Benefits and concerns surrounding the cultivation of genetically modified crops in Africa: The debate

Abstract

Concerns about genetically modified (GM) foods are necessary; however, in Africa concerns are hindering the progress of agricultural practices. Due to lack of education and awareness, it is necessary for African Governments to emphasize the numerous benefits and future prospects of GM food, through education and well grounded evaluation system to improve on the level of acceptance. Thus, the objective of this study was to address the constraints that sub Saharan agricultural sector is faced with and the ability of green biotechnology seeds to significantly counter those issues as well as the various arguments and concerns put forward by critics as to why GM food should not be implemented on African soil.

Key words: Biotechnology, concerns, genetic modified organisms (GMO), food security, benefits, biodiversity, Africa.