A Critical Survey of the Logic of Genetic Engineering and the Quest for Sustainable Agriculture towards Development in Africa

Abstract

The problems of food insecurity, poverty and hunger have currently become the concerns not only of Africa but of the entire human race. Genetic engineering (GE) or modification (GM) is often justified as a humane technology; one that feeds more people with better food. Nothing could be further from truth. With very few exceptions, the whole enterprise of GE is to increase the sales of chemicals and bio-engineered products to dependent farmers. Thus the whole argument for genetically modified seeds from poverty and hunger in Africa is suspect. The argument has not only sidelined the important concerns about the negative implications of genetically modified seeds on farmer’s livelihoods, in particular, and sustainable agriculture in general, but has also failed to understand the real causes of these problems in Africa. This paper reflects on these ignored issues. Thus, while rejecting GE as “the” solution to poverty and hunger in Africa, the paper goes further to provide other ways of effecting high-input and sustainable agriculture that will create wealth and change the social, economic condition and status of peasant African farmers and their communities in the new global economy.

Keywords: Logic, Genetic Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture, Development, Africa