Genetically-modified (GM) crops have become a major health concern in the West, especially in Western Europe. Popularly labeled “Frankenstein foods,” for a great many West Europeans they epitomize everything that is wrong with a world dominated by a global economy and powerful multinationals. But in Africa, the world's poorest continent, GM foods are viewed very differently.

Faced with rising poverty, an increasing population and arid soil conditions, Africans are interested in the possibilities that GM crops have to offer. With genetically engineered characteristics such as salt or drought tolerance, disease resistance, higher yields or increased nutrition, many Africans believe the benefits of GM crops outweigh the risks. Earth Report investigates whether biotechnology offers hope for a better harvest in Africa.

Faced with the “dramatic increase” in the range and scale of GM crops, especially in developing countries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization called for comprehensive multi-sector monitoring of both the benefits and potential hazards of such cultivation to the environment in January 2005.

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For more information and to inquire about purchasing the film, please visit the Earth Report site.

Visit Frontline/Nova's website to read Harvest of Fear, a comprehensive look at the debate over genetically modified crops.