon reaps the benefit of GEd technology.

• Regulatory frameworks: Cameroon needs a robust GEd regulatory framework to govern the development and application of GEd technologies, ensuring safety, transparency, and public engagement. Six African countries have approved GEd guideline and AUDA-NEPAD also has a policy framework for application of GEd.  These documents could be used as the basis for developing Cameroon’s GEd guideline.

• Capacity building: Investing in training and education to build local capacity in GEd research, development, and regulation is essential. There are several short and long term GEd specific courses that Cameroonian researchers can participate. The few Cameroonians who have participated in these courses should try and initiate GEd related research work in their institutions.

• Infrastructure and relevant equipment: Most of the selected universities and research centres have the basic molecular Biology laboratories that need to be upgraded to be able to carry out GEd research and innovation. The process will be faster if the University of Buea and Yaounde 1 laboratories can be upgraded to GEd laboratories. 

• Funding of strategic GEd project and programs targeting national challenges. This could be achieved through innovative special funding programs of MINADER and MINEPAT. 

• Promote Private Sector Participation by encouraging startup incubation programs in agricultural biotechnology and genome editing as well as starting biotech companies targeting public-private partnerships.  Universities and Research institutions must work together to ensure that the private sector is innovative and competitive.

• Networking: Researchers in Cameroon should build their networks and collaborate with international experts in their field. By forming consortiums in executing projects, they will be able to access major funding and training opportunities for their research groups.

• Public participation and consultation: Engaging the public in decision-making processes is crucial for building trust and ensuring that GEd technologies are developed and used in a way that is socially acceptable and beneficial.

• Indigenous and Staple Crops, Livestock, Agroforestry, and Fisheries Varieties/ Breeds for Improvement Using GEd. Priority crops/livestock/agroforestry and fisheries that could be improved using GEd technology has been listed in these studies.

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Annex 1. List of institutions and resource persons involved in the interview