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Sadikiel Mmbando G. The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public's Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges. GM CROPS & FOOD 2024; 15:1-15. [PMID: 38651587 PMCID: PMC11042066 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2345401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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2
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Seto KL, Friedman WR, Eurich JG, Gephart JA, Zamborain-Mason J, Sharp M, Aram E, Tekaieti A, Tekiau A, Golden CD. Characterizing pathways of seafood access in small island developing states. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2305424121. [PMID: 38315858 PMCID: PMC10873629 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305424121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ensuring healthy and sustainable food systems in increasing social, economic, and ecological change is a key global priority to protect human and environmental health. Seafood is an essential component of these food systems and a critical source of nutrients, especially in coastal communities. However, despite rapid transformations in aquatic food systems, and our urgent need to understand them, there is a dearth of data connecting harvested food production to actualized food consumption. Many analyses suggest institutional, legal, or technological innovations to improve food systems, but few have analyzed the pathways through which people already gain access to nutritious food. Here, using a random forest model and cluster analysis of a nationally representative data set from Kiribati, we operationalize access theory to trace the flows of consumptive benefit in a fisheries-based food system. We demonstrate that the market access mechanism is the key mechanism mediating seafood access in Kiribati, but importantly, the highest seafood consumption households showed lower market access, pointing to the importance of non-market acquisition (e.g., home production and gifting). We reveal six distinct household strategies that employ different sets of access mechanisms to ensure high levels of local seafood consumption in different contexts. We demonstrate the impacts of these strategies on the composition of household seafoods consumed, stressing the need to support these existing successful strategies. Finally, we point to key policy and management insights (e.g., improved infrastructure, shifts in species management) that may be more effective in reinforcing these existing pathways than commonly proposed food system interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Seto
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Whitney R. Friedman
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Jacob G. Eurich
- Environmental Defense Fund, Santa Barbara, CA93117
- Marine Sciences Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA93117
| | - Jessica A. Gephart
- Department of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC20016
| | - Jessica Zamborain-Mason
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA02115
| | - Michael Sharp
- Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW2522, Australia
- Pacific Community, Noumea98848, New Caledonia
| | - Erietera Aram
- Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development, Coastal Fisheries Division, Bikenibeui, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati
| | - Aritita Tekaieti
- Kiribati National Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance & Economic Development, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Aranteiti Tekiau
- Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development, Coastal Fisheries Division, Bikenibeui, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati
| | - Christopher D. Golden
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA02115
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Cabelkova I, Sanova P, Hlavacek M, Broz D, Smutka L, Prochazka P. The moderating role of perceived health risks on the acceptance of genetically modified food. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1275287. [PMID: 38332939 PMCID: PMC10851272 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1275287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The public perspective on genetically modified foods (GMFs) has been intensely debated and scrutinized. Often, discussions surrounding GMF tend to revolve solely around the potential health risks associated with their consumption. However, it is essential to acknowledge that public perceptions of genetically modified foods are multifaceted, encompassing environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and economic implications. This paper studies the factors predicting GMF acceptance employing the representative sample of the Czech population (N = 884, aged 18-90 years, M ± SD: 48.17 ± 17.72; 53.40% women, 18.04% with higher education). The research relies on the Behavioral Change Model and the Health Belief Model. We employ hierarchical ordinal regressions to study the effects of information, environmental concerns, perceived health risks, food habits, purchasing habits, and socio-demographics on GMF acceptance. The results suggest that the (un)willingness to purchase GMF is primarily driven by the health risks - the environmental concerns were largely unimportant. The impact of information provision on GMF acceptance proved positive, suggesting information and education to be the main channels of creating public acceptance. The intrinsic interest regarding information related to GMF had an adverse impact on the perception of GMF morality. The benefits of the GMF proved unrelated to the GMF acceptance, indicating the gap in the information campaign. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, public health professionals, and market researchers to communicate the GMF agenda effectively to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Cabelkova
