In the last ten years, scientists, environmentalists, and even food activists in Nigeria and throughout the world have debated the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), sometimes known as GM seeds, by crop producers.
Discussions have focused on what part, if any, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should play in addressing various agriculture, nutrition, and climate-related issues in developing nations like Nigeria.
Concerns have been expressed over GMOs’ effects on conventional farming practices, seed patents, the environment, human health, and farmers’ dependence on big business.
In response to these worries, governments in developing countries are taking several tacks: some completely outlaw GMOs, some embrace the technology, and yet others try to strike a balance between the interests and concerns of all parties.
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) reports that there are at least 33 main food crops that have undergone worldwide genetic modification. Of these, Nigerian authorities have formally approved the commercialization of four (maize, cowpea, cotton, and soybeans); Nigeria is one of the six African nations leading the continent in the adoption of biotech crops.
Planting genetically modified seeds, according to some experts, will contribute to the rapid achievement of food security by producing enough food to feed the world’s exploding population.
There have been other arguments that suggest using natural approaches to increase food yield. Like everywhere else in the world—including the United States—the argument over genetically modified food is extremely divisive in Nigeria.
Opposition has grown alongside consumer demand for organic foods and the unambiguous labeling of genetically modified goods.
