Kenya’s slow approval of genetically engineered maize, cotton, and potato seeds has led to massive economic losses, costing farmers and consumers an estimated $157 million (Sh28.4 billion), a new study reveals.
The Cost of Delay report, prepared by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), highlights that a five-year lag in commercializing Bt maize alone has deprived the country of $67 million (Sh8.7 billion).
The losses stem from lower yields, higher pesticide expenses, and increased food prices that could have been avoided with timely adoption of biotechnology.
AATF notes that an acre of Bt maize produces roughly 35 bags of 90 kilograms each, while traditional seeds yield only 14 bags per acre.
“This is a difference of close to Sh85,000 per acre, not considering additional acreage likely to be brought under production in less rainfall and maize disease-prone regions,” the report states.
Kenya produced 67 million 90-kg bags of maize last year, worth Sh28.1 billion, but the report suggests that embracing Bt maize could potentially triple output, improving food availability and farmer income.
During the report launch in Nairobi, AATF Executive Director Canisius Kanangire emphasized the need for urgent action.
“We estimate the potential economic benefits of these three GM crops in terms of the additional crop yields and farmer profits, decreased pesticide use, and lower food prices for consumers attributable to the adoption of the technology,” he said.
The report projects that fully adopting Bt maize, Bt cotton, and genetically modified potatoes without further delays could contribute Sh60.7 billion to Kenya’s economy over the next 30 years.
Besides economic gains, the report highlights environmental advantages, including reduced deforestation and lower greenhouse gas emissions, using the Carbon Opportunity Cost methodology.
Had Bt maize been introduced in 2019, the country could have realized total benefits of $218 million by 2030. Additionally, by 2024, domestic maize production would have increased by 194,000 tonnes, supporting local consumption and reducing reliance on imports.
Kanangire urged policymakers to prioritize science-based decisions to enhance agricultural productivity, safeguard food security, and enable Kenyan farmers to remain competitive in regional and global markets.