Take biotechnology to the grassroots

The third step is to engage relevant groups in making decisions and setting priorities. This ensures that the technology addresses a pressing local need rather than a universal one.

In Africa, for example, significant proportions of small-scale (food crop) farmers want to use self-pollinating seeds and have the local capacity to produce them, so they may not want, or need, a terminator seed.

Indeed, African farmers are concerned about the loss of traditional ways of cultivating and an over-reliance on the seed industry.

In setting biotechnology research and development agendas in Africa, some overarching questions must be answered.

To what extent is the public knowledgeable or even aware of biotechnological issues? Is the public informed about infrastructure development and the workforce’s readiness to ensure standards?

Answering such questions may involve debate with stakeholders through education and communication strategies such as public-awareness campaigns, community talks, and radio or television programmes.

This will ensure informed debate, better manage perceptions, and help build public confidence in the regulatory systems.

Establish norms
Researchers and decision-makers must establish the norms, values and cultural and religious beliefs that influence public acceptance of biotechnology.
Policymakers must also consider the socioeconomic implications of accepting biotechnological products.

The bottom line is that anyone developing biotechnologies must respond effectively to the intended users’ needs and aspirations, and better manage the perceived risks or threats associated with accepting biotechnology.

To do this, biotech agendas must consider the socio-cultural realities in Africa.

Quaye is a researcher at the Food Research Institute, Ghana.