Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are defined as organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been transformed by use genetic engineering production methods. The organisms whose genetic material has been altered can be either plants or animals. It is from the Genetically Modified Organisms that genetically modified (GM) foods are made from through genetic modification of crops. Today, genetic modification has gained lot of development in almost every food production. Genetically modified foods whether as raw crops or manufactured products are perceived to increase food security in underdeveloped countries. However, the question that is eminent is whether genetically modified foods are a good choice for the underdeveloped countries or not.
The primary goal for developing GM plants from genetically modified organisms is to better and increase crop production. The technology of genetic modification was the facilitating factor behind the technology development. The GM crops that are available in the market today are majorly meant for the increment in the level of protection of crops protection from pests and pest related disease. The pesticides to treat the crop pests and diseases have increasingly become ineffective as the virus causing the diseases have become resistant. According to Qaim and Zilberman, “Many developing countries, small scale farmers especially suffer big pest related yield losses because of technical and economic constraints” (1). The GMO’s come in as a solution to this problem. Scientists have proved that genetically modified foods can lead to increased production as well as agricultural growth in such cases. The underdeveloped nations which majorly rely on agriculture suffer the problem of pest resistance. Introducing the technology of genetically modified foods will ensure that the problem is solved.
It has been observed that underdeveloped countries especially in Africa suffer from an acute shortage of food supply. Cases of drought and famine are common in most of these countries and therefore people are faced with a serious food security problem. This shortage is not just in terms of the quantity of food that is available to the general population but also in terms of the quality of such food. The most affected by this situation are infants and young children who require certain foods in order to grow healthy and improve their immunity to certain diseases. The government and non-government organizations have made attempts to ensure that their population has access to proper food requirements but these attempts have not been successful. Often food reliefs are required to meet urgent needs of starving people. This is usually not a permanent solution to the problem. GM foods can considerably assist in ensuring that people who consistently suffer from basic food inadequacies are able to meet the nutritional needs of their families in underdeveloped nations.
Genetically modified foods are cheaper to produce and hence sell at lower costs, making them appropriate for poor underdeveloped countries. The GM foods are developed and promoted in markets since it is perceived that the GM foods come with an advantage to either the final consumer or the producer. This means that the GM food products are turned into lower price products. Scientists and economists have a positive motive when they campaign and advocate for genetically engineered foods. To begin with, the population in underdeveloped is on the increase due to poor family planning methods and generally due to lack of population control measures. There is a massive third world hunger and the World Health Organization estimates that the in every 2 seconds, a child dies due to starvation. Therefore, the cheaper GM foods chip in as the best solution to the poverty stricken underdeveloped nations.
It is widely insinuated that the GM foods are not safe for human consumption as well as the environment. This becomes a tough choice for the underdeveloped nations to decide on whether to choose GM foods over the traditional ones or not. The effect of this food on the human body can be allergen responses by the body. However, despite the GM foods being regarded as a healthy risk, there is not yet any reliable evidence to justify the claim. There are no reports that have been presented on the alleged ill effects of GM foods due to consumption of this food products; leaving it clear therefore that the food is safe. The GM foods require a well-organized regulatory structure. Regulations on the production of the foods should be put in the underdeveloped nations to facilitate their production as they are the best solution to the food situations in such countries
Genetically Modified foods should be more helpful to the food security through controlled production and consumption in underdeveloped countries. A mention of genetically engineered foods results to a massive debate. In most cases the debates are misleading and have inadequate information on the issue. The genetically modified foods are developed through thorough scientific methods including tests on the effects. With the demand in food constantly rising in the underdeveloped nations, genetically modified foods are more helpful and cheap although there is need to control their production and consumption for the sake of the environment and human health. Genetically engineered foods offer hope for the underdeveloped world’s future; malnutrition included. Demand for food demonstrates no sign of taking the downward curve.
In conclusion, the primary goal for developing GM plants from genetically modified organisms is to better and increase crop production. The GM foods also promise to offer a ready and cheap solution to the problem of under and mal-nourishment which are still a great problem and concern in the world especially in the underdeveloped countries. The technology of genetic modification was the facilitating factor behind the technology development. Genetically modified foods are cheaper to produce and hence sell at lower costs, making them appropriate for poor underdeveloped countries. The GM foods are developed and promoted in markets since it is perceived that the GM foods come with an advantage to either the final consumer or the producer. It is widely insinuated that the GM foods are not safe for human consumption as well as the environment. This becomes a tough choice for the underdeveloped nations to decide on whether to choose GM foods over the traditional ones or not. Genetically Modified foods should be more helpful to the food security through controlled production and consumption in underdeveloped countries. To determine whether the idea of genetically modified foods is a good choice in underdeveloped nations, there needs to be regulation put in place to control the production of such crops. Well established researches as well as regulation on the GM foods need to be initiated so as to help the population of the undeveloped nations.
Works Cited
Black, Jane. "As Nature Made Them." Prevention Apr. 2012: 082. Academic OneFile. 8 Dec. 2013: n. pag. Print.
Lincoln. "The Many Benefits of GMO'S." States News Service 10 Oct. 2013: n. pag. Print.
Qaim, Matin, and David Zilberman. "Yield Effects of Genetically Modified Crops in Developing Countries." American Association for the Advancement of Science 299.900 (2003): n. pag. Web.
WHO. "20 questions on genetically modified foods." World Health Organization. N.p., 2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.
