2004-6-28
This is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English Agriculture
Report.
For three days last week, West African leaders and government
ministers met in Burkina Faso to discuss agricultural technology.
Members of the Economic Community of West African States came to
Ouagadougou, the capital, to discuss several issues. But the main
subject was genetically engineered crops.
Some leaders said they support the idea in general. They want
proof that such crops are safe for people and the environment.
The president of Mali, Amadou Toumani, told the conference that
progress requires new technology. But he said the leaders must be
careful, because they also have a duty to their people to keep food
safe.
The government of Burkina Faso and the American State Department
organized the Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology.
Burkina Faso is one of the poorest nations in West Africa.
Last year, it also became the first West African nation to begin
testing genetically engineered crops. The American company Monsanto
planted cotton designed to protect against insects. Cotton is
Burkina Faso's main export crop.
The president of Niger, Mamadou Tandja, expressed interest in the
possibilities of genetically engineered crops. But he said he wants
Africans to have the finances and training needed to use such
products.
President Tandja said he hopes that Niger can restart its cotton
industry with genetically engineered cotton. He said his country may
cooperate with Burkina Faso.
The president of Ghana, John Kufuor, said Africa is losing its
fertile land because of traditional farming methods and
overproduction. He too expressed support for biotechnology.
The president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, said testing such
crops is like testing new medicines. Mister Compaore said safety is
always a concern. But he says it is important for Africa to use new
technology that meets the needs of its people.
Some non-governmental organizations, however, say genetically
engineered crops are not the answer to food shortages in Africa.
They say transportation and water projects would be more useful.
They also say that such crops could force African farmers to
depend on big companies for seed. Some groups are even calling for a
five-year ban on genetically engineered crops in Africa.
This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was written by Mario
Ritter. This is Steve Ember.