“Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Food Security in Southern Africa”
The refusal of the government of Zambia to accept genetically modified food aid
during its famine three years ago demonstrated that biotechnology has become a
highly contentious issue in Africa. Unfortunately, people on all sides of the
debate have not had a place where they can discuss their concerns together in a
constructive manner.
In partnership with local collaborators, IFPRI organized dialogues in
southern Africa to find common ground among the disparate views held on this
issue. The initiative focuses on improving communication, sharing information,
and developing trust. Organizers developed a highly participatory approach
involving high-level officials from governments, businesses, non-governmental
organizations, and research institutions, who came together for roundtable
discussions in Johannesburg, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe.
This recently released book and companion issue brief summarize the insights
gained from these dialogues. This collective wisdom provides lessons for all of
Africa on how to develop better policies for biotechnology and improve
coordination and communication.
This newly released book is available at: http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/books/oc46.htm
More information
For more information please contact Michael Rubinstein at +1 202-862-5670 or m.rubinstein@cgiar.org.
Hard copies of the book and issue brief can be provided upon request.
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