Genetically Modified Organisms—a plant, animal, or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered in a way that doesn’t occur naturally—have been on the radar of Nigerians at home and abroad in the last month, over what is called “a plot to make Nigeria food dependent”.
The fight against GMOs, however, didn’t just begin today. GMOs have been a subject of controversy in Africa’s most populous nation for many years and, in fact, globally over their health risk, economic disadvantage, land degradation, and financial strain on smallholder farmers.
Nigerians believe it is a scheme by foreign nations to make Africa food dependent, relying on aid and support.
But they are not the only ones opposing GMOs. Other African countries, such as Algeria, have shunned the adoption of genetically modified crops in their food chain, citing a fear of becoming a “land of experimentation” without adequate control.
Experts informed on the subject say the expansion of Nigeria’s population is one of the primary reasons why there are discussions about adopting GMOs in the first place.
With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria is the fastest-growing population in Africa, with a projection to grow further by 58 percent in 2030, according to the World Bank.
What GMO really means
In simple terms, GM foods are crops whose DNA have been altered through the transfer of ‘good’ genes from any form of organisms. These organisms can also include animals.
Zoonotic by nature, animals are known for their high spread of diseases that are contracted by humans through consumption. This not only poses cancerous risk but can lead to the birth of ‘unknown’ diseases.
Read also: Expert says concerns over GMOs are politically-motivated
The pros of GMO foods
Christopher Alake, a professor at the department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), says there is nothing wrong with GMO foods. “I don’t see anything wrong with GMO foods. It’s just an improvement over the local ones.”
Generally, improved seeds can boost crop yield per hectare, increase crop size, and make them disease-resistant, all of which can drive food sustainability goals for Nigeria, he told BusinessDay.
“Even improved seedlings are a form of hybrid seeds that have been modified,” said Alake, noting that what is different is the form of modification.
Recall that last month, farmers in the country revealed that the federal government’s TELA maize hybrids are delivering significantly higher yields, greater profits, and better pest resistance compared to normal seeds, reflecting the positive reward they offer.
Another professor at the department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology in FUNAAB, Moninuola Ayo-Vaughan, who is a plant expert, says, “GMOs have their good and bad sides.”
“Even the corn that we eat, if you modify it to give you bigger crops, or make it resistant to some known diseases and insects, then that is a positive side to seed modification,” Ayo-Vaughan said.
She confirmed that just like everything under the sun, there is always a positive and negative side. This is why Nigerians must look at how much of the positive can be harnessed for the good of the country.
“The whole world is moving and we have to move too,” she said. “This is how we can move along with the world: by picking the positive impacts of GM foods.”
Countries like the United States have adopted GM foods into their food chain, increasing their yield and making them food secure.
But aside from the rewards in yield that it brings, the market promises huge financial gains.
Data from Business Research Company shows that the global market size for GMOs is currently valued at $23.6 billion and is projected to rise to $24.8 billion by 2025.
Read also: GMO foods stir controversies as experts disagree
The cons of GMO foods
Currently, majority of GM foods are aimed at endowing the altered plants with two desirable properties – pest-resistance and higher yield.
A study by ScienceDirect, an academic research body, notes that a potential risk of GMOs is that the inserted gene might disrupt the integrity of existing genomic information in the plant, leading to inactivation of endogenous genes —genes that originate within an organism’s own genetic code.
The meaning: it has a high risk of creating side effects to the plants and invariably those who consume it.
The study also reveals that it makes the body resistant to antibiotics due to the addition of certain forms of antibiotics during gene modification.
Moruf Adebisi, a professor with many years of experience in seed science and technology at FUNAAB, said that while GMOs can boast higher yield, their transgenic crossing calls for concern.
“In the biotechnology of GMOs, there is what is called transgenic crossing. This means the desired gene can come from any organism that possesses the trait,” said Adebisi.
She further explained that sometimes these organisms are capable of spreading whatever disease they have in their genes.
Adebisi warns that although GMOs have numerous benefits, their risks should not be ignored.
“There is not enough research yet to completely rule out the health risks that can be transferred by human consumption of these modified crops, so it should be treated with caution.”
