Progress and Impacts of "Omics" Technologies in Understanding the Drought Response in Cassava: Adoption for Food Security in Africa

Cassava is a crucial staple crop in Africa, but its productivity is increasingly threatened by the worsening impacts of drought caused by climate change. To address this challenge, an integration of "omics" and genome editing technologies has emerged as indispensable tools for understanding the complex mechanisms that govern cassava's response to drought stress. This article provides an overview of the progress and significant contributions of "omics" technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, in elucidating the molecular basis of cassava's ability to withstand drought stress. Through the integration of multiple "omics" approaches, researchers have identified key genes, single nucleotide polymorphisms, proteins, and metabolites that are associated with drought stress, offering promising opportunities for the development of drought-tolerant cassava varieties. Moreover, this review emphasizes the adoption of "omics" technologies to accelerate breeding programs, enhance crop resilience, and ensure food security throughout Africa. By synthesizing current research findings and technological advancements, this review underscores the transformative potential of "omics" technologies in understanding and mitigating the detrimental effects of drought on cassava production, ultimately strengthening food security in Africa.