Media and the Adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms in Nigeria’s Agricultural System in the Context of Food Security

Abstract

Food occupies a central position in development discourse. Part of the efforts to maximise the advantages of nature for food security is the innovation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This article examines GMOs in Nigeria’s agricultural system in the context of food security through the media prism. Its objectives were to find out if GMOs should be adopted to combat food insecurity in Nigeria; to determine the extent of farmers’ awareness about GMOs through the media, and to ascertain the level of Nigeria’s farmers’ use of GMO seedlings in their agricultural practices. The study was anchored in Everest Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. Findings showed that there is confusion and controversy surrounding the GMO discourse. The study concluded that there is a need for an open and transparent dialogue among stakeholders to find a dynamic nexus between indigenous knowledge and scientific inventions that ensures the sustainability of such interventions as GMOs. The article recommends, among others, that the government should implement policies that afford stakeholders in agricultural services unhindered access to GMO crops and the technology, to facilitate immediate and large-scale adoption and production of food to combat food insecurity in Nigeria.