As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges to global food security, African nations are increasingly turning to innovative solutions, including the deployment of genetically modified (GM) foods. The continent, characterised by diverse climates and agricultural practices, faces significant threats to its food systems due to extreme weather events, shifting rainfall patterns, and diminishing arable land.
Food insecurity in Africa is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors. According to the African Union, more than 250 million Africans are undernourished, and the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, are worsening this crisis. Traditional agricultural methods often fail to produce sufficient yields in the face of these challenges.
Recently, the World Bank stated that Nigeria along with 17 other countries across the world is facing a worsening food security crisis, with over one million additional people experiencing severe food insecurity in 2024.
This was contained in the World Bank’s Food Security Update Report released in which the domestic food price inflation in Nigeria was said to be among the highest globally, with food prices increasing by 37.5 % year-on-year as of August 2024. This price surge has strained household incomes, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford basic food items.
In the meantime, the World Bank called for ‘urgent intervention’ to address the immediate food needs of affected populations while also focusing on long-term solutions to improve resilience against climate shocks.
In response to this urgent situation, African countries, including Nigeria, are increasingly considering biotechnological innovations. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), particularly crops engineered for resilience to pests, diseases, and extreme weather, present an enticing solution to enhance food security. Proponents argue that GM foods can help address the limitations of conventional agriculture and provide a way to cope with the adverse effects of climate change.
Despite the deceptively promising aspects, the deployment of GM foods is fraught with potentially dire consequences that need careful consideration. The adoption of genetically modified crops and seeds in the continent poses significant dangers to the populace. These dangers encompass environmental risks, health implications, socioeconomic dynamics, and the undermining of agro-biodiversity, which are crucial in the context of the fight against hunger and drought.
One of the primary dangers associated with the cultivation of genetically modified crops is their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. GM crops are often engineered to be resistant to pests and herbicides, which can lead to the overuse of these chemicals. This widespread application can result in the emergence of “superweeds,” which are resistant to conventional herbicides, and a decline in beneficial insect populations, including pollinators. In Nigeria, where traditional farming practices and crop diversity have been vital to agricultural sustainability, the introduction of GM crops may disrupt local ecosystems and ultimately undermine the resilience of agriculture to changing environmental conditions.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the genetic contamination of non-GM crops. The cross-pollination between GM and traditional crops could dilute the genetic diversity that is essential for the long-term adaptability of agricultural systems. This is particularly concerning for African farmers who rely on indigenous crop varieties that have been adapted to local conditions over generations. The loss of indigenous crop varieties could compromise food security, as these crops are often more resilient to local pests, diseases, and climate variability.
The health risks posed by genetically modified crops are a critical area of concern. While scientific consensus generally supports the safety of currently approved GM foods, questions linger about long-term health effects. The regulatory frameworks governing GM crops may not adequately account for potential adverse outcomes, particularly in a developing country like Nigeria, where regulatory capacities may be limited.
Additionally, the corporate control over GM seed patents may limit the availability of diverse food options in local markets. Many indigenous varieties of crops have not been thoroughly tested or monitored for health risks, creating a dependency on a few genetically modified varieties that could lead to a lack of dietary diversity. A monoculture of GM crops could result in a less varied diet, potentially leading to malnutrition and related health problems among populations already vulnerable to food scarcity.
Another critical aspect is the GM seeds’ socioeconomic impact on smallholder farmers, who constitute a significant portion of Africa’s agricultural sector. Biotech companies often market GM seeds as high-yielding solutions to food insecurity; however, these seeds typically come with high costs due to licensing fees, which can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers. This could further entrench economic inequalities and increase the dependency of farmers on multinational corporations for seeds and agricultural inputs.
Moreover, in some instances, the requirements for using GM seeds prohibit farmers from saving seeds from their harvests, which is a traditional practice that fosters self-sufficiency. This could lead to financial vulnerabilities and a cycle of debt as farmers must continually purchase seeds each planting season. The commercialization of agriculture through GM technology may displace subsistence farming, fundamentally altering rural communities’ livelihoods.
Agro-biodiversity is crucial to food security, particularly in a diverse country like Nigeria, with numerous microclimates and agricultural practices. Genetic modification tends to favor specific traits, often leading to a reduction in the variety of plant species cultivated by farmers. This reduction erodes the rich tapestry of agricultural diversity that has historically allowed communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions and mitigate risks associated with crop failure.
By promoting a narrow range of genetically modified crops, the focus shifts away from traditional farming practices that emphasize crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of indigenous varieties. This shift not only diminishes the richness of local agricultural landscapes but also reduces the overall resilience of food systems to shocks such as drought and climate change.
To effectively combat hunger and drought, Africa must foster a diverse and resilient agricultural system that emphasizes the importance of local knowledge, traditional farming methods, and the cultivation of indigenous crops. Rather than solely relying on genetically modified technology, a more holistic approach that integrates agro-ecological practices, sustainable farming techniques, and community participation is essential.
In conclusion, while genetic modification may appear to be a quick fix to the challenges of hunger and drought in Nigeria, the latent dangers associated with its adoption necessitate a cautious and balanced evaluation. Ensuring food security should prioritise sustainability, health, and the socio-economic well-being of all Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable smallholder farmers who are the backbone of the nation’s agriculture.