Biotech article leaves wrong view of African challenge

The front page article, “Biotech Seeds Called No Fix for African Hunger” (Oct. 13), does damage to the current and complex debate centered around agriculture technology and development in Africa. The headline leads one to believe that biotechnology doesn’t have a place in Africa and that the continent’s problems are simple.

It is a great disappointment that a journalist would bring forward an old story — that there is only one choice between a green or brown revolution. On the ground in Africa the issues are interlinked. Philanthropist Howard Buffett recognizes this as demonstrated by his quote “seed is only part of the solution.”

At a special side event at the World Food Prize, African Voices for New Science and Technology, Africa spoke for itself. The room was filled with excitement and hope as African scientists, country presidents, ambassadors and World Food Prize winners spoke about an African-owned, African-led initiative that is helping the continent grab hold of new science and technology in agriculture.

Currently, an emerging network, the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (www.nepadbiosafety.net), is evolving rapidly based on a document commissioned by the African Union called “Freedom to Innovate.” This book provides a framework to advance biotechnology in both agriculture and health care and advocates for the African “voice.”

It is for the greater community in Africa — that includes professionals, scientists, regulators, farmers and society — to chart the way forward. It is not for the United States or European governments, corporations, foundations, institutions of higher education or philanthropists to point the way for Africa.

— Dr. Diran Makinde, director, AU-NEPAD Agency, African Biosafety Network of Expertise, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Source: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20111019/OPINION04/310190031/1038/Biotech-article-leaves-wrong-view-African-challenge