By Murimi Gitari
Religious leaders from different denominations and faiths in Kenya have supported the adoption agricultural biotechnology, saying it is key to enhancing food production and the livelihoods in smallholder farming households. Speaking during the Faith Leaders Agricultural Conference in Naivasha, they undertook to educate local communities about the benefits of modern agricultural technologies.
The conference, convened to address food security challenges and opportunities in Africa, discussed the role of modern agricultural technologies, including biotechnology, in enhancing food production and the livelihoods of Kenya’s smallholder farmers. Religious leaders, researchers, and government officials sought to better understand and offer support for innovative agricultural solutions.
The participants discussed how modern technologies, particularly genetically modified organisms (GMOs), can mitigate challenges such as climate change, emerging pests and diseases, and declining soil fertility.
AATF Senior Manager, Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Dr Francis Nang’ayo, highlighted the critical role of science, technology and innovation (STI) and
how they can be responsibly and safely harnessed to address pressing agricultural challenges.
He noted the environmental and economic benefits of technologies such as GM cotton, which reduce the need for chemical pesticides and the role of technology in improving yields sustainably.
Persistent misconceptions and scepticism continue to surround GMOs in Sub-Saharan Africa, hindering their adoption in the continent despite proven benefits. Environmental conservationist Mukhtaria Gulshan from Marsabit County, Kenya, who previously opposed GMOs, shared his transformation after participating in the conference. “I realised my doubts were based on misinformation. Seeing the GMO process firsthand has changed my perspective,” he said. “GMO crops are just like any other plants. This is the way to go for sustainable agriculture.”
Reverend John Alusiola underscored the importance of informed discourse to equip faith leaders to educate communities on the safety and benefits of biotechnology, citing examples of how agricultural transformation is envisioned in scriptures.
AATF’s Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Project Manager Vitumbiko Chinoko said biotechnology can play a transformative role by
offering solutions across the agricultural value chain, from improved inputs to post-harvest resilience. Vitumbiko noted that despite its vast resources, Africa lags in agricultural innovation, recording the lowest global investments in research and development, agricultural mechanisation, and fertiliser use.
Africa also faces significant food security challenges, compounded by climate change and underdeveloped infrastructure. National Muslims Forum Coordinator Salim Charo stressed the urgent need for Africa’s farmers adopting modern agricultural practices in light of climate change and nutrient-depleted soils. “Technology, including biotechnology, is vital for improving crop yields and achieving food security.
Islam supports practices which align with these advancements. Embracing technology conforms with historical agricultural practices. Even during the Prophet’s time, practices such as cross-pollination were used to improve yields. Today, biotechnology offers similar opportunities to address food insecurity and adaptation to climate,” he said.