At a recent national convergence and food festival organized by the Health of Mother Health Foundation (HOMEF) in Benin, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director of the organization, voiced strong opposition to the promotion of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in Nigeria. His remarks came amid growing concerns about the impact of GMO crops on local food systems and biodiversity.
Dr. Bassey challenged the claims made by GMO advocates that genetically modified crops yield more than their conventional counterparts. He emphatically stated, “Many claims by those who promote GMOs are all false. GMOs don’t produce more than conventional crops. They are not as healthy as natural crops, and they are not natural.” His assertion highlights a critical debate in agricultural practices, particularly in regions where local food systems are deeply intertwined with cultural identity and health.
The festival, which aimed to celebrate Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and diversity, provided a platform for Dr. Bassey and other advocates to discuss the importance of preserving traditional food sources. He emphasized the need to prioritize local foods, warning that the influx of foreign varieties threatens not only local agriculture but also the cultural significance of traditional cuisines. “Our food is threatening in Nigeria. In fact, in Africa, we are having all strange varieties being imported into our countries,” he noted, calling for a renewed focus on indigenous agricultural practices.
Joyce Brown, chair of the local organizing committee and Program Director at HOMEF, echoed Dr. Bassey’s sentiments, urging the government to take decisive action to protect Nigeria’s local food production. The festival featured a rich tapestry of activities, including poetry, exhibitions of organically-produced foods, and discussions on the implications of GMO crops versus traditional farming methods. Participants enjoyed a variety of locally made delicacies, reinforcing the festival’s theme of celebrating natural foods.
The implications of this convergence are profound, as they not only challenge the narrative surrounding GMOs but also advocate for a return to sustainable agricultural practices that honor local ecosystems and cultural traditions. As debates over food security and agricultural policies intensify, the voices of organizations like HOMEF become increasingly vital in shaping the discourse around food sovereignty in Nigeria and beyond. The festival served as a reminder of the importance of local food systems in fostering community resilience and cultural pride, particularly in an era where globalization often threatens these values.
