BiosafeTrain

GMOs - Another case of DDT?

Like everyone else, James Kanya 46, treads very carefully when it comes to genetically modified organisms. "GMO is a good technology which is likely to bring benefits and alleviate poverty, especially in the agricultural sector." He says but is quick to point out. "But there is one problem I see with GMOs, which is not enough study has been done on possible consequences, and this needs to be done thoroughly. Let it not be a case of DDT, which was praised in the 1940's and 50's but later we had problems with it. Why? The study of consequences was given short time."

Just like in the case of DDT, James believes that the immediate effects of GMOs may be positive but that future generations may see negative effects. "So to avoid this, we cannot accept it into the region before proper research has been conducted", he affirms.

GMOs in the real world

James is a teacher by profession and has been teaching at the Kenya Science Teachers College in Nairobi for the past two decades. Currently, he is doing a PhD in Plant Ecology at the School of Biological Sciences in Nairobi. Why did he choose biotechnology? I ask. He believes it's a new area that has not been explained to people and there is a need to understand the concepts of manipulation of genes.

James insists that we need to really understand GMOs because their arrival into Kenya is inevitable and we should have our facts right about them. He adds that we also need to know how we can protect ourselves in the event that GMOs are introduced into the region.

"I feel that we should start on products not consumed by humans, and involve human beings later. But as this goes on, research should still explore the safety nets of using GMOs," he says and adds, "we should look at the positive side and not fear it." He insists that there should be proper communication to the public to explain the scientific results on GMOs so as to remove the stigma associated with them.

He laments that in the developing world the biggest problem is born when such scientific information is taken over by politicians who take it in without knowing, or considering, facts. He adds that there is a need to let politicians be involved in seminars or workshops so that they may understand more about GMOs.

"Researchers need to base their studies on the region they live in and such research should be based on the region where the facts need to be disseminated. " He adds with emphasis: "Assuming a research on rice was done in China and positive results were obtained, results from this should not be used in Kenya. A Kenyan study should be done independently because the ecosystems are very different."

Capacity building for third world countries

James adds that capacity building for third world countries should be enhanced, even if it means taking people to developed countries to learn the methodologies so that they can use them in their own countries. He also suggests that labs should be equipped in the existing institutions, particularly on molecular work, which he says requires a lot of resources to maintain over lengthy times for any meaningful research to be done.

The genes of wild and cultivated rice: will they mingle?

James' project proposal has the title "Gene flow between cultivated rice varieties and their wild relatives, and its potential ecological consequences in Kenya."

"My central question is: in the event there will be gene flow, how far will it move and what are the possibilities of getting a hybrid that can be used by human beings and one which could be more resistant to pests or even drought?" Specifically, he intends to determine whether outcrossing (gene flow) can occur between cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and the two wild rice species (Oryza longistaminata and O. punctata), and to estimate the distance their pollen can travel. Further, he will characterise, using molecular methods, the three common rice species in the region, O. sativa, O. longistaminata and O. punctata to establish the degree of their genetic distinctness.

James acknowledges that the use of biotechnology has tremendous potential for providing genetically-based resistance to pests and diseases, which are problematic in the tropics (where most rice is cultivated). The development of insect-resistant Bt rice has the potential to directly improve the quality of life of millions of Africans by increasing yields.

"I selected Oryza longistaminata and O. punctata for this study, as they are the major wild rice species found in Kenya. Basmati-230, one of the major cultivated species grown by Kenyan farmers, is my domesticated variety. Studies on gene flow between any rice species have not yet been done in Kenya".

The life as a scientist

James is conducting his research 850 kilometers from Nairobi, in the coastal region, which borders Ijara district in the North Eastern province. His is not an easy project. "It is a two day drive from Nairobi to the Tana River Delta Scheme. One of the challenges of doing this project is the long distance I have to travel from Nairobi to do my research. The ecology of the wild rice is also a problem. It is not easy to synchronise the flowering of the two species. Plus, my research was swept away by the recent floods on the Kenyan coast", he laments.

James is married and is a father of three sons. "The only dress I see is my wife's!" he chuckles. All the boys, now young men, are in college.

The possible dangers of gene flow

In a composed and yet animated manner he further argues for the importance of his research topic: "Assuming the hybridization occurs between the genetically modified rice and wild rice, it means that the GM genes will be multiplied and propagated through the wild rice and will also change the diversity of the farm germplasm. We are running the risk of losing true good traits that are found in the world's rice varieties. So we need to conserve the pure traits of the wild rice whose traits are strong for survival. Through my study the necessary distance needed for effective pollen transfer to take place can be determined and hence farmers can be advised on the isolation distance between cultivated rice and wild rice.

The future

He is of the opinion that the arrival of GMOs is inevitable and their future is bright, as long as we in the East African region are not in isolation. And if they can reduce the poverty index, he believes GMOs are going to be accepted in Kenya. "That is after the biosafety rules and regulations bill is passed in the country." - he adds.

James welcomes an opportunity of change after having taught for 25 years. He would like to delve into policy and decision making in relation to biosafety. "Advising stakeholders or the government itself would be valuable - we do not have this at the moment. I also feel I should continue with my research for there's more to be done as well."

By Joy Owango, February 2007.