HOMEF CALLS FOR GMO BAN IN NIGERIA, ADVOCATES AGROECOLOGY FOR FOOD SECURITY

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Amid growing concerns over the adverse effects of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on biodiversity and human health, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has made a passionate call for Nigeria to ban GMOs and shift its focus toward empowering smallholder farmers.
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Advocating for a more sustainable approach, HOMEF emphasized that agroecology presents a viable solution to the country’s ongoing food and climate challenges.
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Speaking at an agroecology training session for farmers in Uyo Afaha Nkan, Ikono LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Joyce Brown, HOMEF’s Director of Programmes, shed light on the dangers linked to GMOs. She pointed out that research has connected these lab-engineered seeds to serious health issues, including cancer and immune disorders. Additionally, she warned that some GMOs are designed to resist herbicides, which could have harmful consequences for both human health and the environment.
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Brown recalled that in 2024, HOMEF pushed for a national ban on GMOs, an effort that sparked debate even in Parliament, where lawmakers questioned the rationale behind importing these modified seeds. To further drive home their message, the organization now plans to engage the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, stressing why GMOs are not the right path for Nigeria.
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Encouraging farmers to be vigilant, Brown advised them to always inquire about the origins of seeds provided by seed companies or government agencies. “It is crucial for farmers to make informed choices. Nigeria does not need GMOs to achieve food security,” she asserted.
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HOMEF’s advocacy aligns with growing resistance against GMOs across the country. Brown referenced a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee in November, where many lawmakers challenged the necessity of GMOs in Nigeria’s food system. She expressed optimism that 2025 would bring a decisive ban.
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The training session itself focused on equipping farmers with knowledge about agroecological practices, such as strategic crop spacing, biodiversity enrichment, and natural pest control methods.
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“There’s a widespread notion that GMOs are essential to feed Nigeria’s rising population, but the reality proves otherwise,” Brown explained. “Through agroecology, farmers who have adopted bio-fertilizers have seen a significant increase in crop yields. This is evidence that we can nourish our nation without relying on GMOs, which pose serious risks.”
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Beyond ensuring food security, she highlighted that agroecology promotes **food sovereignty**—empowering local farmers to control their production processes while cultivating crops that are truly sustainable and beneficial for their communities.
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With HOMEF leading the charge, the call for a GMO-free Nigeria continues to gain momentum, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient agricultural future.