GMOs For Small Farmers in Africa

In the face of rising commodity prices and pervasive hunger, Africa needs more than financial assistance and food aid. Africa itself should invest in transgenic crops, according to Robert Paarlberg, Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. In his interview, Paarlberg stated that the continent is lagging behind in terms of agricultural biotechnology use.  Aside from agri-biotech, there are other aspects of agriculture that Africa should consider: the use of  fertilizer, access to electricity and powered machinery, and proper irrigation systems.

Genetically modified (GM) crops are not widely accepted in Africa, with the exception of the Republic of South Africa. African governments practice the precautionary principle with regard to GMOs, after what Europe has been doing due in part to the fact that the major market for African agricultural commodities exists in Europe, and a big part of financial assistance comes from the European Union. To change the anti-GMO mindset, African scientists working in African research institutes should develop genetically engineered crops in Africa, specifically tailored to the needs of small farmers in Africa, and funded by philanthropic foundations.

The current increase in world prices will trigger the influx of financial aid for agricultural development in Africa. If these responses will continue, there is nothing to stop Africa from seeing its productivity climb.

To read the complete interview, visit http://www.harvardir.org/articles/1723/.