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.
