The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA- AfriCentre) contracted ESF Consultants to undertake Strategic Environmental Assessment for tissue-cultured banana covering 5 districts in Kenya where pilot projects were being undertaken. The project aimed at benefiting Small-scale banana farmers in Kenya initially covered nine districts of the country.
The key focus of the study was to assess the impact of the technology on different agro-ecological environments, impact on food security and sustainability. In addition, the study examined capacities, phyto-sanitary regulations and Biosafety procedures within the various laboratories undertaking in-vitro propagation. The project was funded by International Development Research Council [IDRC], Canada and International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in partnership with the Rockefeller foundation (RF).The key focus of the study by ESF Consultants was to assess the impact of tissue cultured banana cultivars biotechnology on different agro-ecological environments, biological diversity, impact on food security and sustainability. In addition, the study examined capacities, phyto-sanitary regulations and Biosafety procedures within the various laboratories undertaking in-vitro propagation.
The study analysed the impact of the programme on national and international regulations including Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, Convention on Biological Diversity and Cartegena Protocol on biosafety.
