Strategies for Strengthening GM Technology Adoption in Africa

A concerted effort from developed countries including international organizations must be put in place to ensure that Africa benefits from modern biotechnology. African governments should come up with a coherent strategy to adopt modern biotechnology. Ademola Adenle of the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies in Japan gives these insights in an article Response to issues on GM agriculture in Africa: Are transgenic crops safe? published in BMC Research Notes.

Adenle proposes a strategy that involves educating the public, farmers and government institutions, the media and private companies to increase understanding of GM technology. He also suggests adoption of common policies and a regional platform through which African governments can engage in dialogue and develop a common biotechnology regulatory approach.

"Africa might pay a huge price in many years to come if the continent continues to depend on outsiders before making decisions that determine their future. Europeans are well fed and may not necessarily require GM technology to boost their crop productions, but African farmers need fast technology that can solve part of their agricultural problems," Adenle concludes.

Download a copy of Ademola Adenle's article at http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/18208928/27836806/name/Response%20to%20issues%20on%20GM%20agriculture%20in%20Africa-%20Are%20trans.