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Background: GMO in Africa is not a new phenomenon; some countries like South
Africa, Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda have been leading in adopting of this
biotechnology. This study was aiming at filling the knowledge gaps on factors
influencing public perception towards GM crops and providing future insights on
biotechnology through adopting the following specific objectives; to gauge public
perceptions towards Genetically Modified (GM) crops in Tanzania, to assess policy
related towards Genetically Modified (GM) crops in Tanzania as well as to
determine factors influencing adoption of genetically modified crops in Tanzania.
Methods: The adopted case study was conducted in Dar es Salaam and Pwani,
particularly in Tandale and Kisarawe municipals on which researcher selected
smallholder farmers with 1 to 50 acres, processors and consumers who knows GM
technology. A total of 78 respondents participated fully during the study using closed
ended structured questionnaires to assess public knowledge among Tanzanians on
genetically modified organism and its potential use on providing food security.
Findings: There is wide range of awareness among respondents reached by the
researcher, more than half of respondents are aware of GM crops and they are ready
to buy and consume GM products provided that all important information are
displayed and government regulatory approval followed. In term of GM policy,
unlike to neighbor countries of Kenya, Tanzania have number of policies, laws and
guidelines but have yet to allow GM product to be commercially produced regardless
of all the positive impacts it has in term of economy as well as food security. Factors
such as safety, cheaper price, greater economic benefit, improved taste and
nutritional value as well as quality was some of the factors seem to influence public
adoption of GMO.
Conclusion: From the study findings, perception of customers on GM crops tend to
increase as knowledge increase, however consumers are likely to buy products |
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