Review Article：Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security

Abstract

As the world’s population continues to increase there is an increase demands for food which cause major challenges to humankind. Thus food security exists when all people have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Uncertainly, food security does not exist for a major proportion of the world population of around 900 million people are malnourished, implying that they are underprovided with calories (FAO, 2012). Since the total area for planting is maintained as it is we need to find another solution in order to feed ever increasing mouth. Many developed countries have opted to incorporate the genetic engineering to improve their productivity. But how to achieve this goal is debated controversially. In association to this genetically modified (GM) crops are sometimes mentioned for food security. In genetic engineering only the desired traits are inserted to a plant while; with conventional breeding methods, thousands of traits from two crops are combined. This procedure holds a lot for Africa encompasses some of the benefits, Africa stands to derive include, increased food production, improved nutritional and health benefits, improved environmental condition, improved economic benefits and improvement in fruit storage. In this review paper some original research papers, reviews, relevant opinions and reports addressing the major issues that emerged in the argue on GE crops, trying to grasp the scientific agreement that has matured since GE plants became widely cultivated worldwide. So far the scientific research conducted has not noticed any significant hazards directly linked with the use of GE crops that have been thoughtfully developed and carefully tested; however, the debate is still strong. Extensive public awareness campaigns are required to address the concerns consumers have about the new technology and to highlight biosafety measures and the benefit of genetically modified crops. Integration of modern biotechnology, with conventional agricultural practices sustainably, can achieve the aim of attaining food security.

Keywords: GM foods, food security, Impacts