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Mmbando GS. The legal aspect of the current use of genetically modified organisms in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. GM CROPS & FOOD 2023; 14:1-12. [PMID: 37158150 PMCID: PMC10171133 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2208999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Many African nations place a high priority on enhancing food security and nutrition. However, unfavorable environmental conditions interfere with the achievement of food security in Africa. The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) presents intriguing possibilities for improving food security on the continent. In Africa, countries in the same regions have different GMO usage policies and laws. While some nations are updating their laws and policies to allow GMOs, others are still debating whether they are worth the risk. However, there is still little information available regarding the most recent status of GMO applications in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The current review summarizes the state of GMO applications for enhancing food security in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Currently, Tanzania and Uganda do not accept GMOs, but Kenya does. This study can assist governments, academics, and policymakers in enhancing GMO acceptance for boosting nutrition and food security in their nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dodoma, Tanzania
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Li H, Zheng C, Zhang Y, Yang H, Li J. The directed acyclic graph helped identify confounders in the association between coronary heart disease and pesticide exposure among greenhouse vegetable farmers. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35073. [PMID: 37746981 PMCID: PMC10519556 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the causal pathways associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and pesticide exposure using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) analysis and to investigate the potential benefits of DAG by comparing it with logistic regression. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1368 participants from April 2015 to May 2017. Trained research investigators interviewed farmers using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression and DAG models were used to identify the associations between CHD and chronic pesticide exposure. A total of 150 (11.0%) of the 1368 participants are characterized as having CHD. High pesticide exposure (odds ratio = 2.852, 95% confidence intervals: 1.951-4.171) is associated with CHD when compare with low pesticide exposure by both DAG and logistic analyses. After adjusting for the additional potential influence of factors identified by the DAG analysis, there is no significant association, such as the results in logistic regression: ethnicity, education level, settlement time, and mixed pesticide status. Specifically, age, meal frequency, and consumption of fresh fruit, according to the DAG analysis, are independent factors for CHD. High pesticide exposure is a risk factor for CHD as indicated by both DAG and logistic regression analyses. DAG can be a preferable improvement over traditional regression methods to identify sources of bias and causal inference in observational studies, especially for complex research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Cheng Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Huifang Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiangping Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Oluwole O, Ibidapo O, Arowosola T, Raji F, Zandonadi RP, Alasqah I, Lho LH, Han H, Raposo A. Sustainable transformation agenda for enhanced global food and nutrition security: a narrative review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1226538. [PMID: 37599683 PMCID: PMC10433737 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1226538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The world's population is currently growing at an exponential rate, which is estimated to be over 8 billion inhabitants as reported by United Nations on November 15, 2022. According to FAO, 870 million people out of this population do not have enough food to eat, with the vast majority of hungry people (98%) living in developing countries, where almost 15% of the population is undernourished. Furthermore, the world's population is estimated to come to 9 billion by 2050, which would incur severe food scarcity and would seriously hamper global food security. Food losses, especially post-harvest loss as a result of poor agricultural practices have also been reported to greatly impact the economy, the environment, and the livelihoods of low and medium countries and Sub-Saharan-African. Therefore, realistic options should be established for promoting sustainable agriculture systems, improving nutrition, and achieving food security to end hunger in our nations. This paper elucidates the drivers of food insecurity including food losses, escalating population growth, hunger, and food production, among others, and provided some transformation approaches such as value addition through appropriate and emerging food processing and preservation techniques, application of biotechnological options through genetically modified foods and functional foods consumption and integration of indigenous underutilized nutrient-dense food crops which could serve as all-inclusive and sustainable transformation options for enhanced food and nutrition security, especially in developing countries, which is where the hunger burden and the prevalence of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases are high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatoyin Oluwole
- Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olubunmi Ibidapo
- Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Temiloluwa Arowosola
- Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Fatima Raji
- Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Renata Puppin Zandonadi
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutrition Department, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ibrahim Alasqah
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Qassim University, Al Bukairiyah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Linda Heejung Lho
- Division of Tourism and Hotel Management, College of Business, Cheongju University, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesup Han
