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Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Perspectives and Safety Concerns

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Food Security and Safety Volume 2

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Abstract

Genetically modified crops, also known as genetically engineered or transgenic crops, are of immense benefit to the countries using the technology. The benefits range from improved crop productivity, high-yield producing crops to increased income for farmers. Although there is an increase in the cultivation of genetically modified crops, its use in averting food security challenges has been a major debate because of numerous concerns about food safety, impact on the environment, and socio-economic issues. The contentious debate over the benefits and concerns has threatened the implementation of the technology in so many Africa countries. The debate centers on the potential risk that could be posed to human health and environmental safety. This chapter reviews the perspective and safety concerns of genetically modified crops in Africa and measures put in place to address the concerns.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Biotechnology and Bio-conservation Department, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Abuja, Nigeria

    Judith Chukwuebinim Okolo

  2. Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

    Bolanle Adenike Adejumo

  3. GMO Detection and Analysis Laboratory, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Abuja, Nigeria

    Josephine Ejile Amedu

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Food Security and Safety Focus Area Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

  2. Food Security and Safety Focus Area Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro

  3. Food Security and Safety Focus Area Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    Omena Bernard Ojuederie

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© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

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Okolo, J.C., Adejumo, B.A., Amedu, J.E. (2023). Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Perspectives and Safety Concerns. In: Babalola, O.O., Ayangbenro, A.S., Ojuederie, O.B. (eds) Food Security and Safety Volume 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09614-3_5

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