Tanzania
July 31, 2009
A study conducted by
IITA and the Africa
College-University of Leeds in Tanzania reveals that local
farmers are more interested on the productivity potential of
genetically-modified (GM) crops than they are worried about the
possible risks associated with their use. The study, completed
in June and the results released last week, was carried out in
consultation with the Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute
and the Tanzanian Commission for Science and Technology. It
covered three districts in Tanzania.
The research, which assessed the understanding and attitudes of
local farmers toward GM crops using disease-resistant cassava as
example, also revealed that the level of awareness and basic
understanding of GM crops by small-scale farmers is very low.
Similarly, it was found that related knowledge level of local
agricultural extension officers and district staff – primary
sources of information of the farmers – was also inadequate.
Most of the farmer-respondents never heard of GM crops before.
Some wondered whether they are new types of crops similar to
hybrids, while others speculated on their look, taste and growth
behaviour. The study identified the lack of related terminology
in Swahili as a barrier to raising awareness on GM crops in
Tanzania, and recommended that authorities first develop related
terms in the local language before launching awareness campaigns
in the country.
Dr Caroline Herron, IITA Virologist involved in the study, said
that "it is important for the scientific community to raise the
awareness level of farmers by providing accurate and objective
information so they can make informed and autonomous decisions
on the potential of GM crops in their agricultural practice."
"The tendency of farmers to focus on short term gains in
productivity should not prevent the potential middle and long
term risks being fully explained to them to allow them to make
clear judgment," she added.
Apart from yield, other important qualities enumerated by the
farmers include growth patterns, pest and disease resistance,
labor requirements and taste. Asked whether they would eat GM
crops, a respondent said (in Bagamoyo), "…because of the way
these crops are made, I would be worried about eating them
unless they (scientists) ate with me. This would assure me that
they are safe."
The farmers indicated that they would only participate in the
farm trials of GM crops if the necessary safety regulations were
in place. The study recommended that any field testing of GM
crops should be conducted in close consultation with relevant
government bodies backed by biosafety legislation.
Tanzania's biosafety framework has recently been approved by the
country's cabinet after a lengthy consultation process. The
country is also a signatory to the CARTAGENA protocol which
outlines the minimum standard of biosafety regulations that must
be adopted by all signatories. |
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