Recent comments by the African Policy Research Center have renewed debate over the use of genetically modified seeds and restricted agricultural chemicals across parts of Africa.
Speaking to Sputnik Africa during a media briefing on the sidelines of an African Union summit, the Center’s director, Dr. Segun Adebayo, warned that some agricultural practices promoted in Africa may be creating long-term health, environmental, and economic risks.
Claims of a “Disease–Drug Cycle”
Dr. Adebayo argued that the promotion of genetically modified seeds is often linked to the use of chemical inputs that are banned or restricted in parts of Europe. According to him, these products are frequently marketed under the banner of increasing productivity, without sufficient disclosure of their long-term consequences. He explained that farmers are initially encouraged to use limited quantities of agrochemicals, but over time are forced to increase usage as weeds and pests adapt. In his view, this creates a cycle of dependency.
“When they sell you the seed, they do not tell you which chemical must be used with it. At first, you use 10 liters of chemicals; later, you are forced to use 20 liters and more,” he said.
Dr. Adebayo further claimed that some genetically engineered crops are designed to grow in chemically intensive environments, increasing the likelihood that plants absorb residues.
“When people consume these crops over time, parts of the body may begin to fall ill,” he added.
He described this process as a “disease–drug cycle,” in which the same corporations profit from agricultural inputs and pharmaceutical products. As an example, he cited Bayer, which operates in both agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
“They sell the seed, they sell the chemical, and later they sell the medicine,” he said.
Regional Experiences and Political Influence
According to the Center, genetically modified seeds and related chemical inputs have already entered markets in countries such as Malawi, Nigeria, and Ghana. Dr. Adebayo claimed that Tanzania had tested similar products, observed negative impacts, and subsequently banned them.
He also raised concerns about political influence, arguing that companies promoting these technologies often have strong financial resources that can be used to shape policy decisions.
“Those promoting these products have significant resources and use them to influence politicians to secure approval,” he stated.
Over time, he warned, traditional and indigenous seed varieties may disappear, leaving farmers dependent on a small number of foreign suppliers.
Dependency and Policy Pressure
Another issue highlighted was the potential for economic and political leverage. Dr. Adebayo suggested that dependence on patented seeds and chemicals could expose countries to external pressure in the future.
“When natural seeds are lost, farmers have no alternative. That creates dependency,” he said.
He argued that such dependency could be used to influence domestic policies, including social and political positions unrelated to agriculture.
Long-Term Risks Versus Short-Term Gains
Beyond immediate health and environmental concerns, Dr. Adebayo emphasized the need for African governments to assess agricultural policies from a long-term perspective.
“Our task is to understand the true objective of these policies,” he said.
“Some may appear beneficial in the short term but are destructive in the long term.”
He criticized what he described as an overemphasis on short-term productivity gains, warning that this approach could undermine food sovereignty, soil health, and public well-being.
“Many governments focus on immediate results without recognizing future harm. This is one reason Africa has remained stagnant or moved backward for many years,” he added.
Call for Greater Scrutiny
The African Policy Research Center is calling for stronger regulatory oversight, greater transparency in seed and chemical approvals, and increased investment in local research and indigenous seed systems.
According to the Center, protecting traditional agriculture, strengthening domestic scientific capacity, and ensuring independent risk assessments are essential for sustainable food security.
As debates over biotechnology and agrochemicals continue across the continent, these concerns highlight the growing demand for policies that balance productivity with public health, environmental protection, and long-term economic independence.
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