July 19, 2011
Kenya's farmers and drought-hit citizens back GM imports
A farmers' lobby supported calls to adopt genetically modified crops, as residents in drought-hit areas also welcomed the plan to import GM maize.
Cereals Growers Association chief executive officer David Nyameino said the maize was resistant to diseases and harsh weather conditions and would improve production.
He said the maize had been grown in many parts of the world to reduce hunger, and wondered why Kenya was locking out the technology.
"Most of the maize imports are from the US and South Africa, which grow 90% and 70% respectively," Nyameino said. "Who has researched on the maize we grow to feed Kenyans to know if it is harmful because it has also been improved with time?"
He added that maize production in the country would double if farmers adopted the technology, and the country's population had risen to 38 million, which would result in too much demand for the 32 million bags realised annually to meet.
At the same time, residents in drought-hit areas of the North Rift and other areas facing starvation welcomed the plan to import GM maize.
The Cabinet last week approved a budget of KES9 billion (US$99.7 million) to buy food for an estimated 1.3 million Kenyans facing severe food shortage.
"As long as we are hungry, we will welcome the Cabinet move regardless of the controversy surrounding the GM maize," said Nelson Cheboi, a spokesperson for people who were evicted from the Embobut forest.
Although most residents do not have clear information about GM crops, they were not concerned with the outcry from activists and politicians against its import, saying it was better to risk eating GM food than starve to death.
Some MPs, including assistant ministers Kazungu Kambi (Medical Services), Jebii Kilimo (Co-operative) and Belgut MP Charles Keter, argued GM maize had negative effects.
"We do not want our people to eat GM maize because it has bad effects on their health. We totally are against it," Kambi said.