“Historically, Africa has been a laggard to accept new agricultural technologies. For GM crops, much of the problem lies in the perception, exaggerated fear and conflicting messages sent to policy making,” said Belay.

POLICY FLIP-FLOPS

In 2002, Zambia experienced a severe drought that left millions in need of food aid, but it rejected genetically modified corn offered by donors, citing inadequate scientific information.

But last month, Zambian Higher Education Minister Michael Kaingu told parliament his country was embracing GMOs.

“We recognize that modern biotechnology has advanced worldwide and, as a nation, we cannot afford to ignore the benefits of this technology. We are alert and prepared to deal with possible adverse risks,” Kaingu said.

It is a growing trend on the continent, and Belay said Ethiopia had amended its biosafety laws to allow tests on genetically modified cotton, thanks to pressure from the textile industry, which is advocating for the production of cheaper cotton in that country.

Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Swaziland, Nigeria and Ghana have all been carrying out trials on different genetically modified crops, he said.