Source:
African Centre for Biosafety
This book provides an overview of the current status of the use of genetic engineering in Africa's agriculture and food systems. December 2007.
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BACKGROUND
With the strong backing of certain aid agencies and the biotechnology industry, West African leaders are turning increasingly in favour of using biotechnology in agriculture. The term “biotechnology” covers many areas, but here the aspect causing the most controversy is GM seed technology. While supporters in the region emphasise the importance of not missing out on the potential of this new technology, there remain many issues with regards to proper regulation and the likely dependence of small scale farmers on multinational seed companies if introduced.
Developmental agencies such as USAID and many bodies within the UN present GM seed technology as a vital tool for increasing crop yields, thereby helping to secure food security and lift farmers out of poverty. On the other hand, many campaign groups from the region highlight other factors equally pressing for improving crop yields such as poor irrigation. Furthermore, with regards to cash crops, for those farmers who do receive high yields, many consider that restrictive trade barriers and heavy subsidies maintained by Western nations represent much greater barriers to achieving profit. Finally, recognising that the issue of food security is very complex (see Choike’s in-depth report Agriculture and food sovereignty for more detailed discussion) although higher crop yields will help in many cases to secure better food security in countries, the example of the famine in Niger in 2005 shows that food distribution and trade mechanics (keeping food prices too high for the population to afford) equally need to be addressed.
In addition to the popular debates arising from health and environmental concerns more generally, a major issue for the region concerning the introduction of GM seed technology is the lack of knowledge on behalf of the local communities or public debate of the issues at stake. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, it is the responsibility of governments to inform and consult the people before allowing the introduction of GMOs, and the African Model Law on Biosafety requires that the public be engaged in the decision-making process (Art.5). However, very few countries are applying these principals.
Nonetheless, increasing action by civil society groups is aiming to readdress this and open up the debate. These groups are emphasising issues such as the protection of genetic heritage and the impact on small scale farmers of the likely dependence on foreign multinationals for access to seeds they have cultivated for centuries.
Current situation
The country most advanced in research into GM crops in the region is currently Burkina Faso, which authorised trials on Bt and VIP variety cotton in 2003. In 2005 Ghana drafted biosafety legislation and key officials expressed their intentions to pursue research into GM crops.
Yet other countries in the region are taking more cautious measures. Benin introduced a moratorium on GM crops in 2002 (1) and more recently Mali stopped plans to produce a law permitting trials on GM crops in February 2006 (2), under pressure from consumer groups and civil society organisations.
In the last five years, a multitude of genetic engineering and biosafety projects have been initiated in Africa, with the aim of introducing GMOs into Africa's agricultural systems. (pdf). September 2007.
Use the ‘Country Profiles’ button to the left of the page to access the FAO Developing Country Biotechnology Profiles. Each entry gives details of biotechnology research policies and capacity, framework, application and links to publications.
A summary of the issues presented by both sides at the workshop on Food Security and Biotechnology (hosted by Consumer International) in Ghana. Article offers examples of groups campaigning against the introduction of GM seed technology from Benin and Burkina Faso. (October 2005)
This article describes efforts by Monsanto to prosecute US farmers believed to have saved and replanted seeds genetically engineered by the company, highlighting the increasing lack of choice of farmers over whether to produce GM crops (due to crop contamination and market availability), and thus their subsequent dependence on the company which owns the patent of that crop. (January 2005)
The case of Percy Schmeiser, the Canadian farmer sued by Monsanto for having Monsanto's patented crops growing illegally in his field, a situation which arose from seeds that had contaminated his fields. (May 2004)
Article attacking proposals of UK government to introduce GM commercial fields, signalling the risks produced by a seed monopoly more generally. (March 2004)
Further down the page this article from The Independent describes the results of the first “farmers’ jury” in West Africa to debate the issue of GM crops. (Jan 2006)
Le coton transgénique divise les producteurs africains (French only)
Article discussing divisions outlined at the World Social Forum between civil society groups from Mali. (Feb 2006)
Original article in Le Monde
Article outlining some of the divisions regarding GMOs at the World Social Forum in Mali between civil society groups from the region. (In French only) (Jan 2006)
Recommendations and declarations from a panel of representatives of Civil Society Organisations, organised by the African Biodiversity Network and the Coalition for the Protection of African genetic heritage (Coalition pour la protection du patrimoine génétique africain) (French only) (September 2005)
The Coalition for the protection of African genetic heritage (Coalition pour la protection du patrimoine génétique africain) is a coalition of groups from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Mali and Togo. The following is the presentation of the position of the Coalition (French only) (June 2005)
and its launch (French only) (Jan 2004)
For further reading on the subject in the region, see also existing legislation
According to this report’s author, “biopiracy” is "the acquisition of biodiversity, i.e., biological material (plants, animals, microorganism, and their parts), or of traditional knowledge related to that biodiversity, without the prior informed consent of those whose biodiversity or traditional knowledge has been taken." (January 2006) (pdf format)
At the third meeting of parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity, many Africain delegates were absent. Experts warn that lack of participation may have grave impacts for their countries and their taxpayers. (March 2006)
Following the confusion over comments by the country’s Food and Agriculture minister reportedly expressing opposition to GM food in July, Ghana’s Minister of Environment and Science issued draft biosafety legislation on 16 August. (August 2005)
Global chart showing countries’ ratification status for the Protocol on Biosafety, labelling requirements, and bans in place. Although information not up to date of March 2006, comparative reading shows how Africa as a continent is behind Europe and Oceania with regards to labelling.
Fact sheets by Consumer International’s regional office for Africa. Sheets outline existing biosafety legislation, processes and structures, information on assessing success of different GM crops and alternatives to genetic engineering in agriculture. (July 2004) (pdf format)
http://www.consumersinternational.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/9DC7BD9C-B7DB-4DF2-A92A-82CE60ED08FF_Doc389.pdf
Voices in favour: Industry pressure, development bodies endorsement and government reactions
Chapter from the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa’s report ‘Harnessing Technologies for Sustainable Development’ which advocates for a greater introduction of biotechnologies into Africa, particularly those using genetic engineering. (2002) (pdf format)
The US-based ISAAA describes itself as a “not-for-profit organization that delivers the benefits of new agricultural biotechnologies to the poor in developing countries”, a key organisation in the promotion of GM seed technology in the region.
More than 10 years have passed since GMOs were first commercialised in the world, yet out of more than 50 African countries, only South Africa has explicitly taken biosafety decisions to authorise the commercial cultivation and importation of GMOs for the purposes of food, feed and processing. This book provides an overview of the current status of the use of genetic engineering in Africa's agriculture and food systems. December 2007.
Le coton transgénique divise toujours les acteurs
Article describing the results of BT cotton trials in Burkina Faso, and reactions from the local opposition to the introduction of GM seed technology.
(Text in French only) (Sep 2005)
A briefing on the implications of Bt cotton production in West Africa which brings together interviews of scientists, farmers and representatives of professional organisations from the cotton sector in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal and the experiences of other countries. (June 2004)
