GMO governance in Africa
This paper examines issues of legitimation and harmonisation of biosafety systems in GMO governance in Africa. It draws on case studies from emerging regulatory systems in Ethiopia and South Africa, which offer contrasting examples that evolved under different historical and socio-economic conditions.
The study focuses on the process of how GMO rules and institutions are constituted and legitimised in Africa and the extent to which GMO governing bodies accommodate contested views and produce integrated solutions. The author refers to empirical research on GMO governance, as well drawing on 36 interviews conducted in 2005 with important actors in the GMO sector at the pan-African level.
The research suggests that, in the countries studied and at pan-Africa level, the emerging biosafety systems are perceived as having failed to find a way through the competing views and concerns over GMOs.
Key conclusions include:
- legitimation and socioeconomic needs and interests need to be prioritised in the GMO debate
- the process of GMO governance needs to be inclusive of major actors, representing different preferences, viewpoints and social, professional and sectoral interests
- convergence depends on compatibility of systems and overcoming major disparities between economies
- Authors: S. Ayele
- Updated on: April 25, 2008 EthiopiaSouth Africa, Africa South of Sahara, Africa South of Sahara,
