Africa should follow the example of countries like China that are making policy adjustments to increase agricultural production, according to the agricultural business chamber Agbiz.
China has approved 12 genetically modified (GM) soybeans, corn, cotton, and five other genetically edited crops to increase yields, reduce import dependency, and ensure food security.
“African governments need to review their regulatory standards and adopt technology to help solve the problem of low agricultural productivity and poverty,” says Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz. They must decide whether to fight poverty or continue to plunge millions into famine.”
He says improved seed breeding and increased agricultural productivity should be priorities in Africa. “However, these are not the only issues that need attention. Governments must also address land management, inadequate infrastructure, limiting government intervention in trade and commodity prices, large-scale farming, easier access to financing and building stronger producer organisations.”
He emphasises seed breeding because Africa struggles with low agricultural productivity. Recent harvest increases were mainly due to the expansion of planted areas rather than improved yields.
According to Reuters news agency, China’s acceptance of higher-yielding GM corn and soybeans aims to increase domestic production and reduce imports.
Sihlobo says China isn’t opposed to GM crops. The country has been importing GM corn and soybeans for a long time. “Looking at maize: The approval of GM seeds would further increase local yields, which are already at an impressive level because of fertiliser and favourable environmental conditions.”
China’s maize yields are comparable to South Africa, America, and Brazil, which have used GM seeds for years. GM seeds will increase yields in China with additional benefits, such as lower pesticide use and more environmentally friendly cultivation practices.
Less dependent on imports
Sihlobo points out that China will require a massive effort to reduce its dependency on grain and oilseed imports. Currently, China is responsible for roughly 11% of the world’s maize and 62% of the world’s soybean imports.
“An improvement in its domestic production would reduce imports, which could exert downward pressure on international prices. South Africa must monitor these developments closely. An increase in production of maize elsewhere in the world means greater competition and could contribute to lower prices for South Africa as a net exporter.”
Some of South Africa’s most important markets – South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam – are all within China’s reach.
He says African countries that still refuse to plant or import GM crops should pay close attention to these developments and learn from countries increasing their production. African countries struggling to meet their food needs must embrace science and consider new technology and better seeds.
