GMOs and Africa’s future in farming

WHAT ARE GM CROPS?

Climate change and population growth are making it harder for African farmers to meet domestic and international demand. Switching to GM crops is one of the leading solutions to this production crisis.

Genetically Modified (GM) crops have been structurally altered to improve their yield and resilience. For example, GM soybeans are designed to resist certain diseases more effectively than natural soybeans.

By increasing yields and reducing variations in production, GM crops can help farmers increase income and improve income security.

GM CROPS IN AFRICA

A few countries in Africa are producing GM corn, soy and cotton. However, most African countries do not grow any GM products.

One reason for this is that the European Union, a significant trading partner, is largely anti-GM. Strict trade regulations in the EU make it difficult to export GM crops to European Countries. This has reduced the attraction of growing GM in Africa.

CONCERNS OVER GM CROPS

Many people are concerned that GM crops might have a negative impact on human health when consumed. Whilst there is little evidence to prove this idea, there is still uncertainty about the long term impacts of GM crops.

Concerns about the market for GM products has also reduced interest in Africa. The company Monsanto own the rights to most GM seeds. As a result, they have a great deal of power over small scale farmers. This market power is often exercised unfairly.

THE FUTURE OF GM CROPS IN AFRICA

GM products offer a vital aid in supporting the livelihoods of African farmers, as well as the livelihoods of African societies.

China and America are the leading supporters and producers of GM products. If African states look to other trade partners such as China and America the market for GM products would begin to look more attractive. This is likely to happen in the near future and many African countries are already field testing GM crops.

CAITLIN MACKRIDGE

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