Biotechnology in Organic Agriculture in Africa: Myth or Oversight?
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Date
2009
Authors
Ssekyewa, Charles
Muwanga M. Kiggundu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journals Online
Abstract
Biotechnology refers to scienti fi c methods and practi ces that are based on biological systems or
components. Its applicati ons vary from simple system to amino acids (i.e. DNA and RNA) based
applicati ons and are relevant to many stages of commodity value chains. Whereas the simple
applicati ons are well understood, contemporary advancements into these applicati ons have gone
to deeper levels of innovati on, dealing with cells, chromosomes, nucleoti des and genes. Since these
determine the cellular functi ons that infl uence behaviour and inheritance, any biotechnological
method applied at this level is very sensiti ve, because it might result into undesirable alterati ons in
the traits and behaviour of organisms. Notwithstanding its likely contributi ons, therefore, this level
of innovati on raises scepti cism against biotechnology among the organic agriculture community
in Africa. Thus, this paper examines the applicability of these innovati ons in the development of
organic agriculture on the conti nent.
Description
Keywords
Attitude, Indigenous knowledge, Technology adoption, Genetics