The Political Economy of Food Aid in an Era of Agricultural Biotechnology

Abstract

In 2002 the United States sent significant quantities of food aid, in the form of whole kernel maize, to Southern Africa in response to the looming famine in the drought-stricken region. It soon became apparent that the aid contained genetically modified organisms (GMOs), though the recipients had not been notified prior to the shipments being sent. Many Southern African countries initially refused to accept the genetically modified (GM) food aid, partly as a health precaution, and partly on the grounds that it could contaminate their own crops, thus hurting potential future exports to Europe. A number of the countries eventually accepted the food aid provided it was milled first, but Zambia continued to refuse even the milled maize. The United States argued that it could not supply non-GM food aid, and it refused to pay for the milling. The United States then blamed Europe’s moratorium on imports of GM foods and seed for contributing to hunger in Southern Africa.