Plant biotechnologists at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute are in the early stages of developing genetically modified cassava. However, one of Africa’s two largest cassava producers Nigeria –followed by DR Congo- is the major centre of focus with its GM cassava project. The ambitious attempt to bioengineer cassava into a “complete meal” took a step forward with the approval of field trials by Nigeria’s National Biosafety Committee. This is amidst exaggerated fear and propaganda by 31 anti-biotech groups who are against using the 21st century science to improve what is considered an indigenous root crop despite its origins from South America.
The amount of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in genetically modified cassava is 30 times higher than in the unmodified and it is hoped that it will ultimately contain increased levels of....

Source: ScienceAfrica April-May2009