Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Implications for Small Farmers Devlin Kuyek August 2002 Implications for Small Farmers About this Briefing This briefing was researched and written by Devlin Contents Kuyek for Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN) and a group of NGOs that aim to raise awareness about the implications of genetic engineering and intellectual property rights for 1. INTRODUCTION 1 small farmers in Africa. These NGOs include SACDEP (Kenya), RODI (Kenya), Biowatch (South Africa), ISD (Ethiopia), Jeep (Uganda), CTDT (Zimbabwe), Pelum (Regional, Southern 2. THE PAST PREDICTS THE FUTURE 1 Africa), ITDG (International), Gaia Foundation (International) and ActionAid (International). Did Africa miss a revolution? 1 The briefing looks at the push to bring GM crops and technologies to Africa and tries to sort out what Africa’s Green Revolution 2 the implications will be for Africa’s small farmers. It especially focuses on the situation in East and Southern Africa. The briefing does not share the 3. THE FORCES BEHIND THE CROPS 4 optimism of the proponents of genetic engineering. Rather, it views genetic engineering as an extension Who are the crop pushers? 4 of the Green Revolution paradigm that failed to address the needs of Africa’s small farmers and served only to exacerbate their problems. 4. TRUSTING THE ‘EXPERTS’ 7 The many groups and individuals who gave time and information to the preparation of this paper Bt Cotton and biosafety 10 are gratefully acknowledged. Comments on the paper may be addressed to Devlin Kuyek at
[email protected] 5. SURELY THERE’S A BETTER WAY? 13 Published in August 2002, by Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN): Sweeter potatoes without biotech 13 Girona 25, pral, Barcelona 08010, Spain Tel: +34 933 011 381 Bt Maize: Big companies working for Fax: +34 933 011 627 big farmers 15 Email:
[email protected] 1 Web: www.grain.org Green Revolution, Gene Revolution ..