Beyond the Hype Navigating the Complexities of GMO Adoption in Ethiopia

In the wake of Bill Gates’ (tech magnate and philanthropist) recent visit to Ethiopia, the country’s agricultural sector finds itself at a crossroads. As the nation grapples with rising production costs and the looming threat of climate change, introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the horticulture sector has emerged as a potential game-changer. This innovative approach could boost productivity and tackle challenges threatening the country’s export competitiveness. However, it raises important questions about public health, environmental impact, economic sovereignty, and the risk of becoming reliant on foreign biotechnology. By presenting a balanced perspective on the benefits and challenges of GMOs, EBR’s Eden Teshome shows how Ethiopia can strategically navigate this landscape to strengthen its horticultural industry and enhance exports.

The recent visit of Bill Gates, a billionaire turned philanthropist, to Ethiopia has reignited discussions about the role of GMOs in boosting Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity. Bill Gates, known for his foundation’s work in global health and agriculture, was particularly impressed by Ethiopia’s strides in wheat production; according to his travel notes, “Three years ago, the fields weren’t farmed at all,” Bill Gates noted. “Today, nearly 2,400 farmers are working almost 100,000 acres of wheat, and they’re using innovative approaches to get the most out of the land.”

Ethiopia’s agricultural sector has long been a cornerstone of its economy, with horticulture playing an increasingly significant role in foreign currency generation and employment in recent years. However, the industry faces various challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and rising production costs. These factors have pressured Ethiopia’s export competitiveness, prompting a search for innovative solutions.

However, as Ethiopia has set its sights on becoming a significant player in the global horticulture market, whether to embrace GMOs has moved from academic discussions to the forefront of national policy debates. The potential benefits are enticing: increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and crops better equipped to withstand the vagaries of a changing climate. Yet, as with any transformative technology, the path forward is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

Shimelis Araya (PhD), an agricultural economist at the Development Bank of Ethiopia, sees GMOs as crucial in addressing the country’s pressing food security issues. “With rising inflation, especially in food prices, and inefficient production leading to supply disruptions, GMOs offer a solution to enhance productivity and boost yields,” he argues. Shimelis’s perspective is particularly poignant given Ethiopia’s current situation, where a staggering 75% of the population lacks access to nutritious food; food insecurity was measured at 22.25 % of the population in May 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s regional office for Africa.

The potential of GMOs extends beyond mere productivity gains. In Ethiopia, where malnutrition remains a significant challenge, biofortified crops could improve public health. These genetically modified varieties, enriched with essential nutrients, could help combat widespread vitamin and mineral deficiencies affecting many Ethiopian communities.

However, the road to GMO adoption has its bumps; it comes with side effects. Public concerns about genetically modified crops’ safety and health implications remain a significant hurdle. Shimelis acknowledges these concerns but argues that the challenges need to be weighed against the immediate threat of hunger. “I’ve heard plenty of skepticism about GMOs, but my question is: won’t hunger take lives first?” he questions. “For me, the priority is clear.”

Yohannes Moges Ferede, a lecturer at the University of Gondar, echoes this statement. Yohannes, a PhD candidate at Ghent University in Belgium, echoes this statement. Yohannes sees GMOs as a potential game-changer for Ethiopia’s competitiveness in the global horticultural market. “Genetically modified crops can increase yield and reduce production costs by developing traits such as pest resistance and drought tolerance,” he explains. “This is particularly significant in a climate-vulnerable country like Ethiopia, where non-GMO crops may struggle under changing weather patterns.”

As Yohannes and Shimelis explain, the economic implications of GMO adoption for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector are significant. With the high production costs, Ethiopian exporters find it increasingly challenging to remain competitive in international markets. The Ministry of Agriculture’s horticulture development and marketing strategy acknowledges this challenge, noting that “the cost of horticulture research and production arising from the global energy crisis is making horticulture products expensive.”

GMOs could offer a solution to this challenge. Farmers can significantly reduce their dependence on costly pesticides and other essential inputs by creating crops that are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Additionally, GMOs with improved shelf life and transportability will help maintain product quality during exporting, potentially leading to better prices and positioning in the international market.

However, the adoption of GMOs is not without its risks. One of the primary concerns is the potential impact on Ethiopia’s reputation as a source of organic products. The country has long positioned itself as a high-quality, organic agricultural product provider in international markets. This branding, closely tied to Ethiopia’s heritage of traditional farming practices, has been a critical selling point for its speciality coffee, oil seeds, spices, and other horticultural products.

Yohannes acknowledges this challenge: “Ethiopia may benefit from a dual strategy. This could involve maintaining robust organic farming practices while selectively adopting GMOs for certain crops where they can have a competitive advantage and where market demand exists.”

This approach could allow Ethiopia to maintain its reputation for organic produce while still benefiting from GMO technology where appropriate. Yohannes adds, “Clear and transparent communication regarding safety regulations, scientific backing, and the environmental benefits of specific GM crops is essential.”

The environmental implications of GMO adoption also warrant careful consideration. While GMOs can potentially reduce the need for chemical pesticides, aligning with sustainable practices that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, there are concerns about biodiversity loss. Shimelis points out that “the primary drawback of GMOs is their association with monoculture, which undermines biodiversity.”

This concern is not unfounded. The Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852 is a stark historical reminder of the dangers of over-reliance on a single crop variety. As Ethiopia contemplates large-scale GMO adoption, measures need to be appropriately in place to ensure crop diversity is maintained and protected.

The regulatory framework for GMOs is still evolving. The country has already taken steps towards GMO adoption by approving the commercial cultivation of genetically modified cotton and conducting field research on genetically modified maize. These crops have been engineered to include genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, a common soil bacterium widely used to control insect pests in organic agriculture.

As Ethiopia looks to expand its horticulture export corridors from two to six in the coming eight years, the role of GMOs in achieving this ambitious goal cannot be overlooked. The Ministry’s strategy includes plans to dedicate over 60,000 hectares of land to commercial horticulture farming, with a significant portion allocated to growing flowers.

The potential introduction of GMOs in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While GMOs offer promising solutions to some of the industry’s most pressing problems, their adoption needs to be approached thoughtfully and strategically.

GMOs have gained traction in several African nations, demonstrating promising results in agricultural practices. A select group of eleven countries out of the fifty-four on the continent have embraced GM crop cultivation, according to research by Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando, a lecturer at the University of Dodoma, a public university in Tanzania established in 2007. These nations include Burkina Faso, Egypt, Eswatini, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, and Zambia. This limited but growing adoption highlights the potential for GMO technology to address agricultural challenges in Africa, indicating that most African countries still need to be cautious about implementing GMO crops in their agricultural sectors.

Shimelis aptly says, “Context-driven agricultural technologies should be embraced to ensure food security and economic stability.” By carefully balancing the benefits and risks, engaging with all stakeholders, and maintaining a commitment to sustainability and safety, Ethiopia has the potential to transform its horticulture sector and strengthen its position in the global market.

The path forward will require careful navigation, but with proper planning and execution, GMOs could play a crucial role in securing Ethiopia’s agricultural future and boosting its export competitiveness in the years to come.

Ethiopia’s journey with GMOs in horticulture is more than just a story of crop yields and export figures. It’s a narrative about a nation striving to feed its people, compete on the global stage, and secure a sustainable future in the face of climate change..EBR

13th Year • October 2024 • No. 134