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| Genetically Modified Foods in Africa: The Chain Termination Sequence |
 PRINTABLE VERSION |
Other reasons advanced by the proponents of GM foods are that genetic engineering will lead to enhanced food taste and quality, improved pest and disease resistance, improved yields and health, reduced crop maturation time and better waste products management. While the bioengineering of genes to help in tackling various problems facing humanity such as the currently incurable and debilitating diseases appears noble, there is need for a clear and elaborate vetting system with respect to the proliferation of genetically engineered crops into Africa. This would take to task those companies bent on taking Africa and the Third World for an economic ride and prevent several unethical and trialistic vendetta from being carried out on the generally poor and mostly uninformed people and in the process ensure that only the tried and successfully tested aspects of the bioengineering are implemented for their betterment and socio-economic improvement.
Only then will the expected gains be of substance to the region’s population. Otherwise, the blind adoption of this mostly trial-based technology in Africa and the developing world will be an economic disaster in the making. It will be a permanent and perpetual sale of economic sovereignty and loss of the vitally sought for food security and in effect the complete collapse of any proper development prospects in these developing parts of the globe.
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Antony Felix O. Simbowo
TakingITGlobal has never been more apt than it is now in providing a forum for expression. This is because the dynamic world has undeveloped challenges that pose a great problem to the growth and daily life of any youth in the global society. What with the incessant wars, poverty, HIV/AIDS, pornography, racism and several other vices creeping into the society in a culture best objectified as vicious gradualism.
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Comments
HMMMMMMM........... Thomas Ronald Shotwell | Jul 11th, 2005
In some cases in the "third world" such products have been a benifit, but rarly are they this way. For this reason I must agrea with all that is stated. your's, thom Shotwell
Right Thom Antony Felix O. O. Simbowo | Mar 16th, 2006
The article simply explores the possible and proven negative effects of the products. It awakens an insight into the formulation and implementation of a sound biopolicy before full adoption of GMOs. Otherwise, GMOs are okay for the developing world as long as these are taken into consideration and transparency observed.
GM Foods Selwyn Milborrow | Jan 24th, 2007
Interesting article. As a South African I agree that public should be informed on the advantages of GM foods because it can reduce malnutrition damatically.
Selwyn Antony Felix O. O. Simbowo | Mar 13th, 2007
About malnutrition and GM foods is still a question of the after effects. I know the techie is in high gear in SA right now and I believe it portends a good future for food security in Africa. But as I mentioned in the article, let us tread with caution and not be 'eurekaring'. Science is an intricate matter. One small mistake can make the whole continent a hell house. Yet again, GM foods' direction is promising.
Thanks a lot.
Antony
Re: GM Foods Vanessa de Waal | Jun 13th, 2010
The topic of Genetically modified foods has interested me for quite some time. I have attended workshops, read many articles, and have learned about the topic through ecology courses in school. I'm afraid to say that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. What GM foods is famous for doing is putting farmers in debt. They are expensive for the farmer , as gradually the farmer needs more and more biotechnology to sustain his outputs. Eventually, so many farmers encounter such an abundance of the same stock, that it is worth nothing on the market and the farmer suffers from debt. They also strip farmers of their breeding selection and reproduction traditions because most are hybrid varieties that need to be bought each year from the biotech industry. This puts large riches into the pockets of a few large companies. GM foods may cure malnutrition temporarily, but they do not endorse purchasing and eating locally. And as the world has learned from the disastrous effects and potential from unsustainable resources, such as oil, the world needs to invest in sustainable resources. By this, I mean, the small farmer next door. GM foods are designed to create big quantities of mediocre quality. They also strip lands of the biodiversity which is vital to life. Yes there are advantages, as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, however the big picture needs to be anticipated when one assumes the role of mother nature. Furthermore, there is nothing more delightful than the taste, smell, and sight of fruitful plant growing from the beautiful seeds of nature.
Thank you for your article.
Take a look at:
http://tigurl.org/2q4cim ; http://tigurl.org/2q4cimstoryoffood/
I agree Vanessa Antony Felix O. O. Simbowo | Aug 27th, 2010
Look at cases where there is reduction in crop pest and disease infestations though as some examples of what biotechnology contributes towards development. Get back to me again.
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