Debunked: Myths against Genetically-Modified Organisms

A section of Genetically Modified Cassava at the trial field at KALRO Mtwapa. [Maureen Ongala, Standard]

As of today, there is no "validated evidence that genetically modified (GM) crops have a higher harmful impact on health and the environment than any other technology utilized in plant breeding.

The controversial publication by a scientific journal that linked GM corn to cancer in rats has been discredited and retracted from the scientific journal that published it.

The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that confers resistance to pests in transgenic crops is practically nontoxic and doesn't cause disease in birds, fish, and shrimp.

No negative effects or infection was found in rats fed large doses of Bt strains or forced to inhale the spores. A study by the US Government showed that Bt does not cause disease in mammals and that there is no evidence that it can cause a disease outbreak among wild animals.

So how does the Bt technology work?

Spores made by Bt damage the gut of insect larvae after the larvae eat them. The insect gut must have a pH of 9.0 to 10.5 (high pH) to activate the toxin.

Genetic engineering is not a completely novel idea

This is different from the human gut, which has a low pH and is more acidic. The activated toxin breaks down the insect's gut lining. The insect larva dies of infection and starvation. So, what exactly did your "informer" tell you about Bt-products?

Genetic modification is a new technology for the majority of people, a very new technology, and it's the nature of people to naturally fear change and new ideas.

But most people are unaware that genetic engineering is not a completely novel idea. Since the days of early man, humans have been modifying agricultural genes to develop plants with certain desirable qualities. Naturally, genetic modification differs from conventional plant breeding, but the idea is the same; you might argue that genetic modification is a more accurate technique.

So, precisely how does it operate?

The DNA is extracted from any other organism, the gene for the desired trait, such as herbicide resistance, is identified, and it is then inserted into the DNA of a plant cell to confer that trait.

Even though scientists have no control over where the foreign DNA may end up, they can repeat the procedure until they find the genome that has the proper gene in the right location.

Intensive biotechnological research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) offers a great opportunity for addressing hunger, undernourishment, and food insecurity concerns in our country and continent.

Disconnected from the knowledge of Biology and Biotechnology

Some of the avenues that could be exploited range from increased crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved nutrient composition and food quality.

However, acceptance and adoption of GMOs in Kenya has been extremely slow, possibly due to differing views on the benefits and safety concerns associated with them.

The reasons for the public opposition to GMO seems to be disconnected from the knowledge of Biology and Biotechnology and that most arguments rely on unfounded rumours, myths and "hot air" reports. A negative attitude towards GMO has further increased confusion in the debate and promoted mistrust of scientific gains.

Surprisingly, people who are against GMOs happened to have taken a Covid-19 vaccine which happens to be a product of Biotechnology.

Others have been to the market purchasing fabrics that have been made from Bt-Cotton.

Need to demystify myths

Focusing on the introduction of Bt-Cotton in India, we learn that Bt resulted in a 24 per cent increase in cotton yield per acre due to reduced pest damage, as well as a 50 per cent increase in cotton profit among smallholders.

These advantages are consistent, and there are even indications that they have increased over time. Golden rice that is genetically designed to produce v-carotene - a precursor to vitamin A has also provided an ideal solution to vitamin A deficiency in rice-dependent regions of the world. Considering the threat of food insecurity and Kenya's burgeoning population, there is an urgent need to demystify myths surrounding GMOs so that Africans don't miss out on a great opportunity for improved food security.

Kenyans must learn that to ensure that each new GM product offers no damage to the environment or the health of humans or animals, governments around the world follow strict biosafety regulations.

Drastically reduced crop productivity

These guidelines call for extensive field and lab testing that might take years. The resulting foods and plants undergo much more extensive testing than their conventional counterparts.

The safety of GM crops has been evaluated in hundreds of scholarly studies, and the vast majority of these papers found that these crops are nutritionally similar to their conventional counterparts and are safe.

We cannot be suffering from unemployment, poverty and hunger and at the same time fighting a technology that could put to an end the question of food security.

The country's regions that produce cereals have recently been devastated by Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease and Fall Armyworm. The virus and the pest drastically reduced crop productivity by one-third and put 70 per cent of Kenya's maize growers in danger.

Solution to hunger

It is impossible to underestimate the significance of maize in Kenya. In Kenya, maize is the most significant meal in Sub-Saharan Africa. It can be cooked, fried by the side of the road, combined with beans, or used to make ugali.

GM foods are by all means the solution to world hunger and food shortage in Africa. Kenyans must congratulate the newly elected President of the Republic of Kenya for his bold step in lifting the ban on GMO products that was imposed in 2012.

President William Ruto understands that embracing new technologies in the agricultural sector would improve the food basket and further improve the livelihood of millions of Kenyans.

-Isaac Ongoma holds an MSc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology