|
|
| Genetically Modified Foods in Africa: The Chain Termination Sequence |
 PRINTABLE VERSION |
Fears too have been expressed to the effect that the genetic engineering process done on microbes such as viruses, fungi and bacteria could lead to the production of more virulent forms of the pathogens, which may cause devastating health and environmental effects due to lack of moderation and control procedures. The possible vertical or horizontal transfer of pathogenicity and virulence brought about by genetically modified DNA between microbes and even to animals and humans also further begs the question as to the safety of the genetically manipulated organisms. This can fuel the spread of deadly diseases thereby endangering the life of man and animals. The process has also been linked to the formation of reactive forms of viruses, which have the capacity to reactivate dormant viruses and also lead to the formation of new forms of viruses that are fast multiplying and more lethal.
Similarly, the artificialness or the ‘unnaturalness’ of the genetically modified foods has been identified as possible cause of reduction in the human and animal body resistances to unfavourable climatic conditions and disease attacks. Many of the engineered crops have been found to have unusually high anti-nutrient contents. This poses a health risk to consumers especially when consumed in high quantities. The monopolisation aspirations of the multinational biotechnology companies to own entire markets more or so in Africa has been pointed to as a conduit for perpetuating economic slavery by the companies in the continent. This is explained by the patenting of their seeds as well as other products generally vital in the practice of agriculture in the majority of impoverished African economies.
The companies’ concept of promoting the cultivation of only a single crop also portends a problem for African farmers many of who are subsistence-oriented and have to intercrop their farms as a strategy for their economic survival. Monoculture, as the cultivation of a single crop is known, would therefore increase food insecurity and thus poverty especially in the case of a single crop’s poor performance. This indeed is a recipe for mass impoverishment in a continent already ravaged by the adoption of irrelevant and externally imposed policies. The implications on weed control has also been pointed at as genetically modified crops’ cultivation has been known to create super-weeds, which are highly resistant herbicides thereby increasing the cost of weed management and thus the final cost of crop production. The transfer of genes from crops to weeds by pollination also brings to focus the further production of herbicide resistant weeds.
Gene transfer can also lead to the change in the status of pests making them highly resistant to pesticides and or turning them into harmful pests where before they were beneficial insects. At the same time, the effects of genetic manipulation can decimate the population of an insect pest thereby leaving its prey’s population to skyrocket. The prey would then go on a spree of crop destruction due to the absence of a predator. This for a poor African and Third World farmer is in fact economic crucifixion.
Genetically Modified microbes such as bacteria have also been known to lower soil fertility levels by taking up essential plant nutrients and acting antagonistically on other vital soil microbes thereby killing them through the production of poisonous secretions. These secretions have also been known to negatively alter the soil PH and kill plants. The equatorial forests of the developing world are also under threat from the genetic manipulation of tree genes to create those that secrete poisonous antagonistic materials to other competing plants and animals (pests) within their surroundings. This not only threatens the general forest bio ecosystems, but also endangers several rare animal and plant species whose livelihood is basically forest plants’ derived. The continuous practice of these lead to mass genetic pollution of the environment as there is a haphazard application of genetic technology without proper control.
Supporters of genetically modified foods have however given their reasons that other than promoting quality, the technology will improve the food security by alleviating hunger and poverty in the developing world and in particular Africa. These however have not yet been proven and in as much they may appear noble from the face of it, should not warrant the unregulated and the mass entrance of the said genetically modified foods into Africa and the developing world as is currently happening. The fact that there is never any packaging indication or labelling of the foods and their ingredients further complicates the scenario as many tend to consume them without really knowing that they have. For example, the manipulation of animal genes into plants’ genetic structure is confusing. Indeed, this projects an array of religious, ethical and cultural implications in as far the regulation of the food industry in Africa and the rest of the developing world is concerned.
|
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
Antony Felix O. Simbowo
TakingITGlobal has never been more apt than it is now in providing a forum for expression. This is because the dynamic world has undeveloped challenges that pose a great problem to the growth and daily life of any youth in the global society. What with the incessant wars, poverty, HIV/AIDS, pornography, racism and several other vices creeping into the society in a culture best objectified as vicious gradualism.
Here is where writing comes in handy and the TakingITGlobal literati, glitterati and pundits alike have provided a vital conduit through which these vices, positive and negative dynamism can be expressed.
I am saddened for example, when a promising youth is reduced to a hopeless parasite by drugs. More saddening is when I see the mercilessness, the hopelessness, the dereliction, the lack of love that many children, youth and people are subjected to due to wars, poverty, pornography and such as other negativities which silently and slowly kill the spirit and will within humans! Having gone through such experiences myself, I pray that God gives me the massive ability to be able to help these people to the best of my ability with His guidance, provision and protection. I have often wondered whether the expression "do unto others what you would have them do unto you" is being subjected to relativity. These are the problems which need highlighting and what better forum is there than TakingITGlobal.
I am privileged to be part of this ideologically vimmed and gustoed community.
|
Comments
HMMMMMMM........... Thomas Ronald Shotwell | Jul 11th, 2005
In some cases in the "third world" such products have been a benifit, but rarly are they this way. For this reason I must agrea with all that is stated. your's, thom Shotwell
Right Thom Antony Felix O. O. Simbowo | Mar 16th, 2006
The article simply explores the possible and proven negative effects of the products. It awakens an insight into the formulation and implementation of a sound biopolicy before full adoption of GMOs. Otherwise, GMOs are okay for the developing world as long as these are taken into consideration and transparency observed.
GM Foods Selwyn Milborrow | Jan 24th, 2007
Interesting article. As a South African I agree that public should be informed on the advantages of GM foods because it can reduce malnutrition damatically.
Selwyn Antony Felix O. O. Simbowo | Mar 13th, 2007
About malnutrition and GM foods is still a question of the after effects. I know the techie is in high gear in SA right now and I believe it portends a good future for food security in Africa. But as I mentioned in the article, let us tread with caution and not be 'eurekaring'. Science is an intricate matter. One small mistake can make the whole continent a hell house. Yet again, GM foods' direction is promising.
Thanks a lot.
Antony
Re: GM Foods Vanessa de Waal | Jun 13th, 2010
The topic of Genetically modified foods has interested me for quite some time. I have attended workshops, read many articles, and have learned about the topic through ecology courses in school. I'm afraid to say that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. What GM foods is famous for doing is putting farmers in debt. They are expensive for the farmer , as gradually the farmer needs more and more biotechnology to sustain his outputs. Eventually, so many farmers encounter such an abundance of the same stock, that it is worth nothing on the market and the farmer suffers from debt. They also strip farmers of their breeding selection and reproduction traditions because most are hybrid varieties that need to be bought each year from the biotech industry. This puts large riches into the pockets of a few large companies. GM foods may cure malnutrition temporarily, but they do not endorse purchasing and eating locally. And as the world has learned from the disastrous effects and potential from unsustainable resources, such as oil, the world needs to invest in sustainable resources. By this, I mean, the small farmer next door. GM foods are designed to create big quantities of mediocre quality. They also strip lands of the biodiversity which is vital to life. Yes there are advantages, as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, however the big picture needs to be anticipated when one assumes the role of mother nature. Furthermore, there is nothing more delightful than the taste, smell, and sight of fruitful plant growing from the beautiful seeds of nature.
Thank you for your article.
Take a look at:
http://tigurl.org/2q4cim ; http://tigurl.org/2q4cimstoryoffood/
I agree Vanessa Antony Felix O. O. Simbowo | Aug 27th, 2010
Look at cases where there is reduction in crop pest and disease infestations though as some examples of what biotechnology contributes towards development. Get back to me again.
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
