Bio-hegemony vs. Bio-justice: Social movements and the Fight Against Agricultural Biotechnology In Africa

Agricultural biotechnology is one of the most polarizing issues in African agricultural development. Over the past twenty years, hundreds of millions of dollars have been directed to deploying new agricultural biotechnologies as tools that can enhance yields and livelihoods for poor farmers as part of a uniquely African Green Revolution. Proponents trumpet biotech’s capacity to alleviate poverty and hunger. Detractors see it as a multifaceted threat to local ecologies and local autonomy.

This talk examines the paths of resistance that have been forged to oppose the entry of agricultural biotechnology into Africa. Uncovering the trajectory of multi-directional knowledge sharing, strategic alliances, and coordinated campaigns reveals the existence of a uniquely African resistance, one that blends external funds and support but mobilizes these in ways that synch with the particular circumstances of their respective domestic landscapes.

Matthew Schnurr is Associate Professor in the Department of International Development Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He received his PhD from the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia in 2008. His research interests lie primarily in agricultural development, environmental justice and farmer decision-making. His new book entitled Africa’s Gene Revolution: Genetically Modified Crops and the Future of African Agriculture will be published by McGill-Queen’s University Press in 2019.

Dr. Schnurr will also be giving a talk on November 12 from 12:30-2 pm as part of the IRES Seminar Series, 2202 Main Mall, UBC. Details to follow.