Recipient of the World Food Prize in 2004 for his success in creating the New Rice for Africa (NERICA), Sierra Leonean scientist Monty Jones spoke to The Africa Report about the role of science in agricultural development.
The Africa Report: NERICA is not a genetically-modified (GM) crop, but is it necessary to have GM as an option in Africa?
Monty Jones: I do not believe that you should see people dying of hunger for a problem that could be solved if you go through genetic engineering. If you can increase the level of resistance or tolerance to a particular stress, and that can only be done through genetic engineering, I feel that we should allow our people to live and use that methodology to solve the problem. But I respect the freedom of people to choose whatever they want to eat. I think that all of us should come together and carry out surveys that will look at the potential benefit of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and the potential risks, if there are any risks at all. Let’s monitor those over a period of time and let’s be open and frank with everybody. Some people are taking advantage of the fact that people don’t understand [the science behind GM crops].
Will China bring GM to Africa on a big scale?
I think that Africa should be able to get whatever material that does well in Africa from anywhere in the world. If the best material is coming from China, why shouldn’t Africa take advantage of that? And mark my word, I said the best. If China is coming up with 30 GMOs, they need to be tested to make sure that they are adapted, to make sure they would give the same potential yield as in China before they can be adopted for cultivation in Africa.
Public and private research money is largely targeted at three crops. Is there a need to target other crops?
I see the value or the rationale for going for maize, rice and wheat. These are the three top crops that are cultivated and consumed worldwide. But in some countries there are other crops which are equally very important. Sorghum is very important for West Africa. Millet is very important for West Africa, particularly in the Sahel. Cassava also is very important. This is where I believe we need to strengthen the capacity of our regional and national bodies.
60% of research in the developed world comes from the private sector, but in Africa it’s 2%. Private-sector investment is very critical for Africa. Public- and private-sector collaboration should also be enhanced.
The Africa Report; TheAfricaReport.com. All rights reserved.
