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Factors influencing adoption of genetically modified crops in Africa

Author

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  • Edward Mabaya
  • Juliana Fulton
  • Stella Simiyu-Wafukho
  • Francis Nang'ayo

Abstract

The debate around genetically modified (GM) crops in Africa continues to grow especially among policy-makers, food manufacturers, farmer organisation and consumer advocacy groups and the general public. While other regions have taken a firm position on biotech crops, Africa remains largely ambivalent, with wide variation in GM policy across countries. The central objective of this paper is to analyse the factors that influence the adoption of GM crops in Africa. First we evaluate the current status of GM crop adoption in Africa. Second we identify the key enablers and hindrances to adoption of GM crops. The main factors include ministerial control of biosafety, peer country influence, stage of seed sector development, advocacy by key political figures, the media, activism, food security and technical capacity. We posit that, for most African countries, GM policy is guided by political rather than technological considerations with media and special interest groups playing a key role. Despite the numerous impediments, slow progress is being made in preparing the requisite enabling environment for biotechnology adoption in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward Mabaya & Juliana Fulton & Stella Simiyu-Wafukho & Francis Nang'ayo, 2015. "Factors influencing adoption of genetically modified crops in Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(5), pages 577-591, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:32:y:2015:i:5:p:577-591
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2015.1044078
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    Cited by:

    1. Chinedu, Obi & Sanou, Edouard & Tur-Cardona, Juan & Bartolini, Fabio & Gheysen, Godelieve & Speelman, Stijn, 2018. "Farmers’ valuation of transgenic biofortified sorghum for nutritional improvement in Burkina Faso: A latent class approach," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 132-140.
    2. Klara Fischer & Camilla Eriksson, 2016. "Social Science Studies on European and African Agriculture Compared: Bringing Together Different Strands of Academic Debate on GM Crops," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-17, August.

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