Are genetically modified foods the way to go? (It is not like we have an option)

AS THINGS stand, the world currently has over seven billion people trampling on it and by the projections of several think tanks all factors constant; the numbers could hit nine billion by 2040. The United Nations in its 2013 population prospects report estimated that the world’s population was growing by 74 million people per year. The population influx is taking place at a time when the urbanisation rate is rising as if on steroids, with projections that by 2050, slightly over 64 per cent of the developing world population will be urbanised. This means that as there will be more mouths to feed, there will be less land for agricultural purposes as most of it will have been taken up by settlements and industries. As if that is not enough, weather patterns are increasingly becoming unpredictable because of what scientists are referring to as global warming. It is becoming hard for farmers to make the most out of the rainy season; rains are either inadequate or too much that they end up destroying crops. These circumstances not only affect the production of food crops, it is the same case for non-food items like cotton, sunflower and Jatropha amongst others. Genetically modified foods are the only way if we are to get through the future. Placed against other conventional plant breeding methods, genetic modification of organisms guarantees yield, even when other factors like weather are not constant. GMO is less time-consuming and is accurate in acquiring the desired objectives as compared to the natural way of doing things. With GMO technology, there is a chance to come up with crop breeds that can withstand unpredictable weather conditions and tolerate pest infestation. African countries like Kenya, South Africa, Burkina Faso who have adopted GMO technology are proof of how we can easily get past third world challenges like food security and heavy import bills. If there is reason to believe that the country cannot take in much GMO technology at a time without compromising on quality, it can be done progressively in phases beginning with crop varieties that would help stabilise food security. The beauty of science is innovation, coming up with better ways to do things and reducing uncertainty, which is what GMO technology promises. Those opposed to the adoption of the technology argue that GMO is not safe for human consumption and has a range of side effects that are life threatening. That is where the bureau of standards comes in; this body is tasked to ensure that products in supply are not harmful for those who consume them. Before being approved as safe for human consumption, GMOs undergo a series of test over time and only then can they be declared safe. If there is reason to believe that the genetically modified foods are harmful, they cannot be released to the market. It is time policy makers reviewed the benefits that the country stands to gain if it adopts GMOs and weigh the benefits against the current circumstances and projections.