Knowledge for Development

Biotechnology

It is widely accepted that investments in science, technology and innovation are essential for economic development. The rapid changes that are taking place due to advances in biotechnology and information and communication technologies (ICTs) support this view. Although new scientific discoveries and technologies could provide countries with a competitive advantage and address some major problems (such as improved varieties of plants resistant to pests and diseases), their adoption is frequently not without controversy due to differing viewpoints and perceptions of the potential risks involved. This edition of the dossier addresses the issue of biotechnology and the Cartagena Protocol.

Norman Clark, John Mugabe, and James Smith provide an analytical context of biotechnology and biosafety in three African countries by reviewing the nature of science policy research, especially as it applies to potential developmental impacts of biotechnology. The book throws new light on biotechnology governance in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda that have been struggling with biotechnology development and related biosafety policy and pays attention to experiences in OECD countries. In addition, the authors pay close attention to the analysis of risk and how it may be managed. They discuss the flawed nature of traditional approaches to biosafety management (treating biosafety risks as reducible to probabilistic values) and argue that these approaches are not only invalid from a purely scientific point of view, but also fail to deal with attitudes of civil society. They think that it is largely for these reasons that the 'precautionary principle' has begun to be taken seriously.   (Africa Portal, 09/2014) 29/10/2014
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The gene that prevents wheat from breeding with related ancestors was discovered by Washington State University researcher Kulvinder Gill and colleagues. The genes from related ancestors contain a vast array of traits preferred by growers. Using conventional genetic manipulations, the discovery will permit innovation in wheat variety development unhampered by the cost, regulatory hurdles and controversy of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Silencing the gene would permit breeders to successfully pair chromosomes of related ancestors and develop wheat varieties with the disease- and pest-resistance traits of other grasses.   (WSU, 15/09/2014) 29/10/2014
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This IFPRI report is a comprehensive, evidenced-based review of agricultural biotechnology – its current status, issues, constraints and opportunities for Africa. Agricultural biotechnology comprises several scientific techniques (genetic engineering, molecular marker-assisted breeding, the use of molecular diagnostics and vaccines, and tissue culture) that are used to improve plants, animals and microorganisms. However, in preparing this desktop analysis of peer-reviewed evidence and documented examples, IFPRI has focused on genetic modification (GM) technologies and on the agricultural contexts in which they are applied. The focus was chosen because GM technologies are at the centre of controversies about biotechnology’s role in Africa.   (IFPRI/African Development Bank, 16/07/2014) 02/09/2014
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ASARECA has recently compiled a training manual with information on tissue culture, conservation biotechnology, virus indexing and seed systems for vegetative crops such as case cassava and sweet potato and associated techniques. This manual brings together knowledge in these fields that is currently scattered over a large numbers of research institutes and is not readily available for use by practitioners. The manual is meant for research scientists and technicians and students, who are encouraged to adapt the references to their own working conditions and to add more materials as they deem fit.   (ASARECA, 17/07/2014)  02/09/2014
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