NEWS & POLITICS
Seeds of Contention: Africa’s Battle Over GMOs and Food Sovereignty
The debate over Nigeria's controversial agricultural technology resurfaced recently after the country approved genetically modified crops.
Noluthando Buthelezi
This development comes almost a decade after the 2015 National Biosafety Management Act, which legalized GMOs. A video by medical influencer Chinoso Egemba garnered over 5.9 million views, sparking outrage. Nigerians expressed concern that the country's food supply will become overly reliant on Western agritech companies.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are crops altered to be pest-resistant, survive harsh weather, or increase yield. However, their reception remains controversial. Amid the ongoing debate, X user @Jenslaw said, "GMO is simply a 21st century slavery scheme to recolonise Africa by controlling the African population through what they cultivate and eat."
While Nigeria's decision revealed fractured viewpoints at home, the uproar indicates wider divisions across the continent.
In Kenya, the court of appeal halted the government's GMO rollout in favour of food sovereignty, environmental justice, and farmer rights. Critics described it as a commercial-driven agenda, risking smallholders and biodiversity. Tanzania has also opposed GMOs, opting to support organic farming. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and South Africa have embraced GMOs. Ethiopia recently approved TELA maize and Bt-GT cotton for commercial use.
Back in Nigeria, the National Biosafety Management Agency recently defended the country's decision to adopt GMOs. Director General, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, stated that Nigeria won't meet food requirements solely through rural farming.
While some governments view GMOs as a means to modernize agricultural activity, others push for sovereignty and farmer-led innovations. As African agriculture evolves, the main challenge is ensuring balance, inclusion, and innovation.
Critics warn that genetically modified crops could entrench a new form of colonial dominance, as farmers may become locked into purchasing costly imported seeds. Proponents, however, argue that GMOs offer a vital lifeline against mounting food insecurity, driven by rapid population growth and the escalating impacts of climate change.
