Is GMO The Solution For World Hunge

Global Perspective Essay

2/20/2023

Philipos Ephrem
IGCSE year ii
 Is GMO the solution to world hunger?

As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food is rapidly
increasing, making the issue of world hunger a pressing concern. In this essay,
we will be exploring the potential of genetically modified organisms (GMO) to
solve the problem of world hunger by examining the potential benefits of their
usage in developing countries, assessing the risks of GMO usage for food
security and human health, and exploring alternatives to GMO usage to combat
world hunger.

The potential benefits of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in

developing countries have been examined by numerous researchers. In a 2005
study published in Global Change Biology, A Balmford and RE Green argued
that GMOs could be used to reduce pesticide use and increase yields in
developing countries (Balmford et al. 2005). In particular, they focused on pest-
resistant crops as a way to substantially reduce the amount of pesticides used in
farming. They also noted that yields could be increased by introducing GMOs
that are resistant to drought, diseases, and other environmental factors.
Additionally, they argued that GMOs could be used to reduce the need for labor-
intensive farming practices, which could lead to increased profits for farmers in
developing countries. Overall, the research suggests that there are several
potential benefits associated with the usage of GMOs in developing countries,
including increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and reduced labor costs.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are organisms that have been altered at
the genetic level, introducing foreign genes from other species. The use of GMOs
in food production has been growing due to the perceived benefits, such as
increased crop yields and reduced cost of production. However, according to FP
Carvalho, who conducted a study on food and energy security in 2017, there are
risks associated with the use of GMOs in food production. These include the
potential for the emergence of new allergens and toxins, increased pesticide
resistance, and the potential for gene transfer to wild species. In addition,
potential long-term health risks associated with the consumption of GMOs have
yet to be fully understood, which could lead to health issues in the future. In
conclusion, while the potential benefits of using GMOs in food production are
attractive, the risks associated with their use need to be carefully considered and
studied before their further use in food production can be recommended.
(Carvalho, 2017)
GMOs have been a popular method used by large-scale farmers to increase crop
yields and decrease costs, but the long-term effects of their usage on the
environment and human health remain largely unknown. As such, researchers
have been exploring alternatives to GMO usage in order to combat world hunger
in a more sustainable manner. According to a recent study by DA Martins et al.
(2013), the use of biofertilizers, such as compost and manure, and biopesticides,
such as insect-attracting plants, have been shown to yield similar results to GMO
usage without the associated risks. Furthermore, natural farming techniques,
such as crop rotation and intercropping, have been effective in increasing crop
yields and nutrient content, while decreasing the amount of water and chemicals
used. Through the utilization of these alternatives, the authors concluded that
sustainable farming practices can be used to combat world hunger without
having to rely on GMOs.

The use of GMOs is a complex issue that involves many stakeholders. While
GMOs have been associated with potential health and environmental risks, they
remain one of the most promising and cost-effective strategies available to
address the world’s hunger concerns. For this reason, all countries should
cautiously embrace the use of GMOs to combat the global problem of hunger.
Resolving issues like health and environmental safety is paramount for ensuring
the successful implementation and future of this technology.
 Work Cited

L Custódio., L Barreira., H Pereira."Alternative Sources of n-3 Long-Chain

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Marine Microalgae."https://www.mdpi.com/53532
A Balmford."Sparing land for nature: exploring the potential impact of changes in
agricultural yield on the area needed for crop
production."https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-
2486.2005.001035.x
"Pesticides, environment, and food
safety."https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fes3.108