Solution to safeguarding future food: GMOs

A few days ago, I read about how a Kenyan court dismissed a lawsuit against the importation of GMOs into Kenya last October. I explain the potential of GM crops in alleviating food and water insecurity.

In Kenya, agriculture contributes to 33% of its GDP and employs over 40% of the total population, with over 70% of those employed from rural backgrounds. However, over the past few years, it has been grappling with an unprecedented water shortage exacerbated by four consecutive failed rainy seasons. This prolonged and severe drought, considered one of the most challenging in the East African region in four decades, poses a significant threat to agriculture, food security, and the livelihoods of millions. In the face of this crisis, exploring innovative solutions, including the potential adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops, becomes crucial.

Genetically Modified (GM) crops refer to plants whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. This involves the introduction of specific DNA sequences, often from unrelated species, to confer desired traits that improves agricultural efficiency, reduces the reliance on chemical inputs, and address challenges such as pests, diseases, and environmental conditions. 

Fig.1: The process of breeding GM crops (Terrascope, 2017)

GM crops, engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including drought, present a potential avenue to address the challenges posed by water scarcity. Maize is a staple in Kenyan diets, with approximately 2.3m tonnes being produced annually to feed a population of over 28.6m (De Groote, 2011), and there have been GM varieties of water-intensive crops such as maize and rice created in order to conserve water by reducing water requirements.

While Kenya has been cautious in adopting GM crops, the severity of the droughts have prompted a reconsideration of these technologies and led the government to lift a 10-year ban on GMOs. But do GMOs hold the key in resolving this water-food crisis - what are the benefits and criticisms in a nutshell? (Fig.2)

Fig.2: Summary table of the pros and cons of GM crops

Conclusion:

GM crops that are  designed for increased water-use efficiency such as maize certainly do hold potential in alleviating water inaccessibility and hence food, through preventing However, concerns exist, such as potential environmental impacts, biodiversity loss, and socioeconomic considerations. Striking a balance between harnessing the benefits of GM crops and addressing associated risks is crucial for sustainable agricultural development in Africa. Rigorous research, effective regulatory frameworks, and inclusive decision-making processes will be essential to maximize the positive impact of GM crops while minimising potential drawbacks.