Search Results
Uganda scientists push for adoption of GM crops as anti-biotechnology activists spread misinformation
Even though GMOs have been scientifically proven to be safe and would be an invaluable component of Uganda’s food security strategy, they continue to be a target of attack by politicians and civil society groups. Uganda, ironically, has the largest number of GM crops under test at…
African scientists urge governments to invest in appropriate regulatory mechanisms for biotech products
African scientists urge governments to invest in appropriate regulatory mechanisms for biotech products African scientists are urging governments across the continent to invest in appropriate regulatory structures and monitoring mechanisms for crops and animals produced using biotechnology. They want to see more investments in laboratories that can help appropriately detect…
Genetic engineering is not as trivial and straightforward as activists against GM crops try to portray it
Genetic engineering refers to the intentional and direct manipulation of DNA to enhance or modify an organism’s characteristics, for example, increasing the sweetness of a fruit or changing the color of a flower. DNA refers to molecules that carry the genetic information needed for an organism to develop and function.
Give farmers a chance: Pro-GMO activists march through Nairobi and Kampala calling for the adoption of improved seeds
Pro-GMO activists marched through Nairobi in Kenya and Kampala in Uganda on February 10 and 15, 2023, calling for the adoption of improved seeds. They carried placards with pro-GMO slogans such as Genetically Modified Crops are Safe and Nutritious and Yes to Food Security. This was in response to a…
Tanzania will ‘play a key role in GMO science despite the propaganda’
Several African scientists who are knowledgeable about GMO science argue that contrary to ongoing anti-GMO propaganda the actual threat to Africa’s seed systems and agriculture is not GMOs but rather the fear of them. Dr. Daniel Maeda, a Tanzanian cellular biologist and biotechnology expert, is one such scientist. Dr. Maeda,…
GM crops safe and viable option for Africa, say African science academy experts
Agricultural scientists from across Africa have jointly added their voices to the ongoing debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which they strongly endorsed as a safe and viable option in addressing food insecurity. The experts also assured the public that GM crops in the market today have the same or…
Four crucial challenges we will face at the UN Convention for Biodiversity talks – CBD COP15
The Alliance for Science is heading to another intense round of global environmental negotiations this month, as the world meets in Montreal, Canada, to discuss the impact of the biodiversity crisis on climate change. It might seem too soon after the recent COP27 UN climate talks, but the focus of…
Rising above the high tide of anti-GMO misinformation in Africa: science experts and media join forces
False media reports about GMOs continue to flood Africa, but experts believe the tide of misinformation can change if African science journalists and experts from the continent’s academic science groves consistently publish articles debunking the myths. Speaking during a recent presser hosted by the Africa Science Media Center (AfriSMC) to…
Gene editing key to sustainable agriculture in Africa, scientists say
Africa must update its regulations to accommodate the gene-edited crops needed to sustainably intensify agriculture to feed the continent’s growing population, a new study says. “Sustainable intensification of agriculture in Africa is essential for accomplishing food and nutritional security and addressing the rising concerns of climate…