Public awareness is critical for acceptance of agricultural technologies by farmers
[Nairobi, Kenya, May 2026]: AATF and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) have underscored the urgent need to strengthen public awareness and understanding of agricultural biotechnology as a critical pathway to accelerating the adoption of agricultural innovations, enhancing food and nutrition security, and driving agricultural transformation in Kenya.
Speaking during a meeting at the NBA headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, AATF Executive Director, reaffirmed AATF’s commitment to working through partnerships with the Government of Kenya, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and related institutions, to facilitate access to agricultural technologies and innovations that improve productivity, food and nutrition security, and livelihoods for farmers.
Dr. Kanangire noted that partnerships play a critical role in ensuring that technologies not only reach farmers but are also understood and accepted through effective awareness creation and education initiatives. He emphasized that providing accurate and science-based information is essential in enabling farmers and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about biotechnology.
He observed that several countries globally and within Africa have embraced modern biotechnology as part of their agricultural transformation agenda. Citing Brazil as an example, he noted that the adoption of modern biotechnology has contributed significantly to improving food production. He further pointed to countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia, which are rapidly embracing biotechnology, and Tanzania, which has also shown growing interest in leveraging modern biotechnologies to advance agricultural research and productivity.
Dr. Kanangire stressed the importance of moving beyond boardroom discussions and increasing field-level engagement to allow farmers and stakeholders to directly experience and appreciate the value of agricultural technologies.
“We will be glad to support ‘seeing is believing’ initiatives that provide opportunities for countries and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and learn from practical experiences in modern biotechnology,” said Dr. Kanangire.
He also expressed concern that ongoing court cases related to GMOs could slow research progress and delay access to innovations that have the potential to benefit farmers.
NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ann Karimi, and Dr. Kanangire observed that discussions around biotechnology and GMOs have often been affected by misinformation and disinformation, creating challenges in public understanding of the technology.
Dr. Karimi announced that the Authority will roll out an enhanced public awareness campaign across the country beginning in May in Kakamega County, aimed at helping Kenyans better understand the Authority’s regulatory mandate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“We are going out to the public to provide accurate information so that Kenyans can make informed decisions,” said Dr. Karimi.
She noted that several African countries, including South Africa and Nigeria, have taken deliberate steps toward adopting modern biotechnology and emphasized that Kenya should continue exploring innovation opportunities to support agricultural development.
Dr. Karimi also appreciated AATF’s contribution in advancing biotechnology research and awareness efforts in Kenya, adding that the partnership between the two institutions would continue to be strengthened through sustained collaboration.
For further information, please contact: George Achia, Communications Officer, East and Southern Africa, AATF; g.achia@aatf-africa.org, +254 785334163
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About AATF (https://www.aatf-africa.org/)
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is an international not-for-profit organization established in 2003 to empower smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa with access to agricultural innovations that enhance productivity, strengthen food and nutrition security, and improve livelihoods. Working with governments, research institutions, private sector players, and development partners, AATF facilitates the access, development, delivery, and commercialization of transformative technologies that address key farmer productivity constraints. Its work spans the entire agricultural value chain—from research and product development to policy engagement, capacity building, and market linkages—ensuring farmers benefit from technologies that are practical, affordable, and sustainable. Over the past two decades, AATF has championed innovative solutions reaching millions of farmers in 32 countries. Guided by a vision of a prosperous, resilient, and food-secure Africa, AATF believes smallholder farmers deserve access to the same cutting-edge technologies transforming agriculture globally, enabling them to sustainably intensify production, reduce hunger and poverty, and compete in regional and international markets. The AATF 2023–2027 Strategy, aligned with continental and global aspirations including the AU Agenda 2063, the Malabo Declaration, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sets out an ambitious plan focused on deploying Next Generation (NextGen) agricultural technologies and scaling proven solutions to accelerate Africa’s agricultural transformation.
