Burundi has decided to hold firm against the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMO) for food production.
The decision comes in the wake of leading East African Community (EAC) member Kenya opening the door to GMO imports, with other EAC members expected to follow suit.
Burundi though has decided to sustain its prohibitive stance, saying that GMO is not allowed under any circumstances and that even rare imports of hybrid modifications into the country’s food production industry will only be considered through strict authorisation processes.
That’s according to Clement Ndikumasabo, director-general for mobilisation for self-deployment and agricultural extension.
Burundi’s announcement has been hailed as a victory for prudent agricultural practice in the EAC, which is widely regarded as Africa’s most progressive economic bloc.
Kenya’s decision though is based on the risk of starvation facing 4.2 million of its people after a prolonged drought has led to serious food insecurity.
Although Burundi is seen as somewhat of an inactive participant in the EAC, compared to the leading role Kenya plays insofar as freight, trade and customs policy is concerned, its bold move against GMO is currying favour with some of the community’s most respected executives.
One of them is John Bosco Kalisa, CEO of the EAC’s Business Council.
Speaking to The East African, he commented that Kenya’s decision had “no sound justification.
“The region has the capacity and capabilities to produce non-GMO products. Our message is clear, that we should encourage and promote organic products as opposed to GMOs.”
Expedient as it may sound, Burundi seems to have found reason to elevate its status within the EAC at a time when Kenya has little recourse other than implementing extreme measures to prevent famine.
Kenya will join South Africa, Burkina Faso and Sudan as African states allowing GMO imports.
For more context on why so many African countries are GMO-resistant, read Professor Jennifer Ann Thomson’s World Economic Forum article here: https://tinyurl.com/2p8339wy
