Formal Analysis
- P1: Hunger persists in the 21st century.
- P2: Traditional farming models are not bringing out solutions.
- P3: The world must embrace technology to produce sufficient food.
- C: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the solution to persistent hunger.
Global Hunger is Persistent
First, I would like to retaliate that there is sufficient food produced around the world to feed the population; however, many people are still hungry. Statistics show that after a steady decline for a decade now, global hunger rates are increasing, and they are affecting millions of people across the nation. In the last three years, the number of undernourished people has grown, whereby most of the affected are children under five years of age. This crisis was made worse by the current COVID-19 pandemic since most households lost their livelihood. Producing more food in the form of tubers or staple grains is not adequate, as better nutrition and ending the hunger menace need populations to obtain a suitable diet (Webb et al. n.p). Indeed, hunger is connected with poor production of food and embracing new technology such as GMOs to alleviate the problem altogether.
Traditional farming does not bring a solution
As earlier indicated, the world’s hunger problems are mainly attributed to poor farming practices. Traditional farming methods contribute to the wastage of resources and time; thereby, less is produced and it takes considerable time to grow crops. Due to climate change, drought affects farming, particularly in low and middle-income nations where agriculture relies on rainfall rather than irrigation. Anthropogenic activities cause mounting environmental challenges such as natural resource dilapidation, biodiversity loss and soil degradation (Singh, and Singh pp. 296-316). Conversely, climate change and agriculture are interrelated as both impacts each other critically, especially in sustainable food production. In most instances, traditional agriculture systems lead to the wastage of scarce water resources, as water used is not adequately absorbed by crops but evaporates into the atmosphere. Most conventional farms try to adapt and find a way of reducing water wastage without success, as the measures are ineffective.
Embracing Technology in Food Production
Currently, no industry can fail to embrace technology and survive. Every day-to-day activity relies on technology. Moreover, the present-day generation has also become tech-savvy as we are in a technological revolution moment. It is time for the nations to work together and solve the great challenge of feeding the population by producing sufficient food and using fewer inputs. The world’s population is projected to reach the 9.8 billion mark by 2050; therefore, feeding that population will be challenging if modern technologies such as GMOs are disregarded. Seemingly, farmers need to be supported through innovative agricultural approaches that can produce high-quality, safe and affordable food products. It is only through implementing transformative technology that goals of producing enough food to feed the population.
Genetically Modified Organisms Relation with Food Security
Can genetically modified food products be a solution to persistent hunger? I can answer in the affirmative. Organisms in which the genome has been modified in the laboratory to develop a desired physiological trait or biological products are referred to us as GMOs. In genetic modification, recombinant genetic technology is utilized to produce an organism whose genome is precisely changed. GMOs offer a range of opportunities for increased yields, resistance to diseases and pests, enhanced nutrient conformation and food quality. There has been low acceptance of GMO food products globally due to misconceptions, as people argue about the benefits and safety concerns.
With the reality of persistent hunger due to food insecurity, the adoption of GMOs is the only way to mitigate the problem. Studies show that GMOs have made critical strides in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals number 1 (reducing poverty) and number 2 (reducing hunger) (Smyth pp. 887-888). Besides, increased yield leads to higher household incomes, declining poverty and enhanced food security for the population. There are other numerous benefits of embracing GMO food, as Biofortified crops have an enhanced micronutrient value that improves recommended daily nutrients for individuals. In addition to nutrients, fortified food products prevent and treat some chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, some types of cancers and hypertension.
Undoubtedly, decreased pesticide poisoning rates are vital statistics defining the advantages of genetically modified crops. The benefits are also crucial to the fishery industry as most of the pesticide used in farms ends up in rivers and lakes after being washed by the rain. Genetic engineering is also benefiting higher education institutions and universities as a scientist conducts various research by moving desired genes from animals and plants into another. I will conclude by ascertaining that GMOs are the solution to the persistent food shortages and can alleviate the global hunger problem. Furthermore, traditional farming models will not solve food insecurity as the world’s population balloons. Producing food products through genetic modification technology has various benefits, such as higher yields, being economically viable and less environmental degradation.
Works Cited
Smyth, Stuart J. “The Human Health Benefits From GM Crops”. Plant Biotechnology Journal, vol 18, no. 4, 2019, pp. 887-888. Wiley
Singh, Rinku, and G. S. Singh. “Traditional Agriculture: A Climate-Smart Approach for Sustainable Food Production”. Energy, Ecology and Environment, vol 2, no. 5, 2017, pp. 296-316. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
Webb, Patrick et al. “Hunger and Malnutrition in the 21St Century”. BMJ, 2018, p. k2238. BMJ.