African agricultural scientists have assured the public that approved genetically modified (GMO) foods are safe and offer a huge potential in addressing Africa’s food challenges. The scientists urged African States to embrace modern biotechnology saying thousands of scientific studies show that GMO foods and crops do not pose any risks to people, animals or the environment.
Speaking under the auspices of the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), the experts asserted that GM crops have a history of safe use. “GM crops have been grown commercially since 1996 and are proven to be a highly successful farm tool delivering production, environmental and safety benefits. Foods from biotech crops have also been eaten for twenty-five years with no verified health problems being reported,” they said in a joint statement read by NASA President Prof. Nobert Hounkonnou.
Affirming on nutritional benefits of GMO foods, the scientists stated that biotech crops on the market today have the same nutrition and composition as non-biotech crops. “Food from GMOs is digested in the body the same as food from non-GM crops. For example, GM maize is nutritionally the same and digested the same as non-GM varieties,” they observed.
The scientists also sought to dispel any doubts on Africa’s capacity to regulate GMO research and products. “Many African countries have in place competent national biosafety agencies that carry due diligence in assessing safety of GM products. Kenya, and a number of other African countries, are signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and parties to the Cartagena Protocol,” they explained.
The sentiments come as a strong statement of confidence on the technology amid polarized debate around GMOs in Kenya following the lifting of a decade-long ban on importation and use of genetically modified foods in the country.
The experts were speaking at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA2022) held from 28th-30th November 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting brought together more than 90 experts from 25 national science academies to discuss and draw recommendations on how the continent can strengthen her capacity for sustainable agriculture and food systems.
One key resolution from the meeting was a call for African States to build a more facilitative policy environment for adoption of biotech crops and count on modern agricultural biotechnology as a viable contributor to food security, sustainability, and climate change solutions.
ISAAA AfriCenter supported the meeting under the Africa Science Dialogue, the Center’s new initiative that provides an inclusive platform to address challenges in agriculture, health and environment through timely interventions against dis/misinformation in science, technology and innovation.
“The Science Academies in Africa recommend adoption and commercialization of approved GM crops as one of the sustainable options in addressing food insecurity and providing livelihoods of the population. The move to embrace GM technology will not only benefit Kenya but the whole of Africa where more than 100 million people are facing acute food insecurity due to drought.”
Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, President, Network of African Science Academies