Africa's opportunity

'The African continent, more than any other, urgently needs agricultural biotechnology, including transgenic crops, to improve food production. African countries need to think and operate as stakeholders, rather than accepting the 'victim mentality' created in Europe. Africa has the local germplasm, the indigenous knowledge, local field ecosystems for product development, capacities and infrastructure required by foreign multinational companies. Africa's crop production per unit area of land is the lowest in the world. The production of sweet potato, a staple crop, is 6 tonnes per hectare. There is the potential to double African production if viral diseases are controlled using transgenic technology.' Florence Wambugu, Director, ISAAA'The African continent, more than any other, urgently needs agricultural biotechnology, including transgenic crops, to improve food production. African countries need to think and operate as stakeholders, rather than accepting the victim..