does kenya need gm maize to fight drought?

Does Kenya need Genetically-

Modified Maize to fight Drought?

Policy brief for legislators at Kenya’s State Law

Office on alternatives to Genetically-Modified Maize

in increasing Drought-Tolerance

By Jayanth Kannaiyan

http://knyn.reachby.com

Research Student at ICRISAT, Nairobi

& CeDEP, SOAS, University of London

August 27, 2011

The following is a policy brief intended for Kenyan lawmakers who are currently

debating how to regulate genetically modified organisms in the environment. This

presentation will debate the benefits and risks of two agricultural programs with

the same goal but using different biotechnologies to get there. The Water

Efficient Maize for Africa program intends to use genetic modification of corn to

increase yields in drought-prone areas, whereas the Drought-Tolerant Maize for

Africa program intends to use conventional breeding techniques to achieve the

same goal. It is my intention to show the benefits of the latter.

Presentation Outline

� Background Information

� Kenya Bio Safety Policy Status

� WEMA Project Overview

� Benefits/Risks of GM Crops

� Alternatives to GM Crops

� DTMA Project Overview

� Policy Recommendations

The presentation will first give some background information to the situation; the

current drought in East Africa and the need for developing drought-tolerant maize

breeds. Then, an overview of the Biosafety policy status in Kenya will be given

with the policy aim stated. An introduction to the two different approaches will

follow along with comparing the benefits and risks of GMO crops. A case will be

made for not using GMO crops by highlighting the other methods that currently

exist and finally the policy recommendations will be stated.

Drought in Kenya

� Kenya/East Africa experiencing worst drought in 60 years1

� Crop failures, food prices rising, starvation

� Temperatures expected to rise due to Climate Change, more frequent drought predicted2

� Maize staple food for population; susceptible to drought

� Currently drought reducing yields by 15% annually3

� Government looking to Biotechnology to improve

food security

The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 60 years with people dying

of starvation from crop and livestock failure. This dent in the food supply is

contributing to the persistent rise in food prices, hurting the poor even more.

Climate Change models predict more frequent droughts in the coming years. It is

prudent to develop drought-tolerant varieties of maize to ensure food security, as

yields are dropping yearly due to drought conditions. The Kenyan government is

looking to biotechnology advances in its agriculture to combat this problem.

Bio Safety in Kenya

� Kenya party to Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

� Kenya’s Biosafety Policy approved in 2006, passed into

a Law in 2008 and signed into an Act in 20094

� Policy formulation taking place now, awaiting

implementation of regulations

� Aim of this policy brief: influence the agenda setting

regarding transgenic crops

� Two strategies to bring drought-tolerant maize to

farmers:

� Genetically-modified through WEMA project

� Conventional breeding through DTMA project

Kenya is party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000), which refers to the

movement and handling of living modified organisms across borders and

encourages governments to enact national biosafety laws. Accordingly, Kenya

has been steadily progressing since then and has passed its biosafety act in

2009, allowing for confined field trials of GMOs, so far. The regulations for

environmental release of GMOs hasn't been agreed on yet and I would like to

influence the policy agenda of transgenic crops before the policy is implemented

through this policy brief.

Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA)

� Public-private partnership to bring drought-tolerant maize to Sub-Saharan Africa5

� Using conventional breeding to introduce genetically modified maize with drought tolerant traits

� Monsanto providing proprietary gene royalty-free to research institutes

� By 2016, expected to improve yields by 25% in moderate drought conditions compared to current varieties6

The Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) program is a public-private

partnership with the aim of bringing genetically-modified drought-tolerant maize

to the market by 2016. It is primarily funded by the Gates Foundation and is run

by CIMMYT and IITA. Monsanto is providing the transgene royalty-free, so that

the seeds can be priced similarly to conventional seeds to encourage farmer

uptake. The program states that they expect yields to increase by up to 25% in

moderate drought conditions. It is suspected that Monsanto is involved to

increase its market share in Africa.

