The economies of most developing nations rely on agriculture (Workie et al., 2020). Some decades ago, agriculture was economically viable and provided food and employment for residents of developing economies (Workie et al., 2020). During those years, the countries had sufficient rainfall to sustain crops and animals. Therefore, agriculture was perceived as the backbone of most developing countries. Unlike decades ago, most developing nations are now experiencing extreme droughts (Guzmán et al., 2017). UNICEF claims that children in Africa face deadly drought. Extreme droughts have resulted in food insecurity. According to Ngaira & Ngaira (2017), among the possible solutions to alleviate food insecurity is GMO drought-resistant foods despite various ethical concerns. However, with the rise in the prevalence of droughts in developing countries and the consequent risk of food insecurity, governments in developing countries have debated on whether to approve the production of GMO drought-resistant foods since they offer a potential solution to food insecurity or not due to their many health and ethical controversies.
GMO drought-resistant foods should not be approved for human consumption in developing countries due to environmental risks associated with their adoption. Various scholars have raised concerns about the potential cross-pollination between GMO crops and other crops, leading to the creation of herbicide-resistant weeds that threaten wild plants and other crops (De Santis et al., 2018). When GMO crops cross-pollinate with non-GMO crops, they can create herbicide-resistant weeds that threaten wild plants and other crops. This phenomenon, called “gene flow,” can have significant ecological consequences. A study by De Santis et al. (2018) found that gene flow from GMOs can negatively impact biodiversity, food webs, and ecosystem functioning, all of which are detrimental to the survival of human beings.
Another critical environmental concern associated with GMOs is their impact on non-target organisms. A study by the University of Kansas found that the growth of GMOs has led to a significant decline in the butterfly population in the United States. The study suggests that this decline is due to the widespread use of pesticides, which are used to protect GMO crops from pests (Varzakas et al., 2018). These pesticides can negatively impact non-target organisms, such as butterflies, which are crucial pollinators for many crops. Also, tampering with crops’ genetic makeup can affect the food chain, as Whomsley et al. (2021) noted. Introducing GMOs into the environment can have unforeseen consequences, such as the emergence of new pests or diseases that can negatively impact non-GMO crops.
There have been several examples of adverse health impacts related to the adoption of GMO foods across the globe. One such example is the case of Bt cotton in India. Bt cotton is a genetically modified crop resistant to pests and was introduced in India in the early 2000s. However, despite promises of higher yields and reduced use of pesticides, Bt cotton has been linked to several adverse health impacts for Indian farmers (Shelton et al., 2019). Bt cotton farmers in India have reported increased rates of allergies, respiratory problems, and skin irritations since the introduction of the crop. Moreover, some farmers have reported livestock deaths and decreased soil fertility due to Bt cotton cultivation. These negative health impacts are believed to be linked to the increased use of pesticides and herbicides often associated with GMO crops, as well as the potential for unintended consequences when modifying the genetic makeup of crops (Shelton et al., 2019). The case of Bt cotton in India serves as a cautionary tale for the potential risks associated with GMOs (Shelton et al., 2019). It highlights the need for further research and oversight in this area.
Others argue that GMO drought-resistant foods may not be as tasty as natural foods, posing a challenge to their adoption in developing countries. Gundala and Singh (2021) noted that consumers get more pleasure from eating foods they perceive to be ethically produced or organic. Such a taste and preference among modern-day consumers have seen a rise in the movement where consumers prefer ecologically friendly and produced organic foods while detesting the inorganic ones. The study also showed that most people perceive natural foods as tastier than artificially manufactured foods. However, while the taste of GMO foods may be a secondary concern, food security should be the primary focus in developing countries where millions are at risk of starvation. Therefore, adopting GMO drought-resistant foods should be considered a temporary solution that does not heal the world.
Despite the above controversies and rejections against GMO drought-resistant foods in developing countries, proponents of GMO adoption offer solid arguments in support of GMOs. Currently, the world is facing a food crisis worsened by various factors such as climate change, population growth, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations (2022) reports that more than 25,000 people die of hunger daily, with most of these deaths recorded in developing countries that experience prolonged drought periods. To mitigate the effects of droughts and ensure food security throughout the year, genetically modified organisms (GMO) drought-resistant foods can be produced. Adoption of these foods can help reduce starvation and starvation-related deaths in developing nations.
