New study debunks misconceptions about biotech crop research in Africa
Nairobi-Public institutions across Africa are conducting groundbreaking
research to produce genetically modified (GM) crops, according to a new
study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
A new IFPRI study presents findings on the development of GM
crops by public research institutes in four African countries-Egypt,
Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The first of its kind, this study
assesses the state of biotech crop research, the types of genes being
used, and the biosafety and regulatory challenges facing Africa.
According to the study, current biotech research has the potential
to reduce the use of pesticides, increase drought tolerance, and improve
the nutritional value of staple foods. These changes could benefit the
environment, improve health, reduce the cost of food, and increase the
incomes of poor smallholder farmers throughout Africa.
"Our study reveals the burgeoning role of public biotech crop
research in Africa," said Joel I. Cohen, IFPRI Senior Research Fellow
and an author of the study. "Corporations are often seen as the only
drivers of GM foods, but the reality is that a few African countries,
despite their limited financial and technical resources, have vibrant
public biotech research programs. This research often targets
improvements of indigenous plant varieties relevant for local use by
small-scale farmers."
The study documents public biotech research on 20 different crops,
including maize, sweet potato, and cowpeas, and focuses on improving
resistance to diseases and pests which can devastate yields for farmers
in African countries. Nearly three quarters of the genetic materials
used in the study come from local plants, which are more suited for
local needs and growing conditions. However, most of the public research
is still in laboratory, greenhouse, or confined field trials. By
contrast, four commercial biotech crops developed by foreign companies
are available in South Africa.
"Unfortunately, most African countries lack the expertise,
capacity, and funding to develop and comply with biosafety regulatory
requirements, and these deficiencies have become more pronounced as they
implement the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety," said Idah Sithole-Niang,
Professor at the University of Zimbabwe and lead author of the study. "As a
result, GM crops remain out of the hands of farmers and their benefits go
unrealized."
While previous reports have examined biotech crop research in
developing countries, this study is the first to draw the connection
between safety and regulatory requirements and specific crops and
genetic traits, showing the policy implications of public research. This
information will be critical to policymakers for improving biosafety
regulation and ensuring safety.
"Most African countries, like many other poor countries, often
cannot advance GM crop research because their national policies or
regulatory systems are not prepared to deal with safety requirements for
approving general use," Cohen explained. "Researchers in African
countries need to work together to share information and expertise, and
to dialogue with policymakers as to when, where, and if restrictive
biosafety policies are needed. As poor countries develop stronger
biosafety procedures, they will be increasingly able to manage potential
risks associated with GM crops."
Interesting cost of commercialisation comparisons were made between different
GMO products, with the cost of testing a corn GMO being US$160 000 in Kenya and
a potato GMO US$830 000 in South Africa.
The study recommends an increase in small-scale, confined field
trials to test crops, determine safety, and receive feedback from
farmers. It also stresses the need to provide decision-makers with
science-based biosafety information, so as to improve the clarity of
regulatory policies and procedures.
"This study provides critical information that could help bolster
Africa's public biotech research and regulation efforts, and potentially
improve the livelihoods of poor farmers and consumers," said Patricia
Zambrano, IFPRI Research Analyst and an author of the study.
The report concluded that great strides have been made in ensuring an
effective regulatory framework for GMO plants in Africa. There is however
room increase cooperation between countries and to form research collaborations.
More information:
 The
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks
sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. IFPRI is one of the
15 Future Harvest Centers and receives its principal funding from 64
governments, private foundations, and international and regional
organizations known as the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research. Please visit our website at http://www.ifpri.org.
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