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AfRiCA

Biotech Crop Adoption and Research Grows in Africa

Biotech crop adoption and research is steadily increasing in Africa, benefiting farmers and consumers alike. Africa is home to more than 1 billion people and its population is expected to more than double by 2050. Ballooning populations make food security a pressing issue in Africa, which already experiences low agricultural production and high food prices. Plant biotechnology can significantly contribute to solving food security and nutrition problems on the continent as well as boost economic development. The power of the technology is that it can make a contribution to food security, to peace and to [alleviating] poverty [in Africa], said Dr. Clive James, founder and chair of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, in a recent interview on Kenyan television. South Africa, Burkina Faso and Egypt the three African countries that have adopted commercial biotech crops planted a record 2.5 million hectares of biotech varieties in 2011. South Africa has planted biotech maize, soybean and cotton for over a decade, leading adoption of plant biotechnology on the continent. According to PG Economics 2012 Global Impact Study, biotech crop farm income benefits in South Africa totaled more than US$809 million from 1996 to 2010 and insect-resistant biotech cotton has increased yields there by 30 per cent. In Burkina Faso, insect-resistant biotech cotton, the only commercial biotech crop grown there today, can generate an estimated economic benefit of US$100 million per year. While Egypt only cultivates insectresistant biotech maize today, it is poised to commercialise several more biotech crops. Egypt is also conducting research on biotech bananas, squash and tomatoes among other crops.
RESEaRch and dEvEloPmEnt

Biotech research projects are increasing in African countries, many through collaborations between public and private sectors. Currently, 14 African countries are conducting research and 27 more are developing their research and development capabilities. Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda, for example, are conducting confined field trials on various biotech crops, including bananas, cassava, cowpeas, sorghum and sweet potatoes. Trials focusing on such important African staple crops,
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taBlE. StatuS of GEnEtIcally modIfIEd (Gm) cRoPS In afRIca

application stage Commercial production Confined field testing Contained research no. of countries 3 6 At least 14 country names Burkina faso; Egypt; South Africa Burkina faso; Egypt; Kenya; South Africa; Uganda; Nigeria Burkina faso; Cameroon; Egypt; Ghana; Kenya; Mali; Mauritius; Namibia; Nigeria; South Africa; Tanzania; Tunisia; Uganda; Zimbabwe; Malawi South Africa; Burkina faso; Egypt; Kenya; Morocco; Senegal; Tanzania; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe; Benin; Cameroon; Ghana; Malawi; Mali; Mauritius; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Tunisia; Algeria; Botswana; Ethiopia; Madagascar; Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan

nEwSlEttER

November 2012

Developing capacity for research and development

At least 27

SoURCE: NEw PARTNERShiP foR AfRiCAS DEvEloPMENTS AfRiCAN BioSAfETy NETwoRK of ExPERTiSE

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including maize, are moving forward. For example, drought-tolerant maize developed through the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project is going through second season trials in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. WEMA, managed by the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF), is a partnership between African public institutions and several private organisations. Its goal is to make drought-tolerant, insect-resistant maize available to resource-poor farmers through African seed companies. Maize is the most commonly grown staple crop on the continent more than 300 million Africans depend on it as their primary food source but it is particularly vulnerable to drought. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is addressing another primary problem facing maize farmers nutrient-deprived soil and limited access to fertilizer. Through the Improved maize for african Soils Project , researchers are developing varieties of maize through biotechnology that make better use of available nitrogen fertilizer. Smallscale farmers will have access to the improved seed, which could increase yields by up to 30 to 50 per cent over current varieties.

Beta carotene-enhanced banana (left) compared to a traditional banana in Uganda.

particularly in the Great Lakes region. Bacterial wilt is an obstacle for farmers growing bananas there. In 2001, an outbreak of banana bacterial wilt in Uganda caused US$200 million in losses. Moreover, Ugandan researchers are developing a biotech banana with six times the typical level of vitamin A and a higher iron content. About 52 per cent of children under the age of five in Uganda suffer from vitamin A deficiency, and iron deficient anemia accounts for 40 per cent of deaths in this age group. Andrew Kiggundu, head of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Centre of Ugandas national agricultural Research organization (NARO), said that he hopes the crop will be available in five years. The research is funded by the Ugandan government, NARO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and U.S. Agency for International Development.
call to actIon

Biotech insect-resistant maize yields about twice as much as traditional maize in South Africa.

