African states have been asked to promote traditional food crops in the face of the ongoing debate on Genetically Modified Organisms Foods (GMOs).
An agricultural expert Doris Anjawa says that if at all the states want to adopt GMOs then they should approve genes from the local crops to preserve the traditional foods.
She however urged the government of Kenya to provide the facts about GMOs in a simplified manner for farmers in the local villages to understand and enable them participate in the ongoing discussion.
She noted that the government should also educate farmers on what GMOs are so that in future when approved they can understand the impact and benefits of the modified crops.
A farmer, Tom Mwanje observed that the debate on GMOs is due to failure by farmers to cultivate enough food crops to feed the country.
He noted that if farmers will put their focus in planting adequate traditional crops, then there will be no need of seeking GMO crops to supplement food in the country.
Mwanje asked political leaders to support sensitization of farmers in planting traditional crops to address the challenges of food shortage and climate change.
By Moses Wekesa
