Genetically modified organisms
(GMO) are defined as living organisms that possess a novel combination of
genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology. These
techniques, combine DNA molecules from different sources to create a new set of
genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or
novel genes.
Modern biotechnology is being
applied in health, industry, environment and Agriculture. For example Plants
with combination of genes from different sources which confers resistance to
pests and diseases or to herbicides is what Agricultural biotechnology is for. Although the other areas of modern
biotechnology are perceived to be safe and very useful, agricultural
biotechnology is receiving a lot of criticism, rejections and activism. There are
some reasons to the activism; however they are not limited to the ones below.
The process is shrouded in
secrecy, and therefore it is not understood and resisted. Genetic engineering
process is very complicated and tedious, it needs some extra work for a normal
person to have a clear glimpse of what is being done, issues related to intellectual property
rights, IPR contributes to the secrecy and maybe public fear.
The general knowledge on biotechnology
is not well understood by the general public. Studies show that if the
knowledge about or experience of a topic is low chances are people will base
their perceptions on already present global attitudes
Exposure to misinformation, fear
of unknown environmental and health consequences of genetically modified crops
Perceptions are also linked to
certain beliefs or a group in a community. Family, friends, class and culture
have a huge influence on consumers’ perception and altitude.
==information is the most
priceless thing; most of the controversy are because of misinformation or lack
of the information. Lang et al. (2003) observed that public fears about
bioengineering would be overcome if the public were given more genuine
information. This is very important to Tanzania because the farming population
in the country is aging and productivity per unit area of land needs to be
increased to make farming more attractive to the younger generation and provide
adequate amounts of food for the increasing population. It’s about time the
responsible authorities should start taking serious actions.
Ernest Madard
May 2014
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