African Applied Freshwater Ecology (Fisheries/Aquatic/Environmental) | 25 June 2012
Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Perspectives and Policy Dynamics in Morocco
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Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops have been a subject of intense debate in Africa, with Morocco serving as a notable example due to its significant agricultural sector and regulatory landscape. The review employs a systematic approach to identify, evaluate, and summarize relevant studies and documents from various sources including academic journals, government reports, and grey literature. The analysis is guided by predefined inclusion criteria focusing on agricultural practices, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder interactions, and public opinion. The findings indicate that while there is a growing body of research on GM crops in Morocco, the majority of studies focus on biotechnology companies' perspectives rather than broader societal impacts. Stakeholders, including farmers, NGOs, and government officials, exhibit varying levels of engagement with or opposition to GM crop technologies. The review highlights the need for more comprehensive policy frameworks that consider both economic benefits and potential social implications of GM crops in Morocco. This scoping review recommends an integrated approach involving multi-stakeholder dialogues, public education campaigns, and transparent regulatory processes to foster a balanced understanding of GM crops' role in Moroccan agriculture. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.