Latest Resources
25 September 2024
New Genetic Engineering Technologies in Food and Agriculture in Africa
Over the past few years, the ACB has produced and shared several briefing papers concerning new genetic engineering technologies for food and agriculture. Building on this work, and in light of the major deregulation push globally concerning genome editing, including in several countries in Africa, we have produced two updated factsheets on this dangerous distraction […]
13 May 2024
GMOs: two decades of laying out the facts
Even though first-generation genetically modified (GM) agricultural crops have faced significant setbacks and outright failures over the last two decades, a new push for second-generation GM crops has emerged. Despite the destructive role of industrial agricultural expansion in biodiversity loss and human health, we are seeing a resurgence in its momentum, with false solutions such […]
10 May 2017
New to Genetically Modified (GM)? Fact sheets
Grab these short, easy reading factsheets and share it with your friends.
5 May 2017
Impacts of Seed Laws on farmer managed seed systems
Seed laws often overlook the vital role of farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS), sidelining smallholder farmers and their locally adapted varieties, which don’t meet formal criteria. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the ACB for smallholder farmers in Africa. The materials are available in several languages and cover a range […]
5 May 2017
What are the DUS criteria?
DUS stands for Distinct, Uniform and Stable. The DUS criteria aims to supply industrial-scale commercial farming systems while smallholder farmers plant seed that is not distinct, uniform or stable. This third factsheet gives more information on this system and the potential impact on smallholder farmers. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the […]
5 May 2017
What is quality declared seed?
The quality declared seed (QDS) system is part of the formal seed system and also controls seed quality and purity. The QDS has several benefits, including the system being a good employment opportunity for farmers who produce improved seed. It does, however have drawbacks such as the limited access to basic seed for seed multiplication. […]
5 May 2017
What is a seed law?
Seed laws were developed by governments and industry and are used as instruments to replace and undermine the farmer-managed seed system. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the ACB for smallholder farmers in Africa. The materials are available in several languages and cover a range of topics dealing with […]
5 May 2017
Green Revolution factsheet 8: Soil health and soil fertility
The final factsheet in this series looks at what it means for soil to be healthy. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa Download all the factsheets in a single PDF in the language of your choice: Chichewa | English | Nyanja | […]
5 May 2017
Green Revolution Factsheet 7: Organic fertilisers
The seventh factsheet in this series looks at how organic fertilisers promotes plant growth and improves the health of the soil over time. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa For the final factsheet in the series, click here.
5 May 2017
Green Revolution Factsheet 6: The effects of synthetic fertilisers on nutrition
Synthetic fertilisers may increase yields for farmers but do not enhance the nutritional quality of the food produced. Factsheet 6 looks at the effects of synthetic fertilisers on nutrition. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa To read factsheet 7 click here.