Malawi formulates national biotechnology policy
By Rebecca Chimjeka
http://www.gmofoodforthought.com/2006/08/malawi_formulates_national_bio.htm
August 16, 2006
The government of Malawi is in the process of formulating a National Biotechnology Policy that aims to strengthen existing research institutions and improve the country's legal and regulatory framework.
This is to facilitate the safe application of biotechnology and the structured generation of innovation and intellectual property and rights.
"The National Biotechnology Policy would address socio-economic needs and utilisation of the country's natural resources and existing conservation rights," said Patrick Kachimera secretary for science and technology at a stake holders meeting on the National Biotechnology Policy held in the capital.
He also said the meeting would also help to address socio-economic needs and utilisation of the country's natural resources and existing conservation rights and help the country to combat disease and nutritional disorders brought about by genetically modified organism foods and increase agricultural productivity and trade.
He said that it was imperative for Malawi as a developing nation to put much emphasis on biotechnology research and development because it can enhance food security, nutritional status, health and well being, create jobs by stimulating economic growth and supporting environmental sustainability.
Kachimera said while there is little controversy about many aspects of biotechnology and its application, GMOs have the potential to increase productivity in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
"GMOs could lead to higher yields in marginal lands. There are already examples of genetic modification helping to reduce the transmission of human and animal diseases through new vaccines and diagonostic tests.
Rice and maize have been genetically modified to contain pro-vitamin A and Iron which could improve the nutritional status of many in the rurual areas," he said.
He said biotechnology, as with all technologies has risks that fall into two groups namely; the effects on human and animal health and the effects on crops and environment.
On human and animal health risk, he said the policy wants to ensure that caution is exercised to reduce the risk of transfering toxins or of transfering allergenic compounds from one species to another or causing resistance to drugs for treating certain diseases.
As a number of countries continue to produce food from GMO, Malawi has had experience of being supplied with GM maize to address the food shortage in 2001/2002, a situation which created problems since the country had no guidelines on how to handle GMO foods.
Solutions ranged from total denial to milling maize before disribution and prohibiting use of GM maize for seed. However, the latter two solutions were adopted.