Current Status of GM Crops: Global, Kenya

� Globally, GM crops acreage increasing yearly7

� Currently 10 countries with commercial

production of GM crops

� South Africa only country in Africa with GM crops

� Primarily soybean, corn, cotton and canola

� Bred for herbicide and insect resistance

� Kenya approved 5 Confined Field Trials8

� Environmental release of GMOs currently not

allowed in Kenya

Globally, genetically-modified crops are increasing in acreage year on year with

South Africa being the only African country to have commercial GM crops. The

main GM crops currently are soybean, maize, cotton and canola, which have

been bred for herbicide and insect resistance. Since development costs are high,

the focus has been on commodity crops to ensure large enough returns. Kenya

has just approved confined field trials of Bt corn (insect resistance) and

regulations are still pending on environmental release. However, the USA is

pressuring the local lawmakers to speed up the release.

Benefits/Risks of GM Crops

Crowding out biodiversity, increasing risk

to unseen future shocks10Monocultures easier to control when issues

arise

Loss of resilient traditional farming

knowledge and food sovereignty

Transfer of Technology from Western MNCs

Biology operates in complex interactionsUsing technological prowess to combat

biological issues

Increase of pesticide tolerance leading to

new kinds of pests/weeds11Decreased pesticide use (from Bt transgene)

Narrow strategy in a changing

environment

Targeting specific issues with genes

Dependency on high technology,

increased yields not proven to combat

hunger9

Increased yields to increase food supply and

combat hunger

RisksBenefits

The proponents of GM crops say that increased yields will help solve hunger

problems. However, South Africa and Uganda recently had a surplus of corn,

while people were still suffering from hunger in their countries. Hunger is a

question of distribution, not production. Relying on GM crops for food security

means giving up on local farmer knowledge and becoming dependent on western

technology and private seed companies, such as Monsanto. This company does

not have a clean record of environmental or social responsibility. Also, relying on

one particular transgene to work in all drought conditions is wishful thinking.

Risks of GM Crops

Above: US map of spread of herbicide

resistance weeds to Roundup-Ready crops12

Left: Explanation of how GMO crop

outcrosses into wild populations,

threatening biodiversity13

One of the main risks of releasing GM crops in the environment is outcrossing,

where the GM crop spreads it pollen to breed with local varieties and

contaminates the biodiversity. A GM crop is a monoculture, meaning if some new

threat affects this variety, then all the crop will be compromised. Biodiversity of

maize means that resistance to a variety of threats exists naturally that can be

used when needed. Another risk is the herbicide tolerance that is growing around

the world to Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready crops, requiring more toxic herbicides

to control the new weeds; a downward spiral.

Alternatives to GM Crops

� Conventional breeding for traits

� IAASTD Report encourages Sustainable Agriculture to safeguard

global food supply14

� Organic farming possible to feed the world if current agricultural

system changes15

� Integrated Pest

Management instead of

engineering pest control

into seed16

� Soft BioTech vs

Hard BioTech

There exist many different strategies to achieve the same goal instead of easily

turning to GM crops. Conventional breeding is just as effective in producing

desired traits, without having to cross species boundaries, that GM crops do.

Recent global agricultural surveys have shown that sustainable agriculture is the

way forward if we want to secure the global food supply in the coming decades.

Organic farming can indeed feed the world if major changes happened to the

agricultural system, such as incorporating Integrated Pest Management, instead

of using the hard technological approach of GM crops.

Drought-Tolerant Maize for Africa

� CIMMYT-IITA project to bring drought-tolerant maize

to Sub-saharan Africa17

� Have already developed 50 location-specific varieties

through conventional breeding

� Farmers currently implementing new varieties with

positive results

� 30% yield improvements over standard variety in drought

conditions expected by 2016

� Aim to continue developing drought-tolerance of

maize and releasing to farmers as climate conditions

change

The Drought-Tolerant Maize for Africa program is the second approach, using

the same public institutions and also being funded by the Gates Foundation to

produce drought-tolerant varieties of maize using conventional breeding

techniques. They have already released 50 different varieties intended to work in

specific locations, as the severity of drought varies across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Farmer trials have already produced increased yields and with continued work, a

30% increase is expected by 2016, which matches and even exceeds the goals

of WEMA through genetic modification.

DTMA (non-GMO) vs WEMA (GMO)

Betting on one transgene to

tackle drought across Eastern

and Southern Africa

Multiple varieties to tackle

location-specific condition

Monsanto may use hard IP

protection in future9

No proprietary technology, no

risk of patent litigation

GM crops must pass through

stringent, lengthy trials before

release

Non-GM crops can get from

lab to field much quicker

New technology, risks not

controlled yet

Conventional breeding safe

for environment

WEMADTMA

The main question to ask yourself is if DTMA can produce the same results using

conventional breeding techniques, why should the risk of WEMA and its

genetically-modified varieties be necessary? GMOs are still not fully understood

with several developed regions still banning their use, like Europe and Japan.

