Need and Access to Genetically Modified Food Crops’ Information among Maize Farmers in Western Kenya

Abstract

This article aims to examine the dynamics of need and access to information about Genetically Modified Organisms among maize farmers in Western Kenya. The contention of this article is that despite Genetic Modification (GM) of food crops being around for more than two decades and championed as one of the possible solutions to global food insecurity, it has inspired a consistent polarized debate worldwide with a specific focus on the potential benefits and concerns over the safety to human health and the environment. We conducted a survey among 298 maize farmers in western Kenya and interviewed eight key informants from scientists researching GM food in Kenya to determine farmers’ GM food information needs, examine farmers’ access to GM food information, and assess the approaches used by scientists in communicating GM food information to farmers. Findings reveal that farmers accessed information mostly from sources that are unreliable and prone to misinformation. Approaches used by scientists in communicating GM food information to farmers were ineffective, rendering farmers dissatisfied with the amount of information they access. Findings further reveal that farmers required more precise and complete information from trustworthy sources, including scientists and the government. The study underscores the need for more involvement of farmers and the general public through constant engagement in GM food research and effective communication to enhance their knowledge about GM food. We recommend that scientists rethink their public engagement framework to ensure they reach farmers with more reliable information on GM food. The engagement framework should ensure coordinated messaging among the various stakeholders to avoid confusing farmers on the nature of GM food.