GMOs could help end hunger in Africa: Gates

Jan 29, 2016

Microsoft co-founder spoke at the World Economic Forum

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Bill Gates continues to build his case for GMOs.

Speaking with the Wall Street Journal at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 25, Bill and Melinda Gates showed support for GMO technology and its potential impacts in some of the world’s most impoverished areas.

“There’s fantastic technology going on for pest-resistant seeds, for drought-resistant seeds (and) flood-resistant seeds as the rains come at different times,” Mrs. Gates said during the interview.

Mrs. Gates said that as farmers in Africa see neighbors using those products and their results, others may be inclined to use them. She said higher yields provide people with more to eat and more that can be sold on local markets to help the economy.

Mr. Gates said the technology involved with GMOs can not only help farmers produce more as they battle climate change, but can also help the community be healthier.

“I think for Africa this is going to make a huge difference particularly as they face climate change,” he said. It reduces the amount of pesticide you need, raises productivity (and) can help with malnutrition by getting vitamin fortification.”

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