The Panacea and Perfidy of Genetically Modified Foods as an Intervention to Food Security in Some Countries of the Developing Part of the World

Abstract

The issue of whether to adapt or adopt genetically modified food methodology in the world remains an immensely contested stalemate, and is believed to pose an ethical, moral and political dimension. While some people associate the process with capitalism, imperialism and global hegemonic powers to dictate the world and confine global power within some already established quarters, some opine that it is a strategy to bolster food security and therefore subdue the much desired food insecurity. The aim of this article, through a review of literature methodology is to raise debates and discourses on the benefits (panacea) and challenges (perfidy) associated with genetically modified foods (GMFs). Findings indicate the following benefits: GMF are scientifically viable; are a benefit to hunger and drought prone countries; can reduce the global state of malnutrition; can result in food becoming cheaper; presents a strategy of improving food and income security to small scale farmers of many countries. GMF are also believed to be perfidious in the following ways: poses both environmental and health hazards to consumers; production is believed to violate the health rights of individuals and countries; associated with power hegemony of mightier global countries. The researchers have called for a cost benefit analysis to determine which way out, and also increased research to determine the scientific validity of the GMFs.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p542