One major risk of using GMOs is patent litigation at a future date from Monsanto.

WEMA says the varieties will be royalty free, but with this company's track

record, it can be expected that they will use their patents to own more of the food

supply.

Success of non-GM Solutions

� Instead of insecticide-injected maize (Bt), ICIPE have developed

push-pull biocontrol of pests18

� Intercropping wild grasses between maize (desmodium) to naturally repel

stemborer pest and push it to a grass (napiergrass) that traps it

� Wild Grasses provide additional income to farmer

� Using natural enemy - a moth

to specifically target

stemborer pest instead of using toxins (Bt)

� Biofertilizers to fix nitrogen

depletion in soils instead of

engineering nitrogen fixation

into seeds19

GMOs are the silver bullet solution, where one high-tech solution is said to solve

the problem. In reality, it's usually a multitude of approaches that can sustainably

achieve the goal of food security. Instead of developing insecticide-injected

maize, what about using biocontrol methods like the push-pull technique

developed by ICIPE to combat pests? The intercrops of this technique also

provide additional income to the farmer, a more resilient approach than relying on

high technology. This approach uses natural enemies of pests, instead of using

insecticide. Sustainable agriculture can work if implemented effectively.

Is Precautionary Principle too cautious?

� UK Foresight report on Future of Food encourages

investment in modern agricultural technologies to

ensure future food security20

� Modern technology needed but not blank check to hand

over food sovereignty to private sector via patented

genes

� Decisions made today about GM crops affect the future

of the human population and the biota of this planet

� Great consideration should be given before crossing

biological boundaries to solve current issues

Proponents of GM crops say that their approach is the only way if we want to

feed the ever increasing global population. However, I would like to emphasize

the caution needed when taking an irreversible decision, such as releasing

GMOs in the environment, and the impact that it will have on future generations.

Our decisions today affect the future of the global food supply and we need not

be scared into accepting high risk technologies when more resilient alternatives

already exist. Investment in agriculture is needed, but there are other options in

biotechnology besides genetically-modifying organisms.

Policy Recommendation

� Issue moratorium on environmental release and

further field trials of GM crops from WEMA

� Let DTMA prove that it can tackle drought before

deciding to support WEMA

� Increase funding for sustainable agriculture if food

security is the ultimate goal

� Promote Agroecology

� Intercropping

� Integrated Pest Management

� Increase public awareness of sustainable solutions for

food security

My policy recommendation for Kenya is to issue a moratorium on the

environmental release of GMOs and further field trials of GM crops from WEMA

until the DTMA project can prove that it can achieve the same goals, which it is

already doing. Funding for sustainable agriculture should be increased along with

public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on their food security

choices. Agroecology should be promoted, which is a more resilient solution to

drought and other climate change impacts, instead of relying on one transgene to

solve the problem.

Final Words

� If real objective is adapting to climate change, reducing poverty and

hunger, then GM crops do not guarantee success for risk involved

� Resisting to introduce GM crops might be politically sensitive with some

donor countries (particularly USA, in protection of industry)

� Investing in agricultural technology is critical in ensuring adaptation to climate change through

conventionally-bred drought tolerant maize and practicing Agroecology

� In my opinion: modern technology is more appealing but not necessarily more effective than organic methods

Resisting GMO advances will provide for a more secure and sustainable future,

however, it might impact relations with certain countries who are pushing their

acceptance, such as the USA, to aid the growth of their GM seed companies.

Kenya needs to ask itself what its long-term goals are. If they are a sustainable

food supply with a resilient, healthy population, then agroecology and sustainable

agriculture can deliver. Maybe GMOs can also deliver, but the risk of unseen

future shocks and how they will handle that is a big gamble for future generations

to bare.

