Biotechnology benefits will be experienced in Africa through a participatory
approach, according to Belinda Clarke of Norwich Research Park Science, UK.
In her article published at the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology, she
explained that such approach involves consultation and involvement from all
stakeholders. This will eventually lead to more focused and community-driven
solutions to problems.

"The participatory approach also presents new challenges in terms of
changing the mind-sets of researchers, requiring them to consider all
stakeholders as valid participants in the programme. The researcher becomes
more of a facilitator, empowering the whole community (particularly its most
marginalized members) to take ownership of the project," Clarke explains.

Clarke presented case studies from Africa where organizations such as
Biotechnology Trust Africa and ISAAA AfriCenter applied participatory
approach in addressing agricultural constraints. The case studies showed
that carefully planned and properly supported participatory programmes can
be instrumental in adoption of new technologies such as biotechnology in
developing countries.

[commercialbiotechnology.com]