Public awareness and acceptance on agricultural biotechnology continuous to improve as products of this technology and biotech regulatory policies move forward in Africa. This was shared by Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter, in a Special Seminar held at SEARCA, Los Baños, Philippines last 27 October 2010.

African farmers appreciate agricultural biotechnology products, and are ready to be involved when they are introduced to something that could improve their lives, said Dr. Karembu.

When it comes to policies, Africa has “harmonized” its biosafety policies to the Regional Economic Communities (REC). An example is the Regional Approach to Biotechnology and Biosafety Policies in Eastern and Southern Africa (RABESA), in the in the Eastern and Southern Africa, that covers 19 member states. The RABESA has helped tailor fit biosafety policies to different African countries based on their identified priority areas that include commercial planting, trade policy, and emergency food aid access to GM crops.

Dr. Karembu reported that currently, 12 countries in Africa have developed National Biosafety Frameworks (NBFs), while 11 have interim NBFs.

Likewise, she emphasized the factors that would determine the future of biotechnology in Africa as follows: a proactive policy where priorities are identified and decisions are suited for Africa’s needs; an efficient and cost effective biosafety system that would effectively assess biotechnologies; scientific capacity building; an IPR regime to encourage private small seed companies to invest on the technology; and public awareness and acceptance initiatives that build on credible and evidence-based communication. (Sophia M. Mercado)

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Jenny A. Panopio
Special Project Coordinator & Network Administrator
Biotechnology Information Center
SEAMEO SEARCA
College, Laguna 4031
Email: jap at agri.searca.org
Tel: (63-49)536-2290 loc 169 or 406
Tele/Fax: (63-49)536-4105
URL: www.bic.searca.org