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Recently here has been much discussion in the national and regional press about Genetically Modified Organisms (‘GMOs’) and Biosafety.  Last month in South Africa a high profile court case debated the right of the general public to access information about GMO agriculture, and the ethical debate about genetically modified food aid rages in Angola and Zambia.  But what is the situation in Swaziland?

Over the next few weeks we shall debate some of the key issues with GMOs and agriculture in this column.  But firstly, what exactly is a GMO, and how are they produced?  A GMO is defined as:

1. An organism that has been modified by gene technology; or,
2. An organism that has inherited particular traits from a genetically modified organism.

What exactly does genetic modification or ‘engineering’ entail?
Every living thing has what is known as DNA that defines its structure.  DNA consists of genes.  Genetic engineering involves the artificial manipulation of an organism’s DNA structure by way of introduction of a gene with desired traits (or removal of a gene which is undesirable).  This goes further than has ever been possible through traditional breeding between animal or plant species.

Traditionally, a plant breeder tries to exchange genes between two plants to produce offspring that have desired traits.  This is done by transferring the male organ (pollen) of one plant to the female organ of another.  The resulting improved variety is known as a ‘hybrid’.  Traditional cross breeding is limited to exchanges between the same or very closely related species, for example maize varieties have been cross-bred to produce quick maturing hybrids with high yields.  However, it can take a long time to achieve desired results and frequently, characteristics of interest do not exist in any related species.

GM technology enables plant breeders to bring together in one plant useful genes from the entire range of living sources, not just from within the crop species or from closely related plant species.  For example, a vitamin A gene has been introduced into one variety of rice, in an attempt to provide users with a more balanced diet.  This powerful tool expands the possibilities beyond the limits imposed by conventional breeding, allowing scientists to generate varieties faster than they have been doing for years.

But is this a good thing, and who benefits from this technology?  Over the next few weeks we will be discussing food security, intellectual property rights and consumer rights, and the impact genetic engineering has on these issues.

Yonge Nawe would like to remind readers of this column that the organisation has recently moved offices.  The offices are now situated on JSM Matsebula Street.  Please drop by if you are in the area and would like to see our new offices!

To reach our new offices, go up Gilfillan (Somhlolo) Street past the Royal Swaziland Insurance Building and turn right at the sign for All Saints.  Drive down Muir (Madlenya) Street and turn left into JSM Matsebula Street: Yonge Nawe is the 2nd plot on the left-hand side.  Our phone numbers, e-mails and PO Box number remain unchanged.

Watch this column for more articles on environment and sustainable development in Swaziland. 

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