By Fatma Omar
Have you ever pondered how we can make our agriculture industry into a job-creating powerhouse? Well, modern agricultural biotechnology has the power to completely transform Kenya’s economy and usher in a time in the future when our wallets will be as full as our tummies!
Modern agricultural biotechnology involves application of scientific techniques such as genetic engineering, molecular markers, molecular diagnostics, and other advanced biotechnological tools in agriculture to improve crop and animal productivity, quality, and sustainability for better livelihoods.
In an era marked by difficulties from population expansion, pest infestations, rising unemployment, and climate change, using state-of-the-art biotechnology solutions in agriculture can yield substantial and long-lasting benefits.
The agriculture industry, which contributes 33% of Kenya’s GDP, is the foundation of the country’s economy. Yet, our small-scale farmers are sweating it out under the hot sun, battling climate change, unpredictable agricultural output prices, and soil that’s about as fertile as a desert. These challenges hinder their ability to earn a stable income from their farming endeavors. But wait! Here comes agri-biotech, like a superhero, offering a promising solution with more productive, drought-tolerant, pest- and disease-resistant crops that can significantly boost agricultural production, rescuing our fields while filling our granaries.
In Kenya, one genetically modified (GM) crop – Bt cotton – has already been commercialized and it is now in farmers’ hands. This improved cotton has been developed to resist the Afrocan bollworm, the most devastating cotton pest responsible for up to 100 per cent loss in cotton yield. Commercialized in 2019, Bt cotton has substantially boosted cotton production, restored its allure and transformed livelihoods through increased production and higher farm income.
Disease-resistant GM cassava and insect-resistant Bt maize have received a greenlight for open field cultivation and their performance is currently being assessed in different agro-ecological zones in the country before they are approved for commercial planting.
With special traits that increase their resistance to pests, diseases, and unfavourable weather, these crops yield hope and prosperity, offering higher resilience and productivity. Picture crops with built-in defences – pretty remarkable right?
We know most youths are all about the hustle. Agri-biotech is not just about crops; it is also creating employment opportunities at all levels of the value chain. There will be a greater need for trained workers and professionals in fields ranging from research and development to field implementation and processing.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), over 40% of the entire population and over 70% of those living in rural areas are employed in the agricultural industry. This number has the potential to rise drastically with use of modern agri-biotech tools as new roles in quality control, agronomy, biotechnology research, and other areas emerge. Imagine being part of a team that’s not just farming but innovating, researching, and leading the charge in sustainable agriculture. Along these chains, jobs are created for young scientists, technicians, agricultural workers, science communication experts and even influencers or content creators who seek to spread the word. For youth in particular, a flourishing agri-biotech sector means bidding farewell to job hunting and welcoming employment creation!
Climate change is also a menace that is here to stay. With increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events impacting negatively on crop productivity, climate-smart biotech crops come in handy. These crops are meant to produce consistently even in the face of adversity, such as drought and intense heat. They can also be engineered to use water and nutrients more efficiently, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. So, while the weather goes bonkers, our crops continue to thrive and yield.
In terms of driving economic growth, the increased productivity means that Kenya can expand its export markets, bringing in foreign exchange and strengthening our economy. More money means better infrastructure, more businesses and foreign investments, which eventually raises our standard of living. A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that, adopting biotech crops could boost agricultural output by 10-15%, translating to billions of shillings in economic gains.
By enabling crops to be more productive, drought-tolerant, and resistant to pests, agri-biotech can also significantly enhance agricultural productivity. This eliminates the need for dangerous and expensive insecticides. Increased yields mean more food and more money in farmers’ pockets, all while putting in the same amount of effort. It islike getting better rewards with less hassle. Food security is a different story, especially with our population growing faster than your TikTok followers. We have biofortified crops full of vital nutrients thanks to agri-biotech. By reducing the vulnerability of the food supply chain, agri-biotech helps secure the nation’s food sovereignty, guaranteeing that there will always be sufficient to eat, even when Mother Nature throws tantrums. It like possessing a secret code that grants you endless food!
Now, this is the moment to embrace modern agri-biotech innovations with enthusiasm. It is not just about plants and science; it is about securing a prosperous future for Kenya. By enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, creating jobs opportunities, and driving economic growth, agri-biotech is one of our tickets to a sustainable and thriving Kenya. It is imperative for policymakers, researchers, and farmers to embrace, collaborate and harness the full potential of biotechnology to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector and pave the way for a brighter, greener, and richer tomorrow. SAY YES TO AGRI-BIOTECH!
Fatma Omar is post-graduate student pursuing a MASTER’S Degree in Biotechnology at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya