ZAMBIA — Agricultural experts are calling on the Zambian government to reconsider its long-standing opposition to genetically modified (GMO) maize in light of the country’s severe maize production shortfall.

The nation’s maize harvest plummeted by over 50% during the 2023/2024 season, resulting in an estimated output of just 1.6 million tonnes, a significant drop from previous years.

This drastic decline is primarily attributed to an intense heatwave and a mid-summer drought that have devastated crops across the region.

With domestic maize needs exceeding 2.6 million tonnes annually, Zambia now faces the daunting task of importing around one million tonnes to bridge the gap. The government has called on the private sector to ramp up maize imports.

However, the challenge lies in the government’s insistence on sourcing only non-GMO maize, which remains a scarce commodity in the global market.

A difficult market for Non-GMO maize

The global maize market predominantly produces yellow maize, primarily used for animal feed, making it difficult to source white maize, whether GMO or non-GMO.

South Africa, the region’s largest maize producer, has seen its harvest fall by 19% year-on-year to 13.3 million tonnes.

While South Africa still has about 1.5 million tonnes available for export, much of this maize is genetically modified, making it unsuitable for Zambia under current regulations.

Zambia’s options for importing non-GMO maize are limited, with Mexico and Tanzania being potential suppliers. However, experts are skeptical about whether these countries can meet Zambia’s needs, as they, too, are grappling with production challenges.

Calls for policy change

Given the current circumstances, experts argue that Zambia should reconsider its stance on GMO maize.

One proposed solution is to allow the importation of GMO maize directly to millers, bypassing concerns about the grain reaching farmers.

This approach is similar to the policy adopted by Zimbabwe, which has become a significant importer of South African maize, despite its GMO content.

In the medium term, experts suggest that Zambia, along with other countries in the Southern African region, should review their GMO policies more comprehensively.

The continent’s reliance on outdated agricultural practices and resistance to modern technology, including genetically modified seeds, has hampered its ability to boost domestic production and adapt to climate change.

Lessons from South Africa

South Africa, the only country in the region to embrace GMO crops since the 2001/02 season, has reaped the benefits of improved yields and increased grain production.

According to data from the International Grains Council, South Africa produces about 16% of sub-Saharan Africa’s maize on a relatively small area of 2.5 million hectares.

In contrast, Nigeria, which has not embraced GMO technology, planted 6.5 million hectares but only harvested 11.0 million tonnes of maize, equivalent to 15% of the sub-Saharan region’s output.

South Africa’s success is attributed not only to irrigation but also to the use of genetically modified seeds, which offer benefits such as labor savings, reduced insecticide use, and enhanced pest and weed control..

The Future of African Agriculture

The ongoing food security challenges across Africa highlight the need for a broader adoption of agricultural technologies, including genetically modified seeds.

As climate change continues to impact crop production, improved seed cultivars and biotechnologies will be crucial in helping African agriculture adapt and thrive.

For Zambia, the current maize shortfall presents an opportunity to rethink its agricultural policies. By embracing GMO maize imports and considering broader policy reforms, Zambia can safeguard its food security and protect consumers from the harsh realities of reduced maize supplies and higher prices.

Failure to adapt could leave Zambia vulnerable to future food crises, while other countries in the region, such as Zimbabwe, continue to benefit from more flexible policies.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.