Author: Aaron deGrassi
Publisher: Third World Network-Africa
Publication Date: June 24, 2003
Copyright: Third World Network-Africa
Publisher Website: http://www.twnafrica.org
Language: en
Category: Food, Agriculture and Rural Issues, Science and Biotechnology, Africa, United States, Canada and Africa, Sustainable Development
This paper recasts the debate over biotechnology by moving past overly general hyperbole and instead empirically evaluating current experiences with genetically modified crops in Africa. The debate is moved from hypothetical risks to actual results. The 'appropriateness' of GM cotton, sweet potatoes and maize is evaluated using six criteria widely accepted in crop breeding: [whether the crop is] demand-led, site-specific, poverty-focused, cost-effective and institutionally and environmentally sustainable. I conclude by examining potential reasons for considerable attention to these three crops despite their generally inappropriate nature for poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa.
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