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Genetically Modified Crops
To plant or not to plant in Africa
Genetic Modification vs.
Plant Breeding
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Plant breeding entails successive rounds of selection
of high quality plants with favorable characteristics.
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Genetic Modification allows individual genes with
desired traits to be moved directly from one organism
into the living DNA of another.
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Genetic engineering advances the science of
specialized crop production by allowing crop
scientists to use genetic traits from species that are
outside of the normal reproductive range of the plant
that is being developed.
Pros and Cons of GM Crops
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Pros: GM has the potential to develop crops that are
resistant to a number of harmful factors ( drought stress,
disease, insects.
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GM also has the potential to infuse existing crops with
essential vitamins and minerals.
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Cons: Potential for the creation of new weeds (and
stronger weeds), damage to non-target species, and
adverse effects on ecosystem processes.
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Many believe that because there is so little known about
the various effects of GM crops on the environment and
human health, that the potential long-term risks of GM
implementation outweigh the short-term benefits.
My Proposition
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I propose that GM technologies are a realistically viable piece to
Africa’s agricultural present and future, as long as it is done
responsibly and sustainably.
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Currently, three countries in Africa commercially grow GM crops.
These countries are South Africa (cotton, maize, and soybeans
since 1998), Egypt (Maize), and Burkina Faso (cotton).
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GM crops are stigmatized in much of Africa for numerous reasons
(Anti-GM countries in Europe are highly influential). Several
African leaders have expressed concern that countries will refuse
to import their crops if they are genetically modified.
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Developed countries are often the most anti-GM because they
have an abundance of food and an array of nutritional alternatives
(like organic).