Attitudes to GM crops continue to generate tension, even though they
have been grown commercially for over 20 years. Negative sentiment
towards their development limits their adoption in Western countries,
despite there being no evidence of harm to human health. These unfounded
concerns about genetically modified crops have also inhibited uptake in
many countries throughout Africa and Asia, having a major impact on
agricultural productivity and preventing the widespread cultivation of
potentially life-saving crops.
GM Crops and the Global Divide traces the historical importance that
European attitudes to past colonial influences, aid, trade and
educational involvement have had on African leaders and their people.
The detrimental impact that these attitudes have on agricultural
productivity and food security continues to be of growing importance,
especially in light of climate change, drought and the potential rise in
sea levels - the effects of which could be mitigated by the cultivation
of GM and gene-edited crops.
Following on from her previous books Genes for Africa, GM Crops: The
Impact and the Potential, and Food for Africa: The Life and Work of a
Scientist in GM Crops, Jennifer Thomson unravels the reasons behind
these negative attitudes towards GM crop production. By addressing the
detrimental effects that anti-GM opinions have on nutrition security in
developing countries and providing a clear account of the science to
counter these attitudes, she hopes to highlight and ultimately bridge
this global divide.
