Environmental impact of genetically modified crops.

Chapter 17 (Page no: 360)

Current status of crop biotechnology in Africa.

The continent of Africa as a whole is faced with a number of critical challenges as Africa's level of crop production has not kept pace with population growth. Hunger and malnutrition are prevalent. Good agricultural land is declining as a result of poor farming practices, and pests and diseases cause high yield losses. Water is limited and is a major constraint on agricultural production in Africa. In the light of these problems, there is much optimism regarding the potential role that agricultural biotechnology (genetically modified (GM) crops) could play in reviving agriculture in Africa. Proponents of this revolution, also known as the 'Gene Revolution', contend that the technology has the potential to address problems not solved by conventional means. Conversely critics of the technology claim that GM crops will affect human health, non-target organisms and also damage the environment. Despite this controversy GM crops are been grown by many countries in the world to address agricultural challenges; however, South Africa is the only country in Africa commercially growing GM crops although field trials on GM crops have been conducted in Egypt, Kenya and Zimbabwe. It is imperative that Africa is not left behind in the new Agricultural Revolution, the Gene Revolution. While it is not suggested that GM crops are a panacea for Africa's problems, it may still bring immense befits to the people. Unfortunately, there are a number of constraints to biotechnological development in Africa that need to be resolved. These include a lack of resources, political instability, lack of networks, intellectual property right law, trade imbalances, the current legislative framework, the actual crops chosen for modification and biosafety issues.

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