Biotechnology and genetically modified organism foods (1)
Genetically modified organism foods have made a big splash in the news lately and a lot of opinions have been expressed. I believe a lot of education on this subject has to be done for the ordinary Ghanaian to understand and come to real terms with it.
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To some extent, I am extremely pleased with the general reactions of the masses. Indeed, it is very normal to raise concerns and ask questions about it, as it directly affects us.
We owe it a duty as scientists to throw more light on this old but somewhat new subject of biotechnology and its progeny of genetically modified organisms or foods (GMOs / GMFs) so as to gradually clear all the ill-thoughts and misconceptions involved. For it is said “a loaf of bread when shared diminishes but knowledge when shared does not diminish.”
To begin with, biotechnology is defined in broad terms as any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof to make or modify products for specific use and, narrowly, as a range of different molecular technologies such as gene (basic unit of inheritance) manipulation and transfer, DNA typing, cloning of plants and animals.
The application of biotechnology provides researchers with new knowledge and paraphernalia that will make projects more efficient and feasible.
The whole concept of biotechnology is a brilliant one and is applicable in all fields of study, not only in agriculture but in food science, medical, criminology, mining, industrial, bioremediation (not all GM plants are grown as crops). Soil and groundwater pollution continues to be a problem in all parts of the world.
Forest trees have been genetically engineered to clean up heavy metal pollution from contaminated soils and so could be useful, especially in our galamsey-hit towns and so many others. But not until we allow and encourage meaningful research by our own selves and come out with concrete scientific findings of evidences or flaws, we shall continue to whine and revile all year round and it will get us nowhere.
There are a number of institutions which are already undertaking meticulous research in biotechnology. Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (B.N.A.R.I) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (G.A.E.C), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (C.S.I.R), all the public universities, as well as some private institutions are doing so. I strongly believe that if these institutions are properly resourced and investments made, we stand to gain in future.
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The developed countries took it upon themselves, some 30 years or so ago, to rigorously research into biotechnology, with huge sums of money devoted to it, and are now making giant strides from which they are benefiting immensely. In my opinion, we can also do same by investing our time and other resources into this avenue and then steer it to suit us.
The argument that hunger is a complex socio-economic phenomenon, tied to lack of resources to grow or buy food, is factually correct. Equally correct is the argument that existing food supplies could adequately feed the world population. But how food and other resources (e.g., land, capital) are distributed among individuals, regions or the various nations is determined by the complex interaction of market forces and institutions around the world.
Unless civic societies come up quickly with an economic system that allocates resources more equitably and more efficiently than the present one, 50 years from now, we will be faced with an even greater challenge, considering the fact that our lands and forest resources are depleting at such an alarming rate with our so called urbanisation (replacing natural biodiversity with building complexes, skyscrapers etc.).
Calorie for calorie, there will not be enough food to feed the projected population of about nine billion. With the purchasing power and wealth concentrated in the developed countries and over 90 per cent of the projected population growth likely to occur in developing and emerging economies, it is not difficult to predict where food shortages will occur.
Unless we are ready to accept starvation, there really is only one good alternative: discover ways to increase food production from existing resources. Bottom line: some pessimists may want to argue against Western-style capitalism and market institutions if they so choose to -- but their argument are hardly relevant to the issue of biotechnology.
We can appreciate this story of mine better if we relate this GMO brouhaha to the scenario of a farmer and how he would handle a sharp mahete. On one hand, it could be used profitably to weed and then on the other hand, can cause havoc if it is not handled well. Everything could be dangerous if not properly handled.
It is noteworthy that we are already consuming some of these much-talked-about GMFs as so many have found their ways onto our markets. The imported rice, maize, soyabean, animal products etc. have undergone genetic modifications one way or the other so why the fuss now? Why can’t we genetically modify our plants and animals here in Ghana by ourselves to safeguard against the uncertainties.
The writer is a student of Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana/ Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
Writer's E-mail: nii_korley_1@ yahoo.com