Overcoming Biases: Unlocking the Potential of Genetically Modified Crops to Transform Agriculture in Uganda

الملخص

Genetically Modified (GM) crops possess the power to revolutionize agriculture by addressing food security challenges, driving economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability. Yet, in Uganda, their adoption remains limited due to deep-rooted biases and misconceptions among farmers, policymakers, and the public. This study investigates the origins of these barriers, focusing on how misinformation, cultural beliefs, and political influences shape negative attitudes toward GM crops. Using the survey on farmers and qualitative interviews with policymakers, it was found that misinformation breeds fear, while cultural narratives reinforce scepticism, and political inertia amplifies resistance, collectively stalling progress. By confronting these challenges, GM technology’s immense potential can be unleashed, paving the way for transformative benefits such as higher crop yields, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods. Further, empowering farmers and stakeholders through targeted education can dispel myths, while transparent and inclusive policy frameworks can foster trust and collaboration. Stakeholder engagement that values diverse perspectives is essential to building consensus and driving acceptance of GM innovations. This study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to bridge knowledge gaps, address policy shortcomings, and foster trust among all actors in Uganda’s agricultural landscape. Overcoming these biases is crucial to unlocking GM crops’ ability to revolutionize farming, enhancing productivity and resilience in the face of climate change while securing economic and food security gains for future generations. With the right strategies, Uganda can embrace GM technology as a transformative tool, enabling its agricultural sector to thrive sustainably and empowering farmers to meet both current and future challenges