GMOs Hurting Africa?
We’ve all heard one of the most popular arguments for GMOs: they help combat world hunger. But is this true, and in particular, is this true in every part of the world? Perhaps not.
During a recent tour of farms in West Nile, Mr. Peter Ambayo, speaking on behalf of farmers in Yumbe District, said: “Genetically modified [seeds] are destroying our soils and will in the long run completely destroy our agriculture, which is our major source of livelihood.”
Apparently the first two crop seasons were good, but then the farmers began to notice a decline in farm yield.
“Frustrated, we asked for advice from agricultural extension officers,” Mr. Ambayo says, “only to be told to increase our fertilizer usage and pesticide spraying. This did not improve the situation. We now regret why we used them [because] our gardens are no longer fertile.”
Frustrated by how he sees GMOs hurting Africa, Mr. Ambayo goes on to challenge the GMO situation.
“Does Monsanto and other biotech-producing seeds and plant companies have Africa’s best interests at heart? If so, why is it that they are silent about the negative effects of their products on the environment and human lives? Are GMOs the only way to solve hunger in Africa? Is the GM powered farming affordable and sustainable by Africa’s grassroot small scale farmers?”
But then Mr. Ambayo makes a claim that will most certainly ruffle some feathers:
“African governments must know GMOs are not safe. Science researchers have proved that GM genes can be transferred to humans and the environment, often with catastrophic health consequences.”
It’s one thing to have first hand knowledge on how your crops are being affected, quite another to make a blanket statement on GMOs being catastrophic. And unfortunately the GMO Controversy rolls on…
To read the article, written by Moses Hategeka, in its entirety, visit: http://allafrica.com/stories/201510021207.html
