Pest-resistant maize at last... but it’s biotech

A decade-long scientific research has led to the discovery of a pest-resistant maize variety. But it will be a Catch-22 situation for farmers and the government since the variety is genetically engineered.

Farmers have been grappling with stem borer, a maize pest which leads to the lose of up to 400,000 tonnes of the crop annually.

To scientists, such losses can be addressed through technology.

“We have tried conventional methods but they have failed. That’s why science is coming in,” says Dennis Kyetere, the executive director of African Agricultural Technology Foundation (Aatf).

To rid farmers of the constant headache of dealing with the pest, the National Biosafety Authority recently asked for public comments on whether to approve genetically modified Bt maize.

The state agency has in its in-tray an application in which two research bodies, Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Organisation (Kalro) and Aatf, are seeking approval to commercialise the insect-resistant maize.

“We ask the public to participate through sending comments, concerns and/or objections to the authority in accordance with the Biosafety Act,” reads the advert.

The advert further states that “the authority will make the final decision on the application based on risk assessments, socio-economic considerations and comments received from the public.”

WOULD BE LIFTED

As the deadline for submission of comments draws closer, the controversial subject seems to be receiving government approval.

Speaking at the fourth biosafety conference, Deputy President William Ruto announced that the ban on genetically modified organisms would be lifted in two months.

Mr Ruto cited the need for the country to have enough food as a key reason for lifting the ban. “The government appreciates the contribution of technology and, in so doing, we will lift the ban,” said Mr Ruto.

“In a month or two, we shall be able to do that (lift the ban) and address issues of food security,” he added.

The DP also urged for vigorous campaigns across the country to allay fears associated with GMOs. “We cannot be left behind when the world is discussing matters biotechnology,” he added.

Mr Ruto’s statement comes at a time when many people are at a crossroads on whether to adopt genetic technology in agriculture or not.

Research on genetic technology in Kenya has been stalling since the government’s blanket ban on genetically modified products in 2012 following a controversial study by French scientists that linked such products to cancer.

Findings of the study were published in the journal Food Chemical Toxicology.

The findings were, however, recanted after it was established that the authors did not adhere to internationally accepted standards for research.

FOOD INSECURITY

But this did not change Kenya’s position on biotechnology. While the government has been hostile to genetically modified foods, its proponents think it is the best thing to have happened.

To scientists, embracing genetic biotechnology is the solution to the country’s constant battle with food insecurity.

To other groups, the push to introduce GM crops is just a ploy by multinational companies to find new markets.

Ms Wanjiru Kamau from the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network says unless the gaps and questions on GM crops are addressed, the country should not lift the ban.

“The CS of Health should first make public the findings of the task force on the health effects of GM foods,” she says.

Ms Kamau, who champions organic farming, believes that the solution to food insecurity does not lie in use of genetic technology.

“We do not agree with interference of genes, especially in foods that people consume. GM will not solve the issue of poverty and hunger and, therefore, we do not need it.”

She further says that adoption of GM crops like Bt maize will have a negative impact on the country’s economy.

“If we introduce Bt maize, we will lose exports of some crops like baby corn to the European market because it will be contaminated,” she argues.

VIABLE SOLUTION

Dr Iain Wright, the deputy director of the International Livestock Research Institute (Ilri) does not agree with Ms Kamau’s arguments.

To him, as long as land is not expanding as much as the population, the only viable solution for the country is to increase its agricultural yield through genetic technology.

“Kenya needs to invest in science and technology to improve its agricultural capacity if it is to feed the growing population,” he says.

As if buying into the Deputy President’s decision to lift the ban, a section of MPs have warmed up to the idea of introducing GM crops.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose, while on a tour of research facilities, said: “Other countries are way ahead in adoption of GMO (genetically modified organisms) technology. We continue to lag behind because of misinformation. Lift the ban,” he said.