Tanzania achieves 128% food sufficiency through agroecology, rejects GMOs
Published: February 18, 2025
Category: Agroecology
While rejecting genetically modified organisms as a “false solution” linked to neocolonialism and economic dependence, Tanzania achieved a significant milestone recently by becoming 128% food sufficient without the use of GMOs.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue held in Iowa in late October, spoke of the nation’s current priorities: enhancing food quality, ensuring accessibility and affordability, and minimizing post-harvest losses. Agroecological farming has also been prioritized. Tanzania upheld bans on GMO trials in 2016 and 2021, in efforts to safeguard local seed systems, preserve biodiversity, and maintain sovereignty over its resources.
Other nations are enacting anti-GMO policies as well. Mexico’s new President Claudia Sheinbaum continues the ban on growth and consumption of GM white corn—despite this policy generating a trade dispute with the U.S. under the USMCA guidelines. South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal reversed the commercial release of Monsanto’s GM drought-tolerant corn, concerned with environmental impacts.
As Nigeria begins assessment of GMOs, Tanzania’s achievement of food sufficiency through sustainable, local ag practices will serve as an alternative model. It demonstrates empowerment of local farmers, innovative practices, and environmental safeguards while maintaining the country’s national sovereignty.
Source: The Authority
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Organic & Non-GMO Insights February 2025
