The Crop Conumdrum

Controversy arose in August 2002 over the arrival on the shores of Southern Africa of a consignment of food aid from the United States that contained genetically modified maize. One African country after another rejected the shipment, citing a variety of concerns. This led to dispute between certain donor agencies and several Southern African governments over the safety of genetically modified food. This study analyses the conundrum facing southern African countries over whether they should accept genetically modified food crops as a component of food aid. It sketches the evolution of the debate that has been dominated by the global, scientific and development media, giving an in-country perspective. It defines the stakeholders and their roles, and details the experiences of Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Finally, it considers possible policy interventions, and the policy frameworks required at national and regional levels.