Too much misinformation on agricultural innovations

Many people, including farmers, don’t have sufficient understanding of science and how it can be used to improve agricultural productivity, nutrition, the environment, and incomes.

They are suspicious of scientific innovations intended to fight pests, and crop diseases. They have a phobia for new agricultural ideas even if they are geared towards good harvests and food security.

Early this week, I trampled on an interesting article by Abraham Isah in the digital newsletter, “DrumBeat: Africa Biosciences Trend Issue No 75.” He is concerned that the growing adoption of agricultural biotechnology in Africa, like in the early days of technologies such as cell phones, vaccines, and aeroplanes; has faced its share of controversies and challenges as it becomes more widely integrated. In the article posted on September 24, he further says these challenges often include public skepticism, misinformation, regulatory hurdles, and ethical concerns, which are common during the broader adoption and scaling of innovative technologies.

“The extent of misinformation concerning agricultural biotechnology in Africa has reached distressing levels,” he writes. He goes on to state that myths surrounding agricultural biotechnology such as whether biotech crops can be replanted, their impact on biodiversity, and their safety for human health continue to dominate discussions.

Other issues central to this debate mentioned include the potential for rising seed costs and the risk of gene transfer eradicating wild seed varieties from African ecosystems.

I think Abraham’s article is much worth reflecting on given the challenges we face today, including, as he says, climate change, pest infestations, and declining soil fertility, which are intensifying Africa’s food and nutrition insecurity difficulties. Yet most recent science innovations are met with opposition based on misinformation often believed by policy makers, which he urges everyone, especially the youth, to fight. He gives the example of the long restriction by Kenya on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which he says was propelled by unfounded fears regarding health implications. 

“This ban delayed the integration of biotech crops that could have markedly increased agricultural production and enhanced food security. It required 10 years of dedicated advocacy and scientific evidence to reverse this policy, demonstrating the severe consequences of misinformation.”