A Robust Seed and Biotechnology Program Needed in Africa

In a recent meeting, African Union (AU) Ministers of Agriculture endorsed the development of the African Seed and Biotechnology Program (ASPB). The ministers, meeting in Libreville, Gabon, seemed to acknowledge that Africa is in short supply of quality seeds, and that’s why its agricultural sector remains in the doldrums. This situation is self-inflicted, and has more to do with the politicization of seed technologies. It's encouraging that the AU is making deliberate efforts to promote biotechnology in the continent.

Africa is financially constrained to develop high-yielding seeds. It doesn’t have the technological know-how. Worse, scientists who could have been the force behind new seeds development have fled to developed countries to seek greener pastures.

The reality, then, is that developed countries are the sole sources of high-yielding seeds. Through genetic modification, biotechnology companies in these countries have managed to develop drought and pesticide resistant seeds whose returns have been great. The bounty harvests farmers in the U.S. Canada, and developing countries such as China and India realize from biotech seeds only attest to their productivity.

Biotech companies have always sought to correct this situation, by extending these benefits to farmers in developing countries. But their efforts have been met with resistance. A cabal of anti-technology activists continues to spread lies that multinational biotech companies seek to colonize the seed industry.

I am wondering if AU Agriculture Ministers addressed this issue during their Libreville meeting. If they want the ASPB program to succeed, they must start viewing multinational biotech companies as agents of development. They must extend a hand of friendship to them knowing very well it’s their farmers who stand to benefit.

I note that Malawi and Zambia were represented in this meeting. These two are, perhaps, are the most vocal critics of genetically modified foods in the African continent. How will they be good overseers of the envisioned seed and biotechnology program with their current hostile policies towards genetically modified foods?

ASPB is a good idea, but its architects must demonstrate by words and deeds that they’re genuinely for it. They could do so by initiating agricultural biotechnology sensitization programs in their respective countries. This way farmers will be aware they’re dealing with a progressive technology.