A delegation from various ministerial departments within the Kenyan government has committed to combating the widespread misinformation plaguing the biotechnology sector, recognizing its detrimental impact in hindering the nation’s progress in this crucial area. The technocrats cited many instances in social gatherings, including social media groups where misinformation, sometimes with deliberate attempts to cause fear and curtail adoption of biotechnology have rendered them victims of the distortion. They were speaking at a field visit organized by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA AfriCenter) and its partners on July 22, 2024 at a Bt cotton farm in Kirinyaga Central, Kenya.
This visit, designed for government technocrats and directors from ministries including Agriculture, Youth and Gender Affairs, East African Community, Devolution, Trade and others aimed to provide first-hand experience with the transformative impact of Bt cotton. Hon. Mary Maingi, the Member of Parliament for Mwea East, graced the event, highlighting the remarkable evolution of cotton farming from the era of colonial “white gold” to its current resurgence through biotechnology.
The delegation was introduced to the Bt cotton variety, which has revitalized Kenya’s cotton industry since its commercialization in 2020. Approved after years of rigorous research led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Bt cotton has emerged as a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers. It offers a solution to the bollworm infestations that once devastated the crop, resulting in significantly higher yields and reduced pesticide use. Farmers now report up to five times the yield compared to traditional varieties, with improved quality fetching premium prices. This resurgence is a testament to the resilience of Kenyan farmers and the positive impact of biotechnology on their livelihoods.
However, the visit also shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by these farmers, including fluctuating market prices, climate variability, and high seed costs. Yet, the collaborative efforts between the government and the community have led to innovative adaptations. Farmers have diversified their crops, formed groups to negotiate better prices, and are now engaged in value addition processes such as local ginning and weaving. The introduction of portable micro-ginners, developed by Kirinyaga University, has further empowered farmers, allowing them to produce high-quality cotton products and explore new markets.
The ISAAA AfriCenter’s initiative to showcase the tangible benefits of biotechnology aims to counter misinformation and provide government officials with factual, on-the-ground insights. By ensuring that policymakers are well-informed about the advancements and impacts of biotechnology, the program seeks to bolster support for sustainable agricultural practices and safeguard the future of Bt cotton farming. Continuous research, education, and support will be crucial in overcoming emerging challenges and maintaining the positive trajectory of Kenya’s cotton industry, ultimately aligning with the nation’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).