Genetically modified foods: pathway to food security

Abstract

Abstract Currently, the demand of food far exceeds agricultural production in most developing countries including Nigeria as a result of unsustainable agricultural practices and environmental degradation. Increase in agricultural importation has subsequently increased the government’s expenditure and yearly budget, while also influencing the price of food in the nation. Therefore, a look into other sustainable food options to fight hunger and poverty in Nigeria is imperative. This study attempts to investigate how genetically modified food can help solve the numerous challenges of food security. The study revealed the shortfall in domestically produced food in Nigeria for instance, which is as a result of rapid population growth rate of 3.2% as opposed to food production rate of less than 1%. Advancement in genetic modification technologies has ensured the production of virus, stress-resistant crops and also disease resistant animals. Although these technologies are predominantly employed on plant than animals. Genetically modified foods employ biotechnological processes to alter inherent features of living organisms by replacing the natural gene sequence. Across the globe, several products modified and regenerated by genetic alteration have already been patented and certified by health institutes to be consumable. Foods such as rice, potato, corn, wheat, and soya ranks top in the list of products derived from Genetic Modified species. As research deepens in biotechnology, more uncertainties and controversies surround the consumption of GM products through cutting edge scientific research checked in legal framework, consumers will no longer react negatively towards GM foods.