The role of modern biotechnology in the economic transformation and sustainable development of Africa is the subject of increasing debate and controversy. Recent famines and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa and some African governments' decision to reject offers of genetically modified food have moved the debate from the scientific and environmental arena to the centre of public policy and politics.

Extreme pro-biotechnology groupls catalogue potential benefits of the technology and often dismiss any concerns about potential risks. Extreme anti-biotechnology activists see no evident benefits and link biotechnology with nothing but danger and risks.

The African Policy Dialogues on Biotechnology are designed to enable African countries to make informed choices and establish policies and strategies to respond to developments associated with biotechnology.

Read the full Project Summary.

Read the Statement of Commitments and meeting reports from the second session of the African Policy Dialogues held in Harare, Zimbabwe September 2004.