The GMO Debate
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms altered to have genes with a desired trait, on the other hand, a GM crop is a plant whose DNA has been genetically modified and used in agriculture. GM crops have the potential to provide various benefits to agriculture, such as;
- Increased crop yields: GM crops are engineered to resist pests and diseases, which can lead to higher yields and greater food security.
- Reduce use of pesticides and herbicides: GM crops have been engineered to resist pests and diseases, which can reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides, leading to fewer harmful chemicals entering the environment.
- Enhance nutritional value: GM crops can be engineered to have higher levels of certain nutrients, which can help to address malnutrition in some populations.
However, the effects of GM crops have been a subject of debate and controversy for several years. In Kenya, there are concerns that GM crops are controlled by multinational corporations and this could lead to negative impacts on small-scale farmers. Some opponents argue Kenya is home to a variety of ecosystems, including forests, oceans, grasslands, and savannas with a wide range of animal species which GM crops could harm their biodiversity by;
- Loss of biodiversity: The introduction of GMO crops can lead to the displacement of native plant species, reducing the diversity of plant life in an ecosystem.
- Increased resistance to herbicides: Some GMO crops have been engineered to resist herbicides, which can lead to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. This can reduce biodiversity and increase the use of more harmful chemicals.
- Gene flow: GMO crops can crossbreed with wild relatives, potentially leading to the spread of GMO traits to wild populations. This can have unpredictable effects on biodiversity.
But perhaps the most annoying part of the GMO debate is that the conversation is confusing and sensational and those major GMO producers are hard to trust. In the debate over biotech crops, differentiating facts from fiction is not easy. The debate has been confused by the influence of the rigid absolutist views (both supportive of and opposed to GM crops).- IFPRI.
The Kenyan government has been supportive of GMOs and has established a legal and regulatory framework for their use. The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is responsible for regulating the importation, development, and release of GMOs in Kenya. The NBA ensures that GMOs are safe for human consumption and the environment before they are released into the market. Kenya has also conducted trials of GMO maize, cotton, cassava, and sweet potatoes. These crops are developed to be more resistant to pests and diseases and more tolerant to drought and other environmental stresses, essential tools to achieving the SDGs. However, the introduction of GM crops in Kenya is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While GM crops have the potential to improve crop yields, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides, and improve the nutritional content of crops, they can also have adverse effects on the country’s biodiversity. As such, any decision to introduce GM crops in Kenya must take into account the potential benefits and consequences and be based on sound scientific evidence.