Icipe Scholars Host GMO Debate at Duduville Campus
The icipe Scholars Association (IScA) hosted a debate on Tuesday at Duduville Campus, addressing the topic, “GMOs: A Solution to Food Security or a Risky Experiment?” The event attracted experts from across Kenya and scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). Mr Amine Mustapha, President of IScA, welcomed participants, setting the tone for a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.
Dr Everlyn Nguku, Head of Capacity Building and Institutional Development (CBID) Platform under the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) at icipe, opened the session by introducing the topic and setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the science and implications of genetic modification in crops.
The discussion covered a variety of key topics, including a general overview of GMOs, research on the technology, the status of GMOs in Africa, and their potential impact on agriculture, climate change, and the environment. Other focus areas included the communication and dissemination of GMO information, the gap between researchers and consumers, socio-economic implications, and the youth’s perspective on GMOs.
Ms Lorraine Kabaka, an MSc scholar at icipe, initiated the conversation with a comprehensive overview of GMOs, citing examples of existing GMOs such as BT maize and purple tomato.
Dr David Tchouassi, a senior scientist at icipe, acknowledged that people often resist anything perceived as unnatural, emphasizing the need for a gradual approach to foster acceptance.
He advocated for prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices, stating, “GMO should not be the first answer to food security. We must focus on adopting sustainable farming methods first.”
Dr Paul Ngari Muriuku, a research scientist at the Biotechnology Research Institute-KALRO, highlighted the benefits of GMOs in improving crop and animal genetics, enabling them to withstand environmental stressors and maximize production.
He called for “greater transparency and open communication about the safety and benefits of GMOs, supported by scientific evidence” and advocated for long-term research to address consumer concerns.
He cited successful GMO projects, including the Golden Rice Project in Nigeria, a public-private partnership that developed genetically modified rice with increased vitamin A content to address nutritional deficiencies in developing countries.
He also pointed to Kenya’s BT Maize and BT Cotton initiatives, which help farmers combat pests and reduce the need for harmful pesticides.
Ms Sylvia Wachira, Coordinator of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice/PACJA, addressed the gap between researchers and consumers.
She emphasized the importance of including farmers in decision-making and promoting participatory research with smallholder farmers. She also called for “stronger public awareness and independent research, in addition to investing in traditional breeding techniques and crop diversification.”
Mr Kelvin Muli, CEO of the African Network for Climate Action, Kenya, pointed out that “modifying the genetic aspects of plants can alter how they absorb nutrients from the soil.” He also stressed the need to strengthen local seed systems to reduce dependency on corporate seeds.
Dr Kibrom Sibhatu, a scientist in the Social Department at icipe, posed a thought-provoking question to the audience: “Are you aware that you might already be using GMOs?” He urged the audience to reflect on this and make informed decisions about the technology.
The event also featured a youth perspective on GMOs. Ms Esther Maina from the Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network (KYBN) expressed that, although uncertainties surround GMOs, “there is no proven harm.”
Other notable speakers included Dr Eric Korir, Head of Capacity Building at the National Biosafety Authority of Kenya, who discussed the status of GMOs in Africa, with a case study on Kenya’s decision to lift a 10-year ban on the cultivation and importation of GMOs in response to food security concerns during severe droughts.
Dr Gilbert Kosgey, CEO of the Agroecofarmers Network, Kenya, addressed the link between GMOs and One Health, focusing on agriculture, climate change, and the environment. He emphasized that addressing consumer concerns is crucial to ensuring that stakeholders work together to promote secure and informed GMO use.
As we look ahead, the debate continues: Can GMOs be a safe and effective solution for food security, or do they present risks that need careful consideration?