Scientists at The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center are focused on disease-resistant technology in cassava, a crucial staple crop in Africa that is particularly susceptible to two diseases. One-third of the continents cassava harvest is lost to Cassava Mosaic Disease alone. The technology will introduce diseaseresistant genes to the plant that block viral replication, helping to reduce crop losses. Wilt-resistant biotech bananas are also being developed by AATF. Bananas and plantains are important food crops for 100 million people in sub-Saharan Africa,

African government officials and leaders will play an instrumental role in the success of biotech research and adoption on the continent. Their support opens the way for biosafety regulations, investment into research and infrastructure, and eventually commercialization of biotech products. In April 2012, government ministers from 24 African countries officially endorsed the use of biotechnology to build food security and battle poverty across the continent in a formal declaration. The announcement was the result of a joint meeting of agriculture, technology and science ministers hosted by the Ghanan government and Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa. More recently, Ghanas Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Sherry Ayittey reinforced her support at another agricultural forum. With biotechnology, there will be hope for numerous farmers on the continent, she said. We can no longer stretch our hands to Europe for food aid. All leaders have to come on board and support biotechnology to make Africa food secure. n 2

on thE GRow BIotEch cRoP adoPtIon aRound thE woRld

PhoTo CoURTESy of Molly hURlEy, EURoPABio.

aSk thE ExPERt: Nompumelelo obokoh, Ph.D., CEo, AfricaBio

crisis in the 1960s. Plant biotechnology holds the promise of producing resilient and highyielding varieties that can address the needs of African farmers. Biotech crops are now the fastest adopted crop technology in history, with a 94-fold increase in acreage since their introduction in 1996. Globally, biotech cropproducing countries have benefited from improved agricultural productivity, food security and quality of life for farmers and communities. Biotech crops can significantly contribute to meeting the food and economic development needs in Africa.

Biotech crops can significantly contribute to meeting the food and economic development needs in Africa.
environmental benefits. Unfortunately, such potential has largely remained untapped by African countries. Theres a need to increase access to and knowledge of new technologies for small-scale farmers, raise awareness of the benefits of these technologies and train farmers on how to use and manage them in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Cambridge-educated obokoh is a renowned plant molecular biologist and leading expert in crop biotechnology. Before assuming her role for AfricaBio, she led the African Agricultural Technology foundation west Africa office.

how can biotech crop development and education help small-scale farmers in africa?
Today, small-scale farming in Africa is characterised by low productivity and limited knowledge of and access to modern agricultural technologies. African farmers also face a myriad of social and economic constraints in addition to environmental and biological challenges that have been exacerbated by climate change. Farmers are continuously under pressure to produce more crops and good quality foods under unfavourable conditions; plant biotechnology can make a significant difference. A number of biotech crops of social and economic importance to smallscale farmers maize, cotton, cassava and banana are already available commercially, being field tested or in development. These crops hold considerable promise for addressing productivity constraints, such as resistance to insect pests, diseases and environmental stresses. Biotech crops have provided farmers around the world with increased crop productivity and

how does agricultural technology affect public health in africa?

Malnutrition and poverty still plague many communities in Africa. Various population groups are undernourished and face protein, micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies. Biotechnology not only has the promise of increasing food security, but can aide in improving public health by enhancing food nutrition.

how can biotech crops help african countries feed their populations?
Agriculture primarily smallscale accounts for 25 to 30 per cent of the GDPs of many African countries, and is the backbone of their economies. More than 70 per cent of the continental population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for its livelihood. However, Africa has underperformed in agricultural productivity over the last three decades, which has suppressed farmer incomes and livelihoods. For example, cereal yields have stagnated at around one ton per hectare compared to averages of 2.5 to three tons per hectare in Asia. Africa didnt benefit from the Green Revolution that helped Asian countries out of the food

what can african farmers, governments and agricultural organisations do to keep companies investing in biotech crop development?
African governments must take the lead in establishing strategies for adopting modern biotechnology and educating the public and key beneficiaries about biotech crops. African farmers desperately need access to technologies that can help solve their agricultural problems. Farmers are in a unique position to encourage governments to develop and adopt policies that promote
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ask the Expert continued from page 3

innovations in agriculture and create access to technology. In addition, governments and agricultural organisations should encourage public-private partnerships in research and development of biotech crops and help create access to new farming technologies.

