GMO Crops Would Help Africa Improve Agricultural Yields, Alleviate Food Shortages

Describing a recently published Washington Post article that “described the conflict in Tanzania between those who suffer from food shortages caused by drought and pestilence and those who hold deep suspicions about the genetic engineering of crops, which might help grow more food,” a Post editorial states, “The doubters about genetic modifications seem to have the upper hand in Tanzania at the moment, and that is disturbing.” The editorial continues, “Genetically modified crops can increase yields, which lag in Africa behind those of the rest of the world.” The Washington Post adds, “Surely, there is no harm in a vigorous debate about genetically modified food; if people don’t understand it, the benefits will never be realized. But it is a shame to abandon these crops based on irrational fears and suspicions” (10/22).

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