Uganda Business News: Africa does not need genetically for food security
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First published: 20080619 8:15:01 AM EST
Ultimate media
The need to triple or quadruple the domestic food production in African countries does not call for the genetically modified seeds.
A United Nations food expert, Mafa Chipeta says that the African countries withsing to boost food production should be able to fulfill their needs through simple changes to agricultural practices which will cost them less than use of the genetically modified seeds.
Chipeta, a coordinator for the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation, at a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, said that governments would need to reduce fertiliser prices, reduces taxes on farm inputs and modernize the ancient method of food production.
Chipeta says that more investments in irrigation and research in agricultural sectors is needed if African countries are to boost food production.
He also says that the continent must drop its reliance on food imports and learn to feed itself.
Africa imports about $25 billion worth of food and receives about a third of the world's food aid, despite being the most fertile continent.
Chipeta says Africa may have to triple or quadruple domestic food production over two seasons in order to meet the food needs of the continent’s populations
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