how will emerging biosafety regulations in africa affect farmers and consumers?
Biosafety regulations enable countries to protect human health and the environment while harnessing the benefits of modern biotechnology. However, such outcomes can only be achieved if countries implement functional and science-based biosafety regulatory systems. Unfortunately, many African countries have adopted or are developing biosafety frameworks that dont support the adoption of plant biotechnology. Many biosafety regulations are of a precautionary nature, which can severely delay the development and adoption of biotech crops. Several countries lack functional biosafety frameworks that would allow the full use and commercialisation of biotechnology in a safe and responsible manner. This means that African farmers and consumers are denied the opportunity to access crops that produce higher yields, are nutritionally enhanced and environmentally friendly. It is imperative for African countries to emulate the practical, science-based regulatory approaches pursued by developing countries like Argentina and Brazil, which have adopted agricultural biotechnology instead of promoting overly stringent regulations that stifle the use of plant biotechnology.

does africa have the potential to be an agricultural powerhouse? If so, what does the region need to do to get there?
Yes, but Africas vision of agriculture as an engine of economic growth requires urgent strategies to improve the livelihood of rural populations in order to achieve food security and increase growth in the agricultural sector. African governments must expand domestic production through scientific research, increased farm inputs, investment in infrastructure, human resource capacity development, education, science-based biosafety regulation and systems to harness and protect intellectual property rights. Research and development and public-private partnerships across the entire agricultural sector are essential for Africa to improve its agricultural productivity. With increased investment, better agricultural policies and more support for Africas farmers, the continent can achieve an agricultural revolution.

farmers are in a unique position to encourage governments to develop and adopt policies that promote innovations in agriculture and create access to technology.
biotechnology has to offer. Finally, over the last few years, there has been gradual and increasing awareness and support for the role of plant biotechnology in increasing African agricultural productivity and economic development. In addition, farmers and farmer organisations are increasingly demanding access to new technologies that can help address some of their farming constraints. In May 2011, the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions, a regional farmers organisation, took a bold policy position on biotechnology. Its policy framework now acknowledges that biotechnology is one of the options that can increase production, improve the incomes of farmers and contribute to addressing food security challenges in the region. The framework also recognises the importance of political will and harmonisation of policies in the region, including the urgent need for a biosafety framework that ensures responsible development and regulation of biotechnology. Now the public needs to be educated on the potential economic and health benefits of biotech crops. n

how will agricultural technology move forward in africa?

Africa needs innovative agricultural technologies in order to feed its growing population. The bottom line is that African countries just cannot afford to not take advantage of the benefits
A South African farmer stands in a field of biotech insect-resistant maize.

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mythBuStERS

myth: Biotech crops are not adapted to the needs

of small-scale African farmers and can only benefit large-scale agribusinesses.

tRuth: Biotech cotton, maize and soybeans have already been adopted by african small-scale farmers. South

Africa first began planting commercial biotech crops in 1998, and Burkina Faso and Egypt followed suit in 2008. Today, at least 24 other African countries are engaged in biotech research and development with an eye towards commercial cultivation. of 70 to 80 per cent in severe infestations. The AATF is addressing this problem by facilitating the development of pod borer-resistant cowpea varieties. The africa Biofortified Sorghum project, with leadership from Africa Harvest, brings together national agricultural research institutes, private corporations and universities to develop sorghum that contains increased levels of essential nutrients, namely lysine, vitamin A, iron and zinc. This project is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with supplementary funding from the Howard Buffett Foundation for technology work. These traits will be put into high-yielding, locally adapted varieties. Sorghum is Africas second most grown cereal by volume. It is the only viable food grain for many of the worlds most food insecure people and sorghum is uniquely adapted to Africas climate. Since it is a staple food for so many Africans, sorghum presents a unique vehicle to improve nutrition. With more than 70 scientists devoted to the cause most of them in Africa the project will directly benefit consumers as well as small-scale farmers.

