6 Things Nigerians Must know about GMO Foods

The ambition of the present Nigerian administration to boosts the agriculture sector has led to the government considering the introduction of Genetically Modified Crops. However, the voices against this technology have been resounding even though some Nigerians do not much about GMO. Today, we have genetically modified cotton, Maize, Banana and much more.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently, available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides.

Petition Against GMO has been submitted

A petition from Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth, Nigeria, and endorsed by 100 other Non-Governmental Organizations has been submitted to the National BioSafety Management Agency (NABMA) urging them to reject the application by Monsanto Agricultural Ltd to introduce genetically modified maize to farmers in Nigeria. The NGOs claim to represent 5 million Nigerians.

GMOs has existed since 1994 

The debate over GMO has been raging in Europe and America for over 22 years since when it was introduced into the marketplace. Nigeria and Africa just started talking about GMO as a result of the subtle attempt by some companies to introduce GMOs into the continent after it failed in other of the world. The question is why is the debate  just starting in Africa after over two decades. We guess it is never late than never.

It May not be safe 

The major concern and worry of almost everyone against GMO is its safety. Some have certified it safe while others say is cancerous and causes birth defect due to the genetic engineering or manipulation its goes through in the laboratory. Despite its seeming advantage to resistant to diseases, bugs or  drought, the safety concern is still rife though it has been banned in 19 European countries.

GMO cotton failed in Burkina Faso 

Burkina Faso cotton is renowned for its high-quality cotton. A crop introduced by France, its colonial masters 70 years ago. The quality has never been in doubt. But since GMO cotton was virtually forced on the farmers, harvest has largely failed. This is is because the GMO cotton has high yields but produce substandard cotton. For example, Burkina Faso produced 700,000 cotton seeds while Mali produced 500,000. While Mali has sold its 500,000 seeds, Burkina Faso’s seeds are awaiting export. Burkina Faso plans to gradually phase out GMO crops.

Monsanto & Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are the promoters of GMOs 

This is not casting aspersions on these two reputable companies. Monsanto and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are at the forefront of pushing GMOs in the world. Both organizations have been lobbying  African governments to embrace GMO. Those who are yet to accept it are denied aid. Today, Kenya is faced with such a threat since it banned GMOs. The pressure to adopt GMOs has increased in Africa since it was banned in some European countries.

It will not resolve the food short in Africa 

The high yields of GMOs in the case of Burkina Faso did not improve the quality of the harvest. If this trend continues, it will further lead to food shortages in Africa. The expanse of land available in Africa if properly cultivated can feed the continent. However, farming is yet to be mechanized in the continent and the large youth population who are unemployed are not interested in farming. This is why advocates of GMOs will continue to lobby for its introduction.