Ethiopia has progressively embraced genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture over the past decade. In 2015, the country amended its stringent 2009 biosafety law to permit the commercial cultivation of Bt cotton and to initiate confined field trials for GM maize and enset (a staple crop also known as false banana).
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) conducted successful confined field trials of drought-tolerant and pest-resistant GM maize in 2019. Following these trials, the government granted a five-year permit for further research on this GM maize variety.
While these developments have been lauded by some as steps toward modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security, they have also sparked debates. Critics express concerns about potential environmental impacts, farmers’ dependence on multinational seed companies, and the adequacy of Ethiopia’s regulatory frameworks to manage these risks.
Ethiopia’s evolving stance on GMOs reflects a broader trend across Africa, where countries are re-evaluating their positions on biotechnology in agriculture. As the host nation of the African Union, Ethiopia’s policies may influence GMO adoption across the continent.
