GMO Debate Rages on in Zimbabwe

WASHINGTON DC —  Agricultural experts, economists and social scientists are this evening expected to debate the contentious issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Harare.

The debate, organised by a non-governmental organization – Food Matters Zimbabwe – will be chaired by Professor Sam Moyo, director of the African Institute for Agrarian Studies.

It will feature prominent agriculturalists Professor Idah Sithole of the University of Zimbabwe and Doctor Isaiah Mharapara of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Tetwork and several others.

Moyo said the general perception is that GMOs may not be the real solution to the food problems affecting Zimbabwe due to environmental, health and social reasons.

Interview With Sam Moyo

But Deon Theron, former president of the Commercial Farmers Union, believes that Zimbabwe needs to introduce GMOs to boost food security.

Interview With Deon Theron

Development worker, Everson Ndlovu, said there is need to introduce stiff laws to protect local grains before the introduction of GMOs in Zimbabwe.

Interview With Everson Ndlovu

And Science and Technology Minister Heneri Dzinotyeiwei said Zimbabwe must review its anti-GMO policy.

Interview With Heneri Dzino

Zimbabwe has banned the importation of genetically modified products citing environmental, health and other concerns.

Some developed nations have over the years allowed companies to produce GMOs to boost food security and advance scientific research.