SciDev.Net

G8 leaders must encourage cooperation in biotechnology to address Africa's food shortages, writes Calestous Juma.

Africa needs a Green Revolution, including local research into genetically engineered crops for small farmers, says Robert Paarlberg.

Small farmers could beat increasing prices in food and fertiliser by producing more of their own crops at lower cost, argues William Dar.

The UN is inhibiting innovation through over-regulation of new biotechnologies, argues Henry I. Miller.

Monsanto and Syngenta should not have walked out of an international agricultural assessment, say Nature.

Biofuel production offers a lifeline to sugar-producing countries hit by the European Union's 2006 sugar reforms, argues Maureen Wilson.

Africa must be free to explore the potential of agricultural biotechnology without undue European influence, says Jennifer Thomson.

Africa must not let multinational corporations and international donors dictate its biotechnology agenda, says David Fig.

Africa needs harmonised biosafety policies that respect sovereignty and pool resources, says David Wafula.

With the right investment, Africa could get real benefits from growing the latest GM crops, says Idah Sithole-Niang.

Kenya needs public support to force its hand on the benefits and risks of growing genetically modified crops, argues Patricia Kameri-Mbote.

Emile Frison says the future of sustainable agriculture depends on countries agreeing on how to share genetic resources.

Tewolde Egziabher and other SciDev.Net readers join the debate on the relevance of the UN biodiversity convention's Cartagena Protocol on genetically modified organisms.

Arnoldo Ventura argues that the international debate over the potential risks that GM crops pose to biodiversity is wasteful and unnecessary.

Marta Valdez argues that the World Trade Organisation ruling that Europe broke trade rules by banning imports will help eliminate policies based on unsound science.

Kazhila Chinsembu says Africa risks being 'enslaved' by technology it doesn't own and urges African nations to regain control over their biological resources and indigenous knowledge.