In this edition of the Week in Review, B4FA Media Mentor/journalist Sharon Schmickle investigates the current GM debate in Tanzania. Schmickle’s article is complemented by the recent work of B4FA Media Fellows in Tanzania, who report on banana bacterial wilt, increases in biotech funding, a ‘brown’ revolution and whether hybrid seeds help or hurt African farmers.

Please find many other fascinating articles from B4FA’s Media Fellows in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda below, as well as news from other sources.

Congratulations to B4FA Media Fellow Paschal B. Bagonza (Uganda) who was recently recognised as “Best radio journalist in Uganda in covering Population and Development issues.” This recognition is awarded by UNFPA and Uganda Population Secretariat.

If you have any questions/comments about our ‘Week in Review’ or would like to share articles, please contact Molly Hurley-Depret at [email protected].

Biosciences and Plant Genetics

Tanzania becomes latest battleground for GM food supporters and opponents
The Guardian (UK) / Washington Post, by B4FA Mentor Sharon Schmickle

Kaua’i anti-GMO ‘Witch Trials’ continue, as Mayor faces death threats for bill veto
UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization study investigates impacts of biotech in Africa
Genetic Literacy Project

GMOs aren’t the problem. Our industrial food system is.
The Guardian (UK)

Science advances providing a boost for plant breeding
Farmers Guardian

Ghana

Africa ‘must act to meet future food demand’

Researchers discuss roadmap for cassava
Sweet potato Vitamin A, solution to malnutrition In Ghana
Spy Ghana, by B4FA Media Fellow Samuel Hinneh

Opinion: Mahama Asked To Reject GMO Seeds Bill
Spy Ghana

Farmers introduced to new rice varieties
GNA

Nigeria

Nigeria: AfDB approves $152.50m for Agricultural Transformation Agenda
The Nation Online

Tanzania

To achieve food security, Africa needs a ‘brown’ revolution
Are hybrid seeds a menace to African farmers?
The Guardian, by B4FA Media Fellow Daniel Semberya

Scientists in East Africa announce bacteria wilt resistant banana variety in Kampala
EAC governments urged to increase biotech funding
The Guardian, by B4FA Media Fellow Yakobe Chiwambo

New varieties of apples & employment for urban youth (in Swahili; translate with Google Translate)
SABA 24, by B4FA Media Fellow Lydia Mapunda

Analysis: The poisoned chalice of Tanzania’s land deals
IRIN

Uganda

AUDIO: Biotechnologies would boost banana growing in Uganda
UBC, by B4FA Media Fellow Sarah Mawerere

Uganda: Seedlings Raise Hopes in War Against Banana Wilt
The Observer