EXCERPT: "At least 85 per cent of people in the continent practice small-scale agriculture. This is why it is important to tread cautiously on GMO crops," he said

He praised the Government for ordering the destruction of GM maize under field trial. The MP [Member of Parliament] added that the same policy should be implemented against genetically modified cotton, cassava and sweet potatoes.

"I urge you to explore other practical and sustainable alternatives to increase food production in Africa and, most important, how the increased food can be brought to the table of poor people in Africa."
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MP wary of GM crop trials
Standard Correspondent
Standard (Kenya), September 28 2005
http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=29616

An MP yesterday asked the Government to suspend trials on Genetically Modified (GM) crops, pending development of strong biosafety policies and legal framework.

Mr David Nakitare (Saboti) also said further field trials on genetically engineered crops should be stopped until the technology was proved safe to the environment.

He said many people in Africa would be affected if the technology was found dangerous to man and the environment.

"At least 85 per cent of people in the continent practice small-scale agriculture. This is why it is important to tread cautiously on GMO crops," he said

He praised the Government for ordering the destruction of GM maize under field trial. The MP added that the same policy should be implemented against genetically modified cotton, cassava and sweet potatoes.

Nakitare pointed out that this was necessary because the country did not have bio-safety laws.

He also urged stakeholders, farmers and consumers "to take more interest to understand the issues around GM crops and participate in the debate on genetic engineering of crops."

The MP was speaking at a civil society strategy workshop on GMOs in African Agriculture at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi.

"I urge you to explore other practical and sustainable alternatives to increase food production in Africa and, most important, how the increased food can be brought to the table of poor people in Africa."

The meeting was attended by representatives of over 20 countries in Africa and international organisations.