Seed sovereignty, GMO safety debate continue to divide Africa

GMO debate continues to divide Africa over food security, safety, and seed sovereignty. [iStockphoto]

Debate over the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to divide scientists, policymakers, farmers and activists across Africa.

Supporters argue that genetically modified crops are scientifically proven to be safe for human consumption and are necessary to address food insecurity on a continent frequently affected by drought, pests and climate change.

Professor Richard Oduor, a senior biotechnology researcher at Kenyatta University, maintains that genetically modified crops are safe and scientifically sound.

According to him, GMOs undergo rigorous testing before approval and can significantly improve agricultural productivity.

“Genetically modified crops can reduce reliance on pesticides and help farmers cope with climate-related challenges, such as drought and pest outbreaks,” he says.

But critics argue that the technology raises serious health, environmental and economic concerns that remain insufficiently studied, particularly in African contexts. The disagreement reflects a broader global divide between those who view GMOs as a breakthrough in agricultural innovation and those who believe their long-term consequences remain uncertain.

Safety debate

Many international scientific and regulatory bodies maintain that currently approved genetically modified foods are as safe as conventional foods. Supporters note that GMO crops have been consumed for decades in several countries without clear evidence of adverse health effects.

A key argument from proponents is the concept of “substantial equivalence”, which holds that if a genetically modified crop is nutritionally and compositionally similar to its conventional counterpart, it can be considered safe.

Critics dispute this approach, arguing that the standard 90-day animal feeding trials used in approval processes are too short to detect long-term health effects, such as metabolic disorders, reproductive issues or generational impacts.

They call for longer, independent studies and stronger regulatory oversight before widespread adoption of GMO crops in Africa.

Another concern is weak or absent food labelling laws in many African countries, meaning consumers may unknowingly consume genetically modified foods without informed choice.

One of the main concerns is the risk of genetic contamination of traditional crops. Maize, a staple across much of Africa, is wind-pollinated and therefore highly susceptible to cross-pollination between modified and non-modified varieties.

Organic farmers also fear losing certification if their crops are contaminated, arguing that once genetic material from modified crops enters traditional seed stocks, it can be extremely difficult to remove.

Environmental concerns also include the rise of herbicide-resistant “superweeds” and pest resistance to insect-resistant crops. Critics further warn that GMO expansion could reduce biodiversity by displacing indigenous crop varieties.

Critics also highlight economic risks. Nigerian activist Prince Daniel Aboki argues that GMO technology could undermine Africa’s food systems.

For small-scale farmers who traditionally save and exchange seeds, he says, the system shifts control to multinational corporations.

Most GMO seeds are patented, forcing farmers to buy new seeds each season, which critics say increases dependency and rural inequality. Opponents also warn that GMO farming promotes a narrow range of crops, such as maize, soybean and cotton, displacing indigenous varieties.

This loss could weaken ecological resilience and erode cultural traditions linked to food, farming practices and community identity.

Kenya lifted its GMO ban in 2022 to address drought-related food shortages, but faced opposition. In 2025, the Court of Appeal blocked imports over poor public participation and risk concerns, with activists hailing it as a victory for farmers’ rights.