Tread With Caution On GMO Technology

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

19 May 2011

editorial

Necessity is the mother of invention. This is why the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) biotechnology has been greeted with enthusiasm globally. It is because many see in this new approach hope of combating global hunger, especially in the Third World. And policymakers and scientists in Tanzania have not been left behind, as GMOs are generally seen as a means to revolutionise agriculture and boost yields.

Genetic engineering in crops has brought about notable changes in farming, with the recognition of the ability to undermine pest and disease resistance by growing hardy varieties. In the poor countries, where blindness, which is caused by Vitamin A insufficiency, is common, genetically engineered crops such as rice have provided a means to realise such nutrients.

However, this is no bed of roses. Even with the noted advantages, there are some serious doubts and misgivings about the safety of this technology. And the big question is whether Tanzania is ready for the environmental hazards, human health risks and the economic concerns that accompany biotechnology?

As has been documented by researchers, this technology tends to cause unintended harm to other organisms, and reduce the effectiveness of pesticides and gene transfer to non-target crop species.

GM products also fuel life-threatening allergies and there are fears of unknown effects on human health. It is, therefore, imperative that, as a country, we consider the lengthy and costly process of bringing GM food to the market, considering that agro-biotech firms would want to ensure a profitable return on their investment.

A young country such as ours, in terms of science and technology, should not rush into embracing a technology that is largely alien to its people, and which has yet to be fully accepted worldwide. While science has always played a leading role in improving the lives of human beings, there is consensus, even among scientists, that nature provides the best long-term solutions for humans, particularly in nutrition and medicine.

Before embracing such technology, therefore, all the advantages and disadvantages must be made clear to all and the people’s right to consume what they wish guaranteed instead of herding all into a particular direction, and exposing them to unnecessary risks.

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