The event dubbed ‘Table for Twenty’ – in celebration of 20 years of biotech crops commercialization – will feature a presentation on the global status of commercialized biotech/GM crops: 2015, followed by moderated discussions. The presentation will highlight countries that are growing biotech crops, the key principal biotech crops, hectarage, and benefits that countries commercializing the crops have enjoyed in the last 20 years. The changing trend in agricultural research and development, unique challenges of African agriculture and their devastating effects to the continents livelihoods will be highlighted. After the presentations, participants will discuss in three groups and provide responses to the following questions:
- Why has Kenya missed the opportunity to benefit from the technology 20 years down the lane?
- What is the best approach to address the challenges that hinder Kenya from commercializing biotech crops?
- How can Kenya reposition herself to develop and acquire new technologies that will address her unique agricultural challenges?
The outcomes of this discussion will assist in benchmarking and charting a way forward for biotech/GM crops in Kenya. This is expected to inspire the country towards acceptance, adoption and utilization of biotech/GM crops for economic prosperity