The legal aspect of the current use of genetically modified organisms in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda

Abstract

Many African nations place a high priority on enhancing food security and nutrition. However, unfavorable environmental conditions interfere with the achievement of food security in Africa. The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) presents intriguing possibilities for improving food security on the continent. In Africa, countries in the same regions have different GMO usage policies and laws. While some nations are updating their laws and policies to allow GMOs, others are still debating whether they are worth the risk. However, there is still little information available regarding the most recent status of GMO applications in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The current review summarizes the state of GMO applications for enhancing food security in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Currently, Tanzania and Uganda do not accept GMOs, but Kenya does. This study can assist governments, academics, and policymakers in enhancing GMO acceptance for boosting nutrition and food security in their nations.

Plant Biotechnology—An Indispensable Tool for Crop Improvement

“…The resulting transgenic plants showed robust resistance to both viruses while retaining the desirable agronomic characteristics of the cultivar preferred by Ugandan farmers, ‘TME204’ [ 53 ]. CBSD-tolerant GM cassava was approved for cultivation in Kenya in 2020 [ 54 ]. Although the disease resistance and safety of the cultivar has been tested, the release is still surrounded by skepticism and criticism [ 55 ].…”

The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public’s Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges

“…Analysis of the regulatory environment surrounding GM crops in several African nations demonstrates a wide range of perspectives and beliefs regarding agricultural biotechnology. 6 , 7 , 24 Although some countries have welcomed GM crops as a way to improve productivity in farming and food security, others have put cautious regulatory frameworks in place that emphasize careful safety evaluations and risk management. On the other hand, some African nations continue to impose strict laws or complete prohibitions due to worries about possible negative effects on the environment, human health, and socioeconomic conditions.…”

“…Conversely, nations such as Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe have implemented more stringent policies, prohibiting the growing of particular GM crops ( Table 1 ). 7 , 28 , 29 , 60 GM crops and technological advancements are only useful for research under carefully monitored circumstances. Research efforts, trade, and regional collaboration are hampered by the regulatory frameworks’ absence of harmonization.…”

“…Research efforts, trade, and regional collaboration are hampered by the regulatory frameworks’ absence of harmonization. 7 , 15 To close these gaps, policymakers must have a thorough awareness of the particular conditions of every country and engage in continuous discussion to create regulations that strike a balance between the possible advantages of GM crops and safety and environmental concerns.…”

“…GM crops regulation takes many different forms throughout the African continent: acceptance, cautious application, and outright prohibition. 7 , 15 , 60 This compromise strategy addresses the need for food security while taking socioeconomic and environmental factors into account. It aims to strike a balance between potential advantages and public worries.…”