Dont introduce GMO in Kenya, group warns

Dont introduce GMO in Kenya, group warns

The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) has opposed any policy aimed at introducing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and instead called for enhancement of agro-ecology.

According to AFSA Secretary General Faustin Vuningoma, agro-ecology is the only way to eradicate the current external attack on seed and food system.

“Our seeds are under attack and this will complicate our food system. We should fight for policies to strengthen agro-ecology and the calls for GMO introduction should never be accepted,” Vuningoma said.

Vuningoma hails from Zambia and he is also Secretary General of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Association that works with small-scale farmers in East, central and Southern Africa.

He was speaking in Nakuru after visiting small-scale farmers practicing organic farming in an exhibition organised by Pelum Kenya.

He stressed that there is need for change and formulation of policies in favor of small-scale farmers in a bid to promote seed security and hence food security.

“We are promoting the use of indigenous food programmer and hence the call for GMO is misplaced,” he added.

He called on stakeholders to build the capacity of members and partners to respond appropriately to community needs as they work to empower the communities they work with.

According to Veronica Kimotho, the chair lady of Murungaru-Turasha Organic Group, organic farming has benefited farmers and also helped in environmental conservation.

“We have joined hands and our group has 100 members where we practice organic farming. It has gained popularity. We do value addition hence making the venture profitable,” she said.

The group manufactures potato juice, dried carrot, carrot flour among others.

 

Tags:

food GMO AFSA Genetically Modified Organism The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa

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