Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Denying a Continent

Scientist: Western Aid Agencies Keep Africa Poor
Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Western do-gooders are impoverishing Africa by promoting traditional farming at the expense of modern scientific agriculture, according to Britain's former chief scientist.

Anti-science attitudes among aid agencies, poverty campaigners and green activists are denying the continent access to technology that could improve millions of lives, Professor Sir David King said Sept. 8.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Europe and America are turning African countries against sophisticated farming methods, including genetically modified crops, in favor of indigenous and organic approaches that cannot deliver the continent's much needed "green revolution," he believes. Read More

Denying a population the techniques and technology to adequately feed themselves seems selfish at best. It’s easy for some people to be against modern agriculture when their stomachs are full, but it becomes a different story when you are hungry. Modern production techniques will be necessary for Africa to finally get a handle on feeding themselves.

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