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The idea of making genetically modified foods available in Nigeria is finally coming to fruition with the approval of GM black-eyed peas (cowpeas). National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reached a decision to make the GM black-eyed peas available to farmers in Nigeria to cultivate commercially.
Food is classified as GM when engineers alter the genes with the hope of making them better in various ways. The scientists who created the GM black-eyed peas introduced DNA from the natural soil-bacteria Bacillus Thuringiensis.
The GM black-eyed peas possess a natural resistance to pod borers that causes decreased crop yields. Before Nigerian scientists began the research over 10 years ago, farmers faced failed crops. In the worst year, they experienced over 90 percent of losses due to pod boring bugs infestation. Farmers can now expect about a 20 percent increase in yield of black-eyed peas using the genetically modified version.
Though science has it that genetically modified foods are safe, the general public is still cautious. Prof. Ishiyaku Mohammad tries to reassuring the public that the GM cowpea is no different than conventional varieties.
– What distinguishes it is the fact that it has a resistance to Maruca infestation, he explains.
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) director in Nigeria also tries to reassure the bean-craving population of Nigeria.
– GM black-eyed peas approved in Nigeria has passed all necessary scientific and safety tests, Dr. Abdourhamane Issoufou says.
Benefits and Risks of GM Black-Eyed Peas in Nigeria
There is much controversy over the benefits and risks of GMOs. However, none of the risks implied by worried consumers are proven scientifically.
On the positive side, farmers in Nigeria who use pesticides in the cowpeas fields will no longer be exposed to these dangerous chemicals with the introduction of GM black-eyed peas. GM cowpeas are also vital for food security in Nigeria. It will, therefore, be reducing reliance on the annual importation of 500 000 tonnes of cowpeas.
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