Source: CropBiotech Update

Paper looks at GM developments in Africa

In “Putting GM Technologies to Work: Public Research Pipelines in Selected African Countries,” Idah Sithole-Niang, of the Department of Chemistry, University of Zimbabwe, and colleagues identify and examine public research pipelines for GM crops in Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, and offer suggestions on improving the state of GM research for each country based on their findings. Their research is documented in the November 2004 issue of The African Journal of Biotechnology.

For instance, South Africa, the report states, presents an important case study. The research its scientists undertake is required to be linked to industry, with the aim of providing relevant products to end users.

Researchers also found that 13 public institutions in the 4 countries have stably transformed 21 crops, with 17% of the events for maize, 13% for potatoes, and 11% each for sugar and tomatoes. Of all traits incorporated, virus resistance comprised 34% of all crops, while insect resistance made up 20%.

The researchers hope that their data will be useful in formulating new policies, including greater South-South collaboration.