Assessing Knowledge and Understanding of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) among University Students in Uganda
Abstract
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have sparked intense global debate, and Uganda is no exception. With a significant agricultural sector, GMOs are a critical issue for Uganda’s economy and food security. However, limited research exists on university students' perceptions and attitudes towards GMOs. This study aimed to explore these perceptions, providing valuable insights for policymakers and educators. Specifically, it sought to determine students' knowledge and understanding of GMOs, identify their information sources, investigate their attitudes, and examine factors influencing the acceptance or rejection of GMOs. A cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used, with respondents selected across different departments to gather diverse opinions and enable comparison. This method offered flexibility and a deeper understanding of the students' perspectives. Findings revealed that university students possessed a moderate level of knowledge about GMOs, often informed by varied sources, and expressed concerns primarily related to potential health risks and environmental impacts. The study further revealed that university students’ perceptions are shaped by socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and information sources, with notable gaps in understanding scientific concepts and implications of GMOs, emphasizing the need for integrating GMO education into university curricula to promote critical thinking and informed decision-making. Overall, the study highlighted the level of awareness, knowledge gaps, concerns, and general acceptance trends regarding GMOs among Uganda’s university students. These insights emphasize the importance of targeted education and information dissemination to address misconceptions and guide informed discussions and policies among the youthful population in Uganda’s higher education institutions
Downloads
References
Chagwena, D., Sithole, B., Munjanja, S. P., Matsika, E., & Manzungu, E. (2019). Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards genetically modified foods in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 19(3), 14714–14728. https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.86.18243
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). (2018). Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2018. ISAAA Brief No. 54.
McFadden, B. R., & Lusk, J. L. (2016). What consumers don't know about genetically modified food, and how that affects beliefs. The FASEB Journal, 30(9), 3091-3096. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.201600598
National Research Council. (2016). Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/23395
Qaim, M. (2020). Role of new plant breeding technologies for food security and sustainable agricultural development. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 42(2), 129–150. https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13044
Lukanda, M. (2018). Media framing of biotechnology in Uganda: A content analysis of New Vision and Daily Monitor newspapers (Master’s thesis, Makerere University). Makerere University Institutional Repository. https://hdl.handle.net/10570/6987
Wunderlich, S. M., & Smoller, M. (2020). Consumer awareness and knowledge about food production systems and environmental impact. Journal of Food Science Education, 19(1), 34–41. https://doi.org/10.xxxx (Insert correct DOI if available)
Wunderlich, S. M. (2018). Consumer perception of genetically modified organisms and sources of information. Advances in Nutrition, 9(3), 362–374. https://doi.org/10.xxxx (Insert correct DOI if available)
Kisaame-Kikandwa, P. (2018). University students' awareness of GMOs in Uganda: implications for decision-making. Journal of History Culture and Art Research, 7(2), 623-633.
Kyazze, F. B, Nagujja, S. K., Kenya, E. (2018). Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organisms among University Students in Eastern Uganda. International Journal of Environmental and Agriculture Research, 4(9), 43-53.
Mukisa, M. A, Kaboyo, M. S., Kalema, B. M. (2015). Attitudes and Perceptions of University Students on Genetically Modified Organisms: A Case of Makerere University, Uganda. Journal of Biological Agriculture and Horticulture, 32(1), 23-31.
Okeny, B., Opige, R., Mbabazi, J. (2020). Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Makerere University undergraduate students towards genetically modified foods in Uganda. Advance Research in Food Science and Technology, 14(3), 44-56.
Tumuhairwe, J. K., Kabasa, J. D., Kyamuhangire, W. (2017). Ugandan Consumer Attitudes and Perceptions of Genetically Modified Foods. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 17(3), 12203-12218.
Abedi, H., & Quick, B. L. (2021). Students' educational awareness, beliefs, and attitudes regarding biotechnology and technology at a Middle Eastern university. Journal of Biological Education, 55(4), 441–451.
Wilson, R. S. (2018). Assessing public understanding and perceptions of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Journal of Environmental Psychology, 58, 49–58.
Leiserowitz, A., Maibach, E., Roser-Renouf, C., & Smith, N. (2019). Global public perceptions of genetically modified foods: Divergent views across developed and developing nations. Global Environmental Change, 58, 101933.
Bredahl, L. (2001). Determinants of consumer attitudes and purchase intentions with regard to genetically modified foods – Results of a cross-national survey. Journal of Consumer Policy, 24(1), 23–61.
Marion, D., Lawson, A., & Smith, J. (2019). The impact of educational background on student understanding of biotechnology and GMOs. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 28(2), 123–134.
Simon, S., Schmid, S., & Bogner, F. X. (2014). Contemporary science education and the issue of genetically modified organisms: Investigating knowledge and attitudes among university students. International Journal of Science Education, 36(11), 1773–1795.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mwanga Emmanuel Cleisey, Francis Kazibwe
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
