By Dr Allan Liavoga;
As myths and misconceptions demonizing genetically modified (GM) technology keep flying about, Africa is losing ground and sinking deeper into food insecurity, therefore shunning a solution that could change its future. Now more than ever, scientists, who have knowledge of this technology, need to come out to proactively provide true, accurate information so that misinformation and disinformation do not find a footing.
One of the most pressing causes of concern that has caught my interest is the question of GMO maize and if this innovation is a risk to health and to farmers.
Perpetrators of misinformation regarding this reference a 2023 court ruling by the Environment and Land Court, which dismissed a case challenging the release and planting of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya. A similar petition in 2024, challenging the lifting of the ban on GM food imports, was also dismissed. In both cases, the courts found that Kenya has the legal and vibrant regulatory framework under the Biosafety Act of 2009 to manage GM technology responsibly. This includes thorough risk assessments to ensure safety before GM crops are approved for cultivation or used in the food and feed industries.
The very reason the government established the Biosafety Act and created the National Biosafety Authority was to address any potential health and environmental risks – real or perceived – as well as socio-economic implications. More than 70 countries globally either cultivate or trade with GM crops and commodities. While the US remains the highest acreage under GM crops with maize, soybean and cotton recording over 90% adoption rates, many other developing countries including 8 in Africa grow GM or biotech crops. Further, the European Food Safety Authority has approved many GM crops for food, feed and processing.
While most European countries do not grow GM crops, this decision is primarily driven by political and agricultural policies, not concerns about safety. Europe imports significant amounts of GM commodities, including more than 70% of the maize and soybeans, primarily for agro-processing and livestock feed, indicating a strong confidence in their safety.
GM technology has been in use for over 30 years and there is no verifiable evidence that GM foods are harmful. If there was such evidence, regulators and scientists would have identified it by now. According to the World Health Organization, GM crops and their derived foods currently on the international market are safe for human consumption.
It’s important to note that it is not the responsibility of government regulators to prove the safety of GM crops; this duty lies with the developers of the technology. Regulators are responsible for reviewing the data provided by developers to ensure that it meets internationally recognized safety standards. This process follows established protocols to ensure transparency and rigor.
Critics, or the perpetrators of misinformation, refer to studies in international journals that allegedly demonstrate harm caused by GM foods. As far as they are concerned, the most notable of these is a 2012 study by Gilles-Éric Séralini, which was later retracted after being scrutinized by the scientific community. The retraction noted that the study’s conclusions lacked the scientific rigor required for such claims.
Some like to raise socio-economic concerns, highlighting the dominance of a few multinational corporations in the GM seed industry and the potential exploitation of farmers. While it is true that the private sector controls the biotech seed industry, this is largely because the regulatory costs of developing and bringing GM crops to market are extremely high. Organizations like the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) play a key role in facilitating access to GM technology for public research institutions in Africa. This allows local varieties to be developed, benefiting farmers while ensuring they do not incur excessive royalties. Countries like Ghana and Nigeria have benefitted from such initiatives and farmers there are poised to benefit from biotech cowpea and maize respectively.
While it is essential for Kenyans to engage in informed discussions about GM technology, such debates must be based on facts, not fear. The public is already apprehensive due to widespread misinformation. It is vital to approach this issue with a balanced and evidence-based perspective, so as not to exacerbate public concerns unnecessarily.
GM technology, along with other modern breeding techniques, is just one tool among many to address the challenges in agriculture amid rapid climate change challenges. These techniques will not solve all problems but can play a crucial role in developing sustainable and resilient food systems. Addressing food security in Africa requires a multi-pronged approach that improves all aspects of agriculture and food systems, supported by effective policies and adequate investment. Only through such efforts can we hope to create a future where Africa can feed itself and its growing population.
Dr Allan Liavoga
Researcher, Food and Agriculture and contributing expert, Africa Science Dialogue