335 K.E. Nelson and B. Jones-Nelson (eds.), Genomics Applications for the Developing World, Advances in Microbial Ecology, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-2182-5_20, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2012 Introduction: Status of Genomic Research The genomics revolution has been fueled by an increase in the efficiency of sequencing technologies and the development of high-throughput experimental approaches for generating other types of biological data. Each month, an increas- ing number of genomes are churned out, and at lower costs. Up to the last decade, DNA was sequenced by the low-throughput Sanger-based chemistries commonly A. Djikeng (*) • S. Ommeh Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA) Hub-International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Old Naivasha Road, Uthiru (Off Waiyaki Way), P.O Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya e-mail: a.djikeng@cgiar.org; s.ommeh@cgiar.org S. Sangura International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Old Naivasha Road, Uthiru (Off Waiyaki Way), P.O Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya e-mail: sangura.sitati@gmail.com I. Njaci International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Duduvile campus, Kasarani P.O. Box 207, Nairobi 00100, Kenya e-mail: injaci@gmail.com M. Ngara International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Old Naivasha Road, Uthiru (Off Waiyaki Way), P.O Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Duduvile campus, Kasarani P.O. Box 207, Nairobi 00100, Kenya e-mail: ngaravald@gmail.com Chapter 20 Genomics and Potential Downstream Applications in the Developing World Appolinaire Djikeng, Sheila Ommeh, Sitati Sangura, Isaac Njaci, and Mtakai Ngara