Should genetically modified crops be introduced to Africa?

Current evidence shows that GM technology has a great potential to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihood in developing countries. Therefore, GM technology must be allowed to play a part in alleviating hunger and poverty in Africa.

Why should we have genetically modified food?

Tastier food. Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer) Less use of pesticides. Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life.

Why Genetically modified crops are important in many developing countries?

GM crops also increase yield. The technology has allowed farmers to grow more without needing to use additional land, reducing pressure on typically high biodiverse land to be converted for agricultural production.

Are genetically modified crops GMOs widely used in Africa?

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been commercially cultivated in four African countries; South Africa, Burkina Faso, Egypt and Sudan. Beginning in 1998, South Africa is the major grower of GM crops, with Burkina Faso and Egypt starting in 2008. Sudan grew GM cotton in 2012.

Why and how GMO would benefit the African continent?

Around the globe, GM crop-producing countries have benefited by improved crop productivity, food security and quality of life. Increased income to resource-poor farmers has been a key benefit at the individual level, especially as most countries using this technology are in the developing world, including in Africa.

Why is biotechnology and GMO in Africa?

GMOs reduce pesticide use. GM crops are bred to resist pests and diseases, such as fall armyworm, late blight in potatoes, cowpea pod borer and banana bacterial wilt. Growing a resistant variety helps farmers get a good yield while reducing their use of pesticides.

What are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?

The pros of GMO crops are that they may contain more nutrients, are grown with fewer pesticides, and are usually cheaper than their non-GMO counterparts. The cons of GMO foods are that they may cause allergic reactions because of their altered DNA and they may increase antibiotic resistance.

Why do we need GMO crops in agriculture?

Most of the GMO crops grown today were developed to help farmers prevent crop and food loss and control weeds. The three most common traits found in GMO crops are: Resistance to certain damaging insects. Tolerance of certain herbicides used to control weeds.

Why are there GMOs in Africa?

Are GMOs banned in Africa?

Only four out of 47 countries in Africa have made it legal to plant any GMO crops at all: South Africa, Burkina Faso, Sudan and Nigeria.

Should we be worried about genetically modified crops?

Despite numerous studies demonstrating the benefits of genetic modification (GM) technology — particularly its potential to increase food security in developing regions — the jury is still out on transgenic (genetically modified) crops. Publics around the world remain concerned about suspected potential risks, and media messages are often mixed.

Which countries produce genetically modified crops in Africa?

South Africa is the only African country among the five principal GM-producing countries (along with India, Argentina, Brazil and China), and farmers there planted 63 million hectares of GM crops in 2010 alone.

How are genetically modified crops used in food production?

In instances, the product is directly consumed as food, but in most of the cases, crops that have been genetically modified are sold as commodities, which are further processed into food ingredients. Papaya has been developed by genetic engineering which is ring spot virus resistant and thus enhancing the productivity.

What is the impact of transgenic crops in Africa?

The controversies surrounding transgenic crops — a type of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) — underline the need to raise public awareness on GM technology in Africa. Around the globe, GM crop-producing countries have benefited by improved crop productivity, food security and quality of life.