The Ethics of Introducing GMOs into sub‐ S aharan A frica: Considerations from the sub‐ S aharan A frican Theory of U buntu

A growing number of countries in sub‐ S aharan A frica are considering legalizing the growth of genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ). Furthermore, several projects are underway to develop transgenic crops tailored to the region. Given the contentious nature of GMOs and prevalent anti‐ GMO sentiments in A frica, a robust ethical analysis examining the concerns arising from the development, adoption, and regulation of GMOs in sub‐ S aharan A frica is warranted. To date, ethical analyses of GMOs in the global context have drawn predominantly on Western philosophy, dealing with A frica primarily on a material level. Yet, a growing number of scholars are articulating and engaging with ethical theories that draw upon sub‐ S aharan A frican value systems. One such theory, U buntu, is a well‐studied sub‐ S aharan A frican communitarian morality. I propose that a robust ethical analysis of A frica's agricultural future necessitates engaging with A frican moral theory. I articulate how U buntu may lead to a novel and constructive understanding of the ethical considerations for introducing GMOs into sub‐ S aharan A frica. However, rather than reaching a definitive prescription, which would require significant engagement with local communities, I consider some of U buntu's broader implications for conceptualizing risk and engaging with local communities when evaluating GMOs . I conclude by reflecting on the implications of using local moral theory in bioethics by considering how one might negotiate between universalism and particularism in the global context. Rather than advocating for a form of ethical relativism, I suggest that local moral theories shed light on salient ethical considerations that are otherwise overlooked.