| Kenya has begun a countdown to commercializing | | | | will help in the short run. But long-term measures |
| genetically modified maize(corn). Scientists at the | | | | need to be explored.The development of seeds with |
| Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), | | | | tolerance to drought and low soil fertility through |
| International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre | | | | modern biotechnology could benefit Niger and other |
| (CIMMYT) and Insect Resistant Maize for Africa | | | | countries in similar situations.Maize varieties with |
| (IRMA) have already developed a new maize seed, | | | | improved nutritional content will be a boon to |
| resistant to the stem borer. Stem borer destroys | | | | malnourished children who strand the African |
| 400,000 tonnes of Maize in Kenya, alone. In | | | | continent.It is worth noting that the development of |
| Sub-Saharan Africa, chronic cases of stem borer | | | | maize seed resistant to pests such as stem borer |
| infestation account for 10-70 per cent of yield losses. | | | | not only heralds a new chapter in Kenya but Africa |
| This has had devastating effects on Africa's efforts | | | | as a whole. Other African countries should now |
| to feed its ever soaring population. Maize is the | | | | borrow a leaf from these two countries. They should |
| primary staple food and an occasional cash crop in | | | | swim by the waves rest they continue to be |
| many parts of Africa.The first case of stem borer | | | | perpetual beneficiaries of relief food.Kenyan scientists |
| was discovered in Malawi in 1932. Since then, a raft | | | | have demonstrated determination to seek |
| of methods, pointedly, biological control, habitat | | | | homegrown solutions to Africa's food problems. It |
| management and use of natural pesticides, have | | | | would be interesting to hear the views of critics of |
| been used to deal with the stem borer menace. | | | | modern biotechnology about this latest |
| Unfortunately, very little has been achieved. Bounty | | | | development.In the past, they have accused rich |
| yields, a common occurrence in countries such as US, | | | | countries of foisting novel technologies such as |
| Canada, Argentina, India and China, which have | | | | biotechnology on "hapless" Africa, in total disregard of |
| embraced biotechnology, have not been forthcoming. | | | | their environmental impact or health complications |
| For instance, Niger, one of the poorest countries in | | | | associated with consumption of genetically modified |
| Africa is currently facing acute food shortage due to | | | | food.The jury is now out. To quote Dr Stephen |
| crop failure and drought. About 3.6 million people are | | | | Mugo, a plant breeder with CIMMYT, "The converted |
| on the verge of death due to hunger. Horrifying is | | | | seeds have been studied, multiplied and tested in |
| news that 800,000 children are chronically | | | | laboratories and greenhouse conditions."James Wachai |
| malnourished.Niger is a semi-desert country where | | | | is a communication specialist who uses his expertise |
| lack of rain can result to massive crop failures. This | | | | to increase public understanding of science and |
| situation and others in Africa can be avoided. Dishing | | | | technology, specifically biotechnology. |
| emergency food aid, as is happening at the moment, | | | | |