- College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - António Raposo
- CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
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Akbari M, Fozouni Ardekani Z, Pino G, Valizadeh N, Karbasioun M, Padash H. Consumer Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods in Iran: Application of Three-Dimensional Model of Corporate Social Responsibility. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071553. [PMID: 37048375 PMCID: PMC10093832 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although GM food production is considered an important strategy to meet the growing food needs of the population around the world, a majority of the GM food consumers express doubts about purchasing and eating them. However, it can be argued that consumers have different opinions about GM foods and their influence on human health and the natural environment. GM food producer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may significantly affect such opinions, but the effect of this variable has been partially neglected in previous research studies. To address this gap, the present study investigates Iranian consumers' concerns about GM foods, trust in these products, and perception of GM food producer CSR as determinants of attitudes towards GM food. Data were collected from Iranian consumers. A cross-sectional survey research with a multi-stage random sampling approach was employed to capture the responses of 372 Iranian consumers. The results showed that consumers have both negative and positive attitudes towards GM foods. Perceived social equity, trust, and health concerns were the most important determinants of attitude towards GM foods. According to the results, these variables could account for 52.9% (Cox and Snell R2) and up to 70.6% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance of the dependent variable. Furthermore, results revealed statistically significant differences among the consumers with different educational levels in terms of perceived social equity, perceived environmental responsibility, and environmental concern. The research contributes to the body of knowledge in GM food consumption by evolving the CSR to assess attitudes of users concerning GM foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Akbari
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439813141, Iran
| | - Zahra Fozouni Ardekani
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1439813141, Iran
| | - Giovanni Pino
- Department of Management and Economics, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Naser Valizadeh
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7144165186, Iran
| | - Mostafa Karbasioun
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord 64165478, Iran
| | - Hamid Padash
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439813141, Iran
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Dwivedi SL, Garcia-Oliveira AL, Govindaraj M, Ortiz R. Biofortification to avoid malnutrition in humans in a changing climate: Enhancing micronutrient bioavailability in seed, tuber, and storage roots. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1119148. [PMID: 36794214 PMCID: PMC9923027 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1119148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Malnutrition results in enormous socio-economic costs to the individual, their community, and the nation's economy. The evidence suggests an overall negative impact of climate change on the agricultural productivity and nutritional quality of food crops. Producing more food with better nutritional quality, which is feasible, should be prioritized in crop improvement programs. Biofortification refers to developing micronutrient -dense cultivars through crossbreeding or genetic engineering. This review provides updates on nutrient acquisition, transport, and storage in plant organs; the cross-talk between macro- and micronutrients transport and signaling; nutrient profiling and spatial and temporal distribution; the putative and functionally characterized genes/single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Fe, Zn, and β-carotene; and global efforts to breed nutrient-dense crops and map adoption of such crops globally. This article also includes an overview on the bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and bioactivity of nutrients as well as the molecular basis of nutrient transport and absorption in human. Over 400 minerals (Fe, Zn) and provitamin A-rich cultivars have been released in the Global South. Approximately 4.6 million households currently cultivate Zn-rich rice and wheat, while ~3 million households in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America benefit from Fe-rich beans, and 2.6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil eat provitamin A-rich cassava. Furthermore, nutrient profiles can be improved through genetic engineering in an agronomically acceptable genetic background. The development of "Golden Rice" and provitamin A-rich dessert bananas and subsequent transfer of this trait into locally adapted cultivars are evident, with no significant change in nutritional profile, except for the trait incorporated. A greater understanding of nutrient transport and absorption may lead to the development of diet therapy for the betterment of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Luísa Garcia-Oliveira
- International Maize and Wheat Research Center, Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz. y Trigo (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India
| | - Mahalingam Govindaraj
- HarvestPlus Program, Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
