Farmers across Rwanda are urging the Government and researchers to provide clear and comprehensive information on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) before the anticipated introduction of agricultural biotechnology in the country.
Concerns are mounting among farmers about the potential impacts of GMO seeds on land degradation and consumer health.
One farmer expressed worry, stating, “We have heard that when you grow GMO maize, for instance, in one farm, all crops nearby fail, and only that maize thrives”. “The law has been passed, but we don’t have enough information.”, he added.
Another farmer shared fears about the health risks, saying, “My neighbor told me that these modified seeds cause cancer and could also cause human infertility. It would be better if officials in agriculture timely inform us before the introduction of these seed in Rwanda.”
Boniface Zigiranyirazo
Speaking to IRIBA NEWS, farmers from various districts countrywide voiced their mixed views and called on agricultural officials to provide accurate information about GMOs.
Background:
The Government of Rwanda gazetted the GMOs law in February 2024. However, detailed information about this controversial technology remains insufficient, particularly for farmers.
Bugingo Leonidas, a cassava farmer in Gacurabwenge Sector, Kamonyi District, said he had heard that GMOs were coming to Rwanda but knew little else about the development. “I don’t have any information about these seeds, but my neighbor told me that when you plant genetically modified maize, all the nearby crops fail,” he said, noting that he had heard these seeds resist more to the crop diseases.
Thacienne Mukabadege, a farmer from Murambi Sector in Rulindo District, commented, “I heard on Radio Rwanda news that a law was enacted allowing the use of GMOs. My concern is that these seeds are said to cause cancer and human infertility?”, he doubted.
Other farmers in Rwamagana District share similar concerns. Alphonse Mugabo from Mwurire Sector said, “I wouldn’t reject anything that could make my banana plantation yield more, but my issue with these technologies is that they are associated with adverse effects. They might yield well this year, but completely fail the next. It needs careful consideration.”, he insisted.
Boniface Zigiranyirazo from the Gisagara Dstrict noted, “Honestly, I don’t know if I am going to use those seeds because once they are in the soil, I’ve heard, they degrade it. One might harvest a lot this season, but will not harvest anything next season.”
Government Assurances:
Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, recently addressed these concerns, noting that while GMOs are widespread globally, there is still a lack of understanding. “Not many people understand what it is, but GMO is a program that has spread worldwide, and we are also preparing to launch it in Rwanda. It is a way to ensure food security by using seeds that grow quickly and are climate-resistant,” he said.
Dr. Athanase Nduwumuremyi, a researcher at the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) and the director of Rwanda’s chapter of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa, said different groups are being educated on GMOs. “GMO seeds do not cause nearby crops to fail.
Those are rumors,” he stated. “We are currently training different groups by providing them with information on genetically modified crops. Journalists, as one of the groups helping to disseminate information to the public, have been trained, and we will continue to do so.”
“Before these seeds are distributed to the public, thorough research is conducted. For example, research on genetically modified cassava is ongoing, and it has shown no problems affecting nearby crops.”, Dr Nduwumuremyi Emphasized.
Addressing Health Concerns:
The World Health Organization (WHO), the National Academy of Sciences in the USA, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed in 2017 that there is no evidence that GMOs cause cancer or other serious health risks. Pacifique Nshimiyimana, the Director of the International Alliance for Science, reiterated this, stating, “Those claiming that GMOs cause diseases like cancer or infertility are trying to mislead people. Whenever there is a change, such misinformation will arise.”
The European Union’s Food Safety Authority reviewed over 1,000 scientific studies on GMOs in 2020 and concluded that GMOs have no adverse effects on human health and do not harm other crops or degrade the soil. These findings align with statements by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2011 and 2017.
Current Status:
As of May 2024, there are no GMOs on Rwandan soil, but confined research on cassava is ongoing, according to government officials.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (Minagri) is urged to provide comprehensive and truthful information about GMOs to address the farmers’ concerns and prepare them for the upcoming changes in agricultural technology.
Written by Emma-Marie Umurerwa
Iriba.news@gmail.com