References

1 Mail & Guardian Online (2011), "UN: Horn of Africa hit by worst drought in 60 years", 28 Jun, 2011, Available from http://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-28-un-horn-of-africa-hit-by-worst-drought-in-60-years [Accessed on 15 Jul 2011]

2 Williams, A. & Funk, C. (2011), "A westward extension of the warm pool leads to a westward extension of the Walker circulation, drying eastern Africa", Climate Dynamics, 2011, p. 1-19, DOI: 10.1007/s00382-010-0984-y

3 CGIAR News (2009), "More from Maize", Available from http://www.cgiar.org/enews/april2009/story_05.html [Accessed on 18 Jul 2011]

4 National Biosafety Office, Kenya (2009), "Guide to Biosafety Act & The Proposed Regulations", Available from http://www.biosafetykenya.co.ke/bio-act.php [Accessed on 18 Jul 2011]

5 African Agricultural Technology Foundation (2011), "Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project Brief", Available from http://www.aatf-africa.org/wema/en/ [Accessed on 18 Jul 2011]

6 Paarlberg, R. (2011), "Drought Tolerant GMO Maize in Africa, Anticipating Regulatory Hurdles", Available from http://www.ilsi.org/Documents/2011%20AM%20Presentations/ CERAPaarlberg.pdf [Accessed on 28 Jul 2011]

7 The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) (2011) , "Crop Biotech Update Special Edition", Available from http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/specialedition/2011/default.asp [Accessed on 20 Jul 2011]

8 African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (2011), "Status of Biotechnology in Kenya", Available from http://www.absfafrica.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36&Itemid=11 [Accessed on 28 Jul 2011]

9 African Centre for Biosafety (2011), "Water Efficient Maize for Africa: Pushing GM Crops onto Africa" GMOs in African Agriculture Series, Available from http://www.biosafetyafrica.org.za/index.php/20110131342/Water-Efficient-Maize-for-Africa-Pushing-GM-Crops-onto-Africa/menu-id-100025.html [Accessed on 20 Jul 2011]

10 International Institute for Environment and Development (2008), "African farmers call for sovereignty over traditional seeds", Available from http://www.iied.org/natural-resources/media/african-farmers-call-for-sovereignty-over-traditional-seeds [Accessed on 21 Jul 2011]

11 Mwangi, P.N. & Ely, A. (2001), "Assessing risks and benefits: Bt maize in Kenya ." Biotechnology and Development Monitor, No. 48, p. 6-9.

12 Neuman, W. & Pollack, A. (2010), "Farmers Cope With Roundup-Resistant Weeds", New York Times, May 3, 2010, Availabe from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/business/energy-environment/04weed.html [Accessed on 2 Aug 2011]

13 Hall, H. & Long, J. (2011), "Transgene Escape: Are Traditional Corn Varieties in Mexico Threathened by Transgenic Corn Crops?", The Science Creative Quarterly, Issue Six, 2011, Available from http://www.scq.ubc.ca/transgene-escape-are-traditional-corn-varieties-in-mexico-threatened-by-transgenic-corn-crops [Accessed on 10 Aug 2011]

14 International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (2008), "Agriculture at a Crossroads", Available from http://www.agassessment.org [Accessed on 2 Aug 2011]

15 Badgley, C. & Perfecto, I. (2007), "Can organic agriculture feed the world?", Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, No. 22, p. 80-85.

16 Dufour, R. (2001), "Biointensive Integrated Pest Management", National Center for Appropriate Technology, Sustainable Agriculture Project, Available from https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/viewhtml.php?id=146 [Accessed on 2 Aug 2011]

17 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2010), "Profiles of Progress: Drought-Tolerant Maize for Africa", Global Development Program Newsletter, Available from http://www.gatesfoundation.org/agriculturaldevelopment/Pages/drought-tolerant-maize-for-africa-profile-of-progress.aspx [Accessed on 2 Aug 2011]

18 Push-Pull.net (2011), "A novel farming system for ending hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa", International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Available from http://www.push-pull.net/works.shtml [Accessed on 2 Aug 2011]

19 Gangwar D&K, "Biofertilizers: An Ecofriendly way to replace chemical fertilizers", Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Available from http://www.krishisewa.com/articles/2010/biofert.html [Accessed on 2 Aug 2011]

20 Foresight (2011), "The Future of Food and Farming", The Government Office for Science, London, Available from http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/bispartners/foresight/docs/food-and-farming/11-546-future-of-food-and-farming-report.pdf [Accessed 15 Jul 2011]

does kenya need gm maize to fight drought?

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