When Irrational Fear Gives Way to Hunger

Collide-a-Scape
By Keith Kloor
Aug 11, 2011 7:22 PMNov 19, 2019 8:44 PM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Kenya's government has made a controversial move to allow the import of genetically modified (GM) maize from South Africa to fight hunger and starvation, even though GM crops cannot yet be legally grown in the country.

Or, put another way, this news prompts Charlie Petit at The Tracker to remark:

When people are starving, genetically modified food starts to look better...

Charlie did some digging and found a few recent stories from the Kenya press that debated the "controversial move" before it became official. The mind reels at this one from last month:

Forced to survive on wild fruits in the face of drought and food insecurity, hungry Kenyans could soon face the dilemma of eating genetically modified food. As the Government readies to bring in genetically modified maize to bridge the growing food deficit, scientists warn the planned importation of genetically engineered alternatives could be unsafe.

Charlie, again at the Tracker, says it best:

This story reads like a visit to upside down world.

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.