COURT DECISION TO BLOCK GENETICALLY MODIFIED RICE TO WORSEN MALNUTRITION IN AFRICA

COURT DECISION TO HALT  PROPAGATION OF GM GOLDEN RICE IN PHILIPPINES TO WORSEN VITAMIN 'A' DEFICIENCIES IN CHILDREN, PREGNANT WOMEN IN AFRICA 

....over 3.5 million children in Africa lack Vitamin A,while over 700 million people depend on rice as staple food 


By Alfonso Kasongo 

A recent court decision in Philippines to block the commercial propagation of Golden Rice, a genetically modified crop,  will trigger more Vitamin A deficiencies in millions children and pregnant women in Africa, biotech experts have voiced out. 

The propagation  and commercialisation of Golden Rice,a genetically engineered rice was halted by a Philippinean court citing precautionary principle and the interpretation of strict liability. 

Golden Rice contains beta carotene, which offers a simple solution to combat vitamin A deficiency. Its yellow-orange color comes from this compound, which the body converts into vitamin A. Once available, it could greatly improve public health in rice-dependent communities.

Persistent vitamin A-deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in developing countries, and increases the risk of death from common childhood infections.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight. 

Dr.Kayode Sanni,Rice Project Manager at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF),Kenya says the court's decision has serious adverse implications not only on food and nutrition security in Africa but also health implications and adoption of the biotechnology technology on the continent, with highest levels of malnutrition. 

Dr. Sanni observes that 3.5 million children in Africa lack Vitamin A while 250 million globally are affected by lack of the said vitamin.

Dr. Sanni discloses that the continent needs about 35 million metrics tons of rice to feed over 700 million people take it as staple food.

"The decision in Philippines will adversely affect the other parts of the global.

It is difficult to now deploy the technology in Africa and it is deprive the nutrition vitamin A.We are talking also food security."

Meanwhile ,he emphasizes the need for African countries to be more optimistic and proactive in developing their own biotechnologies adding that can only be possible if they make their own decisions based on their most important needs - food security, as well as trusting  local scientists.

"We need to be optimistic and proactive in developing ours.We make our own decisions based on our greatest need," Dr. Sanni explains. 

And Dr Vitumbiko Chinoko, Project  Manager, at OFAB,Kenya, says rice plays a critical role in Africa's food security and nutrition.

Dr. Vitumbiko Chinoko 

Dr. Vitumbiko echoes that the court decision raises concerns on agricultural technology adoption,arguing.." diversifying agricultural technologies remains key in addressing food security concerns in Africa. 

He explains that the current decision in the Philippines is hindering the progress of introducing Golden Rice technology to Africa, due to perception issues and resource constraints.

Comments

Mag said…
hmmmm seriously
June 15, 2024 at 9:13 PM
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