In Africa, genetically modified rice rich in Vitamin A could play a significant role in the fight to wipe out malnutrition among poor citizens. A modified banana is also being developed that will provide an affordable inoculation against hepatitis. Politically powerful opposition groups in Europe and North America, however, are trying to put a halt to biotechnical research and development. Opposition to biotech research was one of the favorite causes of radical protestors who tried to shut down the 1999 World Trade Organization meetings in Seattle. Hassan Adamu, the Nigerian Minister for Agricultural and Rural Development, echoed Meredith's sentiments.
Agricultural biotechnology offers a way to stop the suffering. . . .
On August 21, Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi wrote to then-President Bill Clinton about providing Africa with new genetically modified foods. Africa risks a biotechnology gap if we fail to participate in this project, just in the same way that concern has been expressed about the digital gap in information technology, without which deliberate intervention may result in a further marginalization of our continent. David Almasi is director of Project 21. For more information . Return to February 2001 contents .