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Mekonnen TW, Gerrano AS, Mbuma NW, Labuschagne MT. Breeding of Vegetable Cowpea for Nutrition and Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11121583. [PMID: 35736733 PMCID: PMC9230997 DOI: 10.3390/plants11121583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the world population is increasing, and humanity is facing food and nutritional scarcity. Climate change and variability are a major threat to global food and nutritional security, reducing crop productivity in the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. Cowpea has the potential to make a significant contribution to global food and nutritional security. In addition, it can be part of a sustainable food system, being a genetic resource for future crop improvement, contributing to resilience and improving agricultural sustainability under climate change conditions. In malnutrition prone regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, cowpea has become a strategic dryland legume crop for addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. Therefore, this review aims to assess the contribution of cowpea to SSA countries as a climate-resilient crop and the existing production challenges and perspectives. Cowpea leaves and immature pods are rich in diverse nutrients, with high levels of protein, vitamins, macro and micronutrients, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates compared to its grain. In addition, cowpea is truly a multifunctional crop for maintaining good health and for reducing non-communicable human diseases. However, as a leafy vegetable, cowpea has not been researched and promoted sufficiently because it has not been promoted as a food security crop due to its low yield potential, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, quality assurance issues, policy regulation, and cultural beliefs (it is considered a livestock feed). The development of superior cowpea as a leafy vegetable can be approached in different ways, such as conventional breeding and gene stacking, speed breeding, mutation breeding, space breeding, demand-led breeding, a pan-omics approach, and local government policies. The successful breeding of cowpea genotypes that are high-yielding with a good nutritional value as well as having resistance to biotics and tolerant to abiotic stress could also be used to address food security and malnutrition-related challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Walle Mekonnen
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; (N.W.M.); (M.T.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-796540514
| | - Abe Shegro Gerrano
- Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Ntombokulunga Wedy Mbuma
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; (N.W.M.); (M.T.L.)
| | - Maryke Tine Labuschagne
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa; (N.W.M.); (M.T.L.)
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Analysis of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) Protein Concentrate for Possible Use as Supplementary Protein. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE 2022; 2022:7621818. [PMID: 35340442 PMCID: PMC8947921 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7621818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vulnerable populations in developing countries need new protein sources, such as protein concentrates from accessible sources at low economic costs. The main objective of this study was at evaluating the nutritional quality of the protein concentrate of the legume mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), compared with the protein values of other legumes described in literature. For this purpose, flour and protein concentrates from mesquite were obtained, along with their chemical composition. Amino acid profiling was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Protein quality index evaluation tests were also performed on preschool children and adults. The protein content of mesquite was found to be 68%. However, mesquite covers the requirements of essential amino acids, surpassing 31% of the protein required in adults, except for cysteine sulfur amino acids and aromatic amino acids. In other age groups such as children, mesquite had a high content of histidine, which is necessary and considered essential during infant development. According to the above, mesquite could be used as an alternative protein to produce food with high nutritional content.
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Román Collazo C, Chacha Guerrero K, Loja Mejia T, Andrade Campoverde D, Hernández Rodriguez Y. Attitudes of the Ecuadorian University Community Toward Genetically Modified Organisms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:801891. [PMID: 35252162 PMCID: PMC8894883 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.801891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the civilian population in Ecuador is a controversial issue, where beliefs and practices are determinant. In Ecuador, the use of GMOs for research or productive purposes has been banned since 2008; however, the current position of the population toward this technology is unknown.Objective: The aim of the study was to explain the attitude toward GMOs in the Ecuadorian university population based on sociodemographic variables, knowledge, beliefs, practices, and bioethical approach.Methods: A validated survey was applied to 719 students and teachers of the Catholic University of Cuenca through Google Forms. The collected data were processed using SPSS 23.0 software. Multivariate and linear regression analyses were used to explain the attitude toward GMOs based on the variables studied.Results: Partial approval of GMO use is research-oriented, with a rejection toward food. The linear regression model explained 65% of the variance of attitude toward GMOs from the beliefs, practices, knowledge, and bioethical approach variables. The sociodemographic variables were completely excluded from the model due to the absence of statistical significance.Conclusions: The incipient acceptance of GMOs in the academic sector corroborates a transformation in the thinking of Ecuadorian civil society. Considerations on the use of GMOs are supported by a bioethical approach that leans toward a pragmatic utilitarianism based on the immediate or mediate benefits of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Román Collazo
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: Carlos Román Collazo,
| | - Karen Chacha Guerrero
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Tatiana Loja Mejia
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
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