An extensive review on genetically modified (GM) foods for substanable development in Africa

Abstract

Genetic modification (engineering) of crops is an extension of the age-old practice of cross breeding and selection to develop new crop varieties. With traditional breeding methods, thousands of traits from two crops are combined. Using genetic engineering only the desired characteristics are added to a plant. This technique holds a lot for Africa. Some of the benefits, Africa stands to derive include, Increased food production, improved nutritional and health benefits, improved environmental condition, improved economic benefits and improvement in fruit storage. Genetic modification technique allow for novel traits to be introduced into animals, crops and micro-organisms. These techniques can be used to improve livestock, poultry and fish production as well as their resistance to disease. The use of GM technologies thus comes as solution to the numerous food security challenges facing Africa and the world at large. Plant scientist, backed by results of modern comprehensive profiling of crop composition, point out that crops modified using GM techniques are less likely to have unintended changes than are conventionally bred crops. The introduction of genetically modified food into our ecosystem have the potential to disrupt all works of life from microbes and bacteria, to the well being and health of humans, to the extinction of endangered species to potentially ending world hunger. Extensive public awareness campaigns are required to address the concerns consumers have about the new technology and to highlight biosafety measures and the benefit of genetically modified crops