Taking genetic engineering from labs to African farms

"It is important to note that land is not expanding and we need to involve science to produce efficiently for our people's food security and to increase their incomes," he told the over 200 participants from Africa and other parts of the world meeting here.

"We need to put in place varieties that are resistant to diseases, drought and also give higher yields to address the challenges of poverty in our communities," he added.

African governments have been moving cautiously on whether to adopt genetic engineering and if so, how to do it, either using its scientists or those in developed countries. The continent now faces a daunting task of feeding millions of people who are starving.

Some countries like South Africa, Egypt and Burkina Faso have started commercial use of GMs while others like Uganda are carrying out field trials and some like Zambia have vehemently refused to embrace biotechnology.

Anti-GM lobbyists and advocates of organic agriculture continue to raise concern over the impact of biotechnology on people's health, the environment and its implications on food security.

Moses Kiggundu, the chief executive officer of the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda says that while organic agriculture is friendly with some biotechnology applications like tissue culture and grafting, it is not agreeable with genetic engineering.

"Transferring animal genes to crop or vice versa is not acceptable in organic agriculture. Once that transgenic transfer is made, it is permanent. If the results are negative, you will have to leave with them," he said at the meeting in Kampala.

Rwamirama said Uganda will take a two-pronged approach, organic agriculture to take advantage of the lucrative European markets and GM crops to boost food production.

According to Daniel Otunge of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) based in Kenya, the fear of the unknown is the major cause of debate.

He advises African governments not to just dismiss genetic engineering but engage their scientists to research on GM technology and give advice based on scientific research and not on opinions.

Charles Mugoya, the Regional Coordinator East and Central Africa Biotech and Biosafety Program says that GM seeds go through a rigorous testing system before they are rolled out to the market.

"Scientists mean well, along the way they want to ensure production as well as safety," he said.

Margaret Karembu, director of ISAAA said that the debate should not be whether to adopt biotechnology, but how to adopt it.

She said African countries need to discuss issues of biosafety and intellectual property rights, which are the main points of contention.

"Managing the opportunities and risks posed by GM crops, including trade related challenges, requires countries to have a well-functioning, efficient, and responsible biosafety system," she said.

She urged countries to emulate Kenya, Mali and Togo which have enacted national biosafety legislation.

The participants will share experiences on the potential benefits and challenges of producing GM crops in Africa.