The Developing World Needs GMOs

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For several years, I have been thinking about what should be done to address the negative sentiment about GMOs. As an African scientist who has the vast knowledge of biotechnology and understands the potential of the new technology, I took the task upon myself to gather evidence with experts around the world and publish a book and a Correspondence on how to address GMO regulation problems at the international level.

While this was a difficult task, I am proud to be the first African scholar to mobilize experts from around the world to review or abandon current regulatory framework for GMOs. It is uncommon but I have taken this bold step and made an initial attempt to challenge the current status quo of GMO regulation.


But the problem exists here in Africa, too. Some years ago I travelled to several countries across different regions in Africa to discuss the benefits of GMOs with policymakers. These talks spurred the largest study in the history of GM agriculture in Africa, but the debating continues, with policymakers asking for more evidence to prove GMOs are safe. In my own country, Nigeria, I was threatened in the local news for promoting the use of GMOs. Media reported that eating food made from GMOs is bad for your health and could cause cancer.


Adenle Ademola