ECA Makes a Stand for GM Crops

By Anthony Stoppard

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is set to throw the cat among the genetically modified crops.

The ECA says that new and emerging technologies -- including genetically modified crops -- can help Africa increase its levels of sustainable development by preventing disease and improving food security.

However, the expected benefits of biotechnology will only become a reality if these technologies are relevant to Africa, are pro-poor and are handled with caution. Zambia and Zimbabwe have recently turned away genetically modified crops sent to them to help stave off a food crisis.

The ECA's view is among the findings of a report – ‘Harnessing Technologies for Sustainable Development’ -- it has released to coincide with the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

The report points out that recent advances in biotechnology offer crops that have greater yields, resist pests and diseases and offer nutritional, health and environmental benefits. It notes that Africa depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for 30 percent of the continent's gross domestic product (GDP) and provides 70 percent of its jobs. As a result, any technology that increases the production of food and minimises the exploitation of marginal lands and forests, can benefit the continent.

While the report tries to focus on what African farmers can gain from the technology, it admits that the current focus on biotechnology research is on crops and diseases that are prevalent in developed countries. It also concedes that most African countries are not equipped to deal with the potential risk the technology could pose to human and animal health and the environment.

However, it insists that African countries must ensure that biotechnology initiatives can be used to alleviate poverty, combat disease and improve food security. Specifically, they should try to ensure biotechnology research begins to look at African crops and health problems and establish national regulatory institutions to assess and manage the risks associated with the technology.

The report cites cases where genetically modified crops have succeed in Africa, including: South Africa, which is producing modified maize and cotton; Kenya, which is growing modified sweet potatoes; and Egypt, which is cultivating modified maize, faba beans and cotton.

The report is sure to cause a stir at the WSSD. Most African governments have resisted accepting genetically modified crops. There are also a range of non-governmental organisations at the summit campaigning hard against the use of genetically modified organisms.