Biotech insect-resistant cotton grows commercially in South Africa and Burkina faso.

Small-scale African farmers have greatly benefited from growing biotech crops. A study in South africa, for example, showed that biotech cotton has higher yields than non-biotech varieties and has increased farmer incomes. In Burkina faso, biotech cotton producers reported significantly increased cotton yields by an average of 18.2 per cent over conventional cotton varieties. Their profits increased nearly US$62 per hectare over traditional cotton. In 2008, Burkina Faso was the 10th country globally to grow commercial biotech cotton, which is its principal cash crop. Over 25 per cent of its total annual cotton production about 400,000 tonnes is biotech today. Biotech crops will continue to benefit African farmers through public-private partnerships, such as CropLife International members collaborating with African national research organisations. Research sharing through such partnerships is vital to translating agricultural science into useful tools for farmers. Technologies developed through these joint ventures help farmers in Africa and around the world meet the challenges of feeding growing populations. For example, biotech companies are working with in-country partners to create local varieties of staple crops using donated traits, such as biotech cowpeas, maize and sorghum. In sub-Saharan Africa, the african agricultural technology foundation (AATF) is leading a public-private partnership to develop insect-resistant cowpeas, an important cash crop and source of protein for nearly 200 million people and livestock. The cowpea pod borer inflicts severe damage, leading to yield losses

Biotech insect-resistant corn (left) versus traditional corn in South Africa.

These projects are a sampling of ways that plant biotechnology is benefiting and will continue to give back to small-scale farmers in Africa. They show how the plant science industry collaborates with non-governmental organisations, scientists and farmers to enhance African agriculture. Commercial biotech crops in Africa demonstrate the value of plant biotechnology to small-scale farmers and several biotech crops on the horizon show its promise. n

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Biotech insect-resistant maize growing in South Africa.

BioTECh MEETiNGS iN AfRiCA iNflUENCE MEDiA AND REGUlAToRS

Journalists took a firsthand look at biotech activities and issues in Africa with several sponsored media workshops, tours and conferences in 2012.
In May, AfricaBio, in collaboration with the New Partnership for Africas Developments African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE), hosted a group of regulators and journalists from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa for a week-long series of educational briefings in South Africa. The briefings focused on biosafety regulations and discussions on how they can be successfully implemented and enforced. The group also visited the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Biosciences Department of Science and Technology, the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Agricultural Research Councils Biotechnology Platform, biotech farms and technology provider facilities. Information provided at the meetings will help regulators implement biosafety measures to allow for the adoption of plant biotechnology. In August, EuropaBio and Africa Harvest coordinated a media tour in Uganda of almost a dozen journalists from Burkina Faso, Germany, Ghana, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Uganda and Zambia, which showcased research that local scientists are conducting to help address food security in Uganda and East Africa. The journalists visited laboratories and field trial sites at the National Agricultural Research Organisation and Namulonge Crops Resource Research Institute, learning about biotech banana and cassava programs. Journalists were also briefed on the unique food security and farming challenges in Uganda and East Africa as well as opportunities for plant biotechnology in the region. Several participants published stories on tour topics, including aBc online (Spain), Iol Business Report (South Africa) and Ghana news agency. Other publications represented by participants were Ziarul Financiar (Romania), Focus (Germany), Zambia National Broadcasting, Burkina Faso Radiodiffusion et Tlvision as well as the Ugandan publications The Monitor, Farmers Media and New Vision. Also in August, CropLife International staff Deb Carstoiu and Alex Rinkus held a two-day social media workshop for a dozen participants from Africa Harvest, the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum, AfricaBio, African Seed Trade Association, Uganda biotech team, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications Africenter and the African Agriculture Technology Foundation. The workshop covered the basics of getting started on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, measuring social media success and collaborating with likeminded organisations online. Participants learned how they can use such social media tools to advocate for plant biotechnology in Africa and agreed to collaborate on social media outreach efforts in the region. n

for more information, go to www.croplife.org, www.croplifeafrica.org or www.africabio.com.

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