| One of the reasons why Africa and other poor | | | | Africa Rice Centre (WARDA), in a groundbreaking |
| regions of the world trail in crop biotechnology is lack | | | | research, has developed New Rice for Africa (Nerica), |
| of collaboration and coordination among scientists. | | | | resistant to drought and pests, which is bound to |
| There are millions of well-trained crop biotechnologists | | | | enhance food security in many West African |
| in poor countries. But due to resource constraints and | | | | countries. Dr. Jones' expertise in genetic engineering |
| other challenges, hardly do they work together. So, | | | | can be a big asset to Africa is shared. |
| we have a situation where so many scientists, | | | | Organizations like International Maize and Wheat |
| working in different parts of the continent, are | | | | Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Insect Resistant |
| engaged in identical biotech projects. It's like a case | | | | Maize for Africa (IRMA) and International Service for |
| of one hand not knowing what the other is doing. | | | | the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), |
| At a time when Africa desperately needs crop | | | | too, are engaged in high-tech crop biotechnology |
| biotechnology to alleviate hunger and malnutrition, its | | | | research. Their work deserve praise, but they stand |
| scientists should be moving towards collaborative | | | | to achieve more if there is more sharing. |
| research. Scientists who pull in different directions | | | | Perhaps, a recently mooted idea by South African |
| can't make any meaningful impact in the scientific | | | | scientists is worth considering.They have formed an |
| world. Cooperation, not competition, is the bane of | | | | umbrella organization, which seeks to consolidate the |
| science. With regard to crop biotechnology, | | | | gains already made in modern biotechnology. Called |
| collaboration is urgently needed if Africa dreams of | | | | the African Centre for Gene Technology (ACGT), |
| solving its endemic food problems. | | | | the body will act as a centre of excellence for all |
| Currently, Africa is playing host to top-notch research | | | | African scientists involved in biotech research. In |
| in crop biotechnology. Dr. Florence Wambugu of | | | | Kenya, the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum |
| Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International is | | | | is promoting partnerships and education. African |
| busy developing a new strain of wheat resistant to | | | | scientists should embrace these projects and see |
| drought and common fungal diseases. Dr. Wambugu is | | | | them as opportunities for self-growth. Investors in |
| an authority in genetic engineering and has been | | | | North America, Europe and elsewhere should be |
| leading the campaign to persuade Africa to embrace | | | | investing and partnering with these organizations and |
| genetically modified crops. Dr. Monty Jones of the | | | | scientists. |