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Harmonizing the agricultural biotechnology debate for the benefit of African farmers

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Title Harmonizing the agricultural biotechnology debate for the benefit of African farmers
 
Creator Kelemu, Segenet
Mahuku, George S.
Fregene, Martin A.
Pachico, Douglas H.
Johnson, Nancy L.
Calvert, Lee A.
Rao, Idupulapati M.
Buruchara, Robin A.
Amede, Tilahun
Kimani, P.M.
Kirkby, Roger A.
Kaaria, Susan K.
Ampofo, James Kwasi O.
 
Subject plant biotechnology
agriculture
food security
poverty
risk
biotecnología vegetal
agricultura
seguridad alimentaria
pobreza
riesgo
gender
 
Description The intense debate over agricultural biotechnology is at once fascinating, confusing and disappointing. It is complicated by issues of ethical, moral, socio-economic, political, philosophical and scientific import. Its vocal champions exaggerate their claims of biotechnology as saviour of the poor and hungry, while, equally loudly, its opponents declare it as the doomsday devil of agriculture. Sandwiched between these two camps is the rest of the public, either absorbed or indifferent. Biotechnology issues specific to the African public must include crop and animal productivity, food security, alleviation of poverty and gender equity, and must exclude political considerations. Food and its availability are basic human rights issues—for people without food, everything else is insignificant. Although we should discuss and challenge new technologies and their products, bringing the agricultural biotechnology debate into food aid for Africa where millions are faced with life-or-death situations is irresponsible. Agricultural biotechnology promises the impoverished African a means to improve food security and reduce pressures on the environment, provided the perceived risks associated with the technology are addressed. This paper attempts to harmonize the debate, and to examine the potential benefits and risks that agricultural biotechnology brings to African farmers.
Peer Review
 
Date 2014-09-24T07:58:47Z
2014-09-24T07:58:47Z
2003
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Kelemu, S., Mahuku, G., Fregene, M., Pachino, D., Johnson, N., Calvert, L., Rao, I., Buruchara, R., Amede, T., Kimani, P., Kirkby, R., Kaaria, S., & Ampofo, K. (2003). Harmonizing the agricultural biotechnology debate for the benefit of African farmers. African Journal of Biotechnology , 2(11), 394-416.
1684-5315
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/42929
 
Language en
 
Source African Journal of Biotechnology