Potential Impact of using Genetically Modified Crops in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Agriculture in Ethiopia is reliant on the poor farmer’s income. Crop production in the country is hampered by a variety of factors, among them subsistence farming, inefficient use of farm inputs, climate change, poor export performance, policy uncertainty and low interest in agricultural credit are the major ones. Plant pests also pose a threat to food crops, resulting in significant losses for smallholder farmers and jeopardizing food security. Thus, Ethiopian policymakers recently recognized genetically engineered crops as a viable method of increasing food productivity and quality. A thorough empirical review had conducted, focusing on the status, potential benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified crop production in Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics had used, followed by raw data interpretation. Genetically modified crop production is an option for addressing food insecurity, malnutrition and the production of low-cost feedstock. However, as genetically modified crops become more prevalent in Ethiopian agriculture, humans, wildlife and the environment must all be considered. As a result, GM crops can help poor farmers improve their agricultural livelihoods if better national biosafety regulations had implemented.