Study Abroad

Agricultural Biotechnology:
Development of a Roadmap for the Commercialization of a GM Cassava Product in South Africa


Dr. Johan Brink, Institute of International Agriculture

Program Description:

Students will complete their research in South Africa where they will develop a roadmap for the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) cassava. Student researchers will be asked to study the general background of the cassava as well as assess the elements involved in commercialization (product development, regulations, licensing, etc.). Interviews with groups such as cassava farmers, researchers, and processors will be conducted and compiled in a final report.


Timeline:

WEEK #

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES & PRODUCTS

Week 1
  • Initial research conceptualization and orientation of field of study
  • Begin literature review – Examine literature and background of the cassava crop; examine and document all the essential elements of a GM commercialization project
  • Planning of In-Country data collection trip to South Africa

 

Weeks 2-3
  • Continue literature review
  • Develop detailed research approach and concept (design, methods, research instrument/s)

 

Week 4
  • Refine research/data collection approach and concept; Prepare presentation
  • Presentation to Research Leader and IIA Faculty

 

Weeks 5-7

In-country data collection:

week 5
  • 2 days – Travel East Lansing-Johannesburg/Pretoria.
  • 2 days – Adjust from travel and connect with local coordinator to discuss details of logistics and research schedule.
  • 1 – 2 days – 1) Meet with members of the ARC-VOPI Biotechnology Team. 2) Collect local literature/documents related to research topic/questions. 3) Finalize research schedule and travel schedule
  • 1 day – 1) Connect via conference call with Research leader and Local organizer to discuss final itinerary and activity details.

 

week 6
  • 1 day – Travel to ARC-Institute for Industrial Crops (IIC); meet with and interview the IIC Director; meet with and interview Cassava breeder
  • 1 day – Travel to University of Pretoria; meet and interview Faculty at the Ag. Econ. Dept. responsible for Cost Benefit analysis of GM Products
  • 2 days – Travel to Limpopo province to meet and interview Cassava farmers and processors
  • Revise interview schedule/s as necessary.

 

week 7
  •  Connect via conference call with Research leader and Local coordinator early in week to discuss progress and refine next steps; Identify and collect any additional local literature/documents needed for research.
  •  1 day - Meet and interview members of AfricaBio on Biotechnology Communication and Outreach strategies.
  •  1 day – Compile Draft Outline for Report
  •  2 days – Travel Johannesburg - East Lansing.

 

Weeks 8-10
    • Report writing – Compile trip report on South Africa visit and findings and prepare presentation
    • Presentation to Research Leader
    • Revise trip report based on feedback from Research Leader

Weeks 11-12
    • Develop a draft Roadmap for commercialization of a cassava product in South Africa
    • Present draft Roadmap to Research Leader and IIA Faculty
    • Revise Roadmap based on feedback from Research Leader

 


For more information please contact:

Dan Dutkiewicz
Industry Liaison and Student Abroad Specialist
Institute of International Agriculture
Michigan State University
319 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
517-355-0184
dutkiew1@anr.msu.edu