The above assertion anchors on the fact that GMO drought-resistant foods are engineered to withstand prolonged periods of drought, enabling farmers to produce food even in harsh conditions (Muzhinji & Ntuli, 2021). Drought-resistant crops such as maize, sorghum, and cassava have been developed through genetic engineering techniques that insert drought-resistant genes into the plant’s DNA. These crops can survive extended periods without rainfall and produce enough yields to feed people. In addition, genetically modified crops require less water, pesticides, and fertilizers to grow than their conventional counterparts, making them a more sustainable option for farmers in areas prone to drought (Muzhinji & Ntuli, 2021). The adoption of GMO drought-resistant foods can, therefore, ensure food security in developing nations and reduce the number of starvation-related deaths.
Furthermore, GMO crops can be engineered to have enhanced nutritional value, leading to improved health outcomes. De Santis et al. (2018) state biotech can make food healthier. For instance, lettuce can have a considerable nutrient concentration, while starch in potatoes can be reduced, and fat content in cooking oils can be lowered. In addition, studies have shown that introducing genes into GMO crops can increase the natural production of antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease and cancer (Varzakas et al., 2018). By producing GMO crops with enhanced nutritional value, developing nations can address the issue of malnutrition, which is prevalent in these countries.
Real-life examples from developing countries have already shown the positive impact of these crops. In South Africa, drought-resistant maize has helped farmers withstand prolonged drought, resulting in increased food production and reduced hunger (Davidson, 2020). In Kenya, cassava has been genetically modified to resist the deadly cassava brown streak disease, which has devastated farmers in the region (Muzhinji & Ntuli, 2021). Adopting GMO cassava has led to increased yields, reduced losses, and improved food security (IFPRI, 2020). These real-life examples demonstrate the potential of GMO drought-resistant crops to increase food production and improve food security in developing nations. Furthermore, GMO crops are safe for human consumption and the environment, with rigorous scientific assessments in place to ensure their safety.
Finally, the critics of GMO crops argue that they pose health risks and environmental hazards, which may lead to negative consequences in the long run. However, research has shown that GMO crops are safe for human consumption and the environment. The Government of Canada (1994) has established assessment criteria for determining the environmental safety of plants with novel traits, which include GMO crops. The criteria are based on rigorous scientific assessments that consider the potential risks and benefits of the crops. In addition, researchers continue to conduct studies to evaluate the safety of GMO crops, and the consensus is that they are safe for human consumption and the environment (Whomsley et al., 2021).
In conclusion, adopting GMO drought-resistant foods can help reduce starvation and starvation-related deaths in developing nations. Genetically modified crops can withstand prolonged periods of drought and require less water, pesticides, and fertilizers to grow, making them a sustainable option for farmers in areas prone to drought. In addition, GMO crops can be engineered to have enhanced nutritional value, which can address the issue of malnutrition in developing nations. Although there are concerns about the safety of GMO crops, research has shown that they are safe for human consumption and the environment. The adoption of GMO crops has a positive impact on the food crisis that is currently affecting the world.
References
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Muzhinji, N., & Ntuli, V. (2021). Genetically modified organisms and food security in Southern Africa: conundrum and discourse. GM Crops & Food, 12(1), 25-35.
Ngaira, J. K., & Ngaira, K. O. (2017). Droughts and Agricultural Development in Africa: The Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Mitigation Strategy in Food Security. Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 1-17.
Shelton, A. M., Hossain, M. J., Paranjape, V., Prodhan, M. Z., Azad, A. K., Majumder, R., … & Hossain, M. A. (2019). Bt brinjal in Bangladesh: the first genetically engineered food crop in a developing country. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 11(10), a034678.
Smyth, S. J. (2020). The human health benefits from GM crops. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 18(4), 887.
UNICEF (2022). Children are facing deadly drought in the Horn of Africa. UNICEF. (2022, August 23). Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/stories/climate-drought-horn-of-africa
Workie, E., Mackolil, J., Nyika, J., & Ramadas, S. (2020). Deciphering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food security, agriculture, and livelihoods: A review of the evidence from developing countries. Current Research in Environmental Sustainability, 2, 100014.
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