A coalition of groups in Nigeria is calling on the government to take a closer look at how genetically modified organisms are being approved in the country. Their concerns touch on biosafety, public health, biodiversity, and the rights of farmers, and they are not asking for small tweaks. They want a full, independent review of approvals that have already been granted.
The push reflects a growing unease among civil society voices who feel that existing processes may not adequately protect communities, ecosystems, or the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigerian agriculture.
Whether the government responds, and how quickly, will say a lot about whose interests shape food policy in Africa's most populous nation.
Originally published by Premium Times.