Reading: GM Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa

A reading by John Agaba, Alliance for Science, Cornell University, that describes the importance of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, in the face of climate change. This reading includes several examples of genetically modified crops and why they are favoured by farmers in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Students will learn about genetically modified crops and some arguments surrounding their utilization. They will further understand how genetically modified crops could possibly bolster food security in several Sub-Saharan African countries that are dealing with failed crops due to climate change.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

1. Briefly describe Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). 
2. Why do farmers prefer to plant hybrid or genetically modified crops? List some of the examples.
3. Discuss the arguments surrounding GM crop utilization in Africa.

About the tool

Tool Name	African farmers want GMO seeds to help weather climate change
Discipline	Biological Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline	Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), GMO Crops
Climate Topic	Climate and Agriculture; Climate and the Biosphere; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Type of tool	Reading
Grade Level	High School
Location	Global, Africa
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	John Agaba
Hosted at	Alliance for Science, Cornell University
Link	Link
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic