www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

A new survey by an International Non Governmental Organisation on public
perception on biotechnology has revealed that Kenyans are ready to embrace
genetically modified foods (GMO, April 2007 by Catherine Karong'o).

The study conducted by Research International between May and June last
year indicates that 81 percent of Kenyans consider new technologies as the
only way to eradicate poverty and make the economy competitive.

?52 percent said getting enough food to eat for them and their family is the
key issue and then 15 percent said they are concerned with avoiding food
with ingredients that may be harmful,? said Melissa Baker the NGO's public
and social research director.

She said the 15 percent are a more sensitive group.

It further indicated that 52 percent of Kenyans rarely check the contents of
the food they buy while only 20 percent fear there may be risks involved in
adopting GMO?s.

Baker however conceded that the respondents lack basic information about
such foods.

She said: ?The survey recommended increasing the availability of accurate
information to both the population and to key stakeholder groups, involve
all stakeholders in the process of any genetically modified crop
introduction and then overcome some of the concerns such as the perception
that there may be negative health impacts.?

Baker said 77 percent of the respondents trust medical professionals and the
media to pass on the information on GM technology while only 15 percent
trust NGO?s on the same.

Genetically Modified Foods have been adopted in South Africa where they are
growing genetically modified maize, soya beans and cotton.

The countrywide study had 2,500 respondents above 18 years of age.

[www.capitalfm.co.ke]