Biosafety and biotechnology synergy for agricultural sustainability and food security in Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the issues of biosafety and its law as it applies in Nigeria. It also assessed how Nigerians perceive the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) and its advantages to our crops and farming systems. In recent times where we are faced with an escalating population, food shortage and increased environmental problems, it becomes important that we must be concerned with concrete action to alleviate or mitigate the dilemma inherent in the need for increased food and safe guarding the environment. A lot of developed countries have been able to deal with food shortage because of the level of improvement in their agricultural sector. Agricultural biotechnology is one of the technologies which enable gene transfer across the natural barriers, thus creating a universal gene pool. Modern agricultural biotechnology application which emerged recently is a vital element that influences the relationship between science, technology and policy. Agricultural biotechnology is also being used to develop low-cost disease-free planting materials for crops such as cassava, banana, potato etc. The use of techniques of modern biotechnology in agriculture and food production has on the other hand given rise to fervent debates over the last two decades about the benefits versus the risks posed by GMOs and its products. It is in this perspective that we have a role to play in the safe and effective application of biotechnology for the benefit of agriculture and the environment at large. Additional developments in agricultural biotechnology will require further discussion which will open new areas for debate. It is through dialogue, particularly between the public, the scientific community, and policy makers that a better understanding, more objectivity and a closer understanding may be achieved as the process of biotechnological development continues. Policies in the long term must not only reflect technological and scientific realities, but also people’s concerns and aspirations as well as international realities. Similarly, the governance of such products and ensuring their biosafety which includes safe uptake and use remains a quintessentially anticipatory challenge where the very existence and nature of risk and harm remains scientifically and normatively contested (Gupta 2001). Due to the risks that have resulted from biotechnology techniques, measures had to be put in place to reduce and where possible eliminate such potential risks. This brought about BIOSAFETY and in the process, Biosafety law which is an act to provide for the management of Biosafety. The relationship between biosafety and biotechnology can be divided into two segments. First, for appropriate biotechnology applications to be transferred in a safe and effective way, biosafety regulatory mechanisms have to be put in place. Second, the saving and protection of biodiversity is a complex venture or effort that requires, on one hand, protecting natural habitats (for example from the invasion of alien species), and on the other hand, easing pressure on land extension into natural habitats. It is this latter aspect that is directly related to the sustainability issue and agricultural production and productivity. The whole process of biotechnology, biosafety and biosafety law has raised a lot of concerns especially in developing countries in Africa, Nigeria inclusive with regards to GMOs associated with food and agriculture.

Keywords: Biosafety, Biosafety law, Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and Biotechnology