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    Scientists: Bt maize is developed from soil bacteria not in labs

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    By George Munene

    First introduced and adopted in the United States in 1996, Bt maize was among the first genetically modified (GM) crops grown commercially. These GM plants are not lab engineered but rather produce toxins gotten from the soil bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), hence the common name "Bt maize".

    “Bt maize is a maize variety that has been modified to have an inherent ability to fight back when crop pests come to feed on it. This has been developed by harnessing a very basic bacteria that is present in soil and is safe for humans and we have often taken it with our vegetables and salads without any problem,” said Dr. Joel Ochieng, Head of Agricultural Biotechnology at the University of Nairobi

    He further asserts that in the formulation of GMO crops scientists can never use an item that doesn't have a long documented history of safety.

    According to the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Bt-maize protects itself against insect pests, specifically the stem borers species, and partially but significantly controls the fall armyworm (FAW). These are the most damaging maize pests capable of causing up to 100% yield loss if uncontrolled.

    Related News: Researchers find genetically modified maize safe for environment

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    These insect pests are very expensive to control, with farmers spending up to Sh12,000 per acre on pesticides alone. They significantly contribute to low maize productivity and production in Kenya which currently stands at 7-10 (90kg) bags against the potential of 22-35 bags per acre.

    “Bt maize protects itself not from all pests but specifically from the corn borer, so bees landing on that maize plant aren't affected. It is similar to a drug like Malaria Quill in humans: You'll take Malaria Quill, it doesn't harm you but rather hunts down a specific Plasmodium falciparum that causes malaria it doesn't even kill the bacteria in your tummy.

    I have found that people are under the misconception that any large maize cob, tomato fruit, or chicken that has been injected with hormones is GMO. GMOs strictly refer to crops that have been modified genetically,” Ochieng explained.

    In 40 years; from its research through to its adoption he said there hasn't been scientifically backed evidence of it being harmful to humans or the environment.

    Sub-Saharan Africa faces serious food security risks because its demand for cereals is expected to increase by 300 per cent by 2050. Maize is one of the most important food crops in the region, with over 300 million Africans depending on it as a staple food source.

    South Africa was the first African country to approve commercial cultivation of GM crops in 1997.

    Related News: Genetically modified Bt cotton pilot farmers report increased yields & profits

    According to a study by the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa and universities in the US and Belgium from 2001 to 2018, the country earned Sh84.6 billion ($694.7 million) from the cultivation of GM white maize.

    This has helped enhance food security in the country which produces an average of 4.6 million additional white maize rations annually and in 2022/2023 exported 3.2 million metric tons of maize. 

    It has also improved smallholder farmers' earnings significantly and reduced environmental damage by applying less maize crop pests.

    It has also meant less land can be dedicated to the cultivation of crops as the additional land size required to keep up with these improved rations would be 1,088 ha in 2001 to 217,788 ha in 2014 if farmers were sorely cultivating conventional hybrid maize varieties. 

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    Kenya inks deal with Australian firm to provide affordable green fertilisers by 2025

    Fg xbkWXEAAhmLg1By George Munene

    The Government of Kenya and Australian green energy firm Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) have signed a binding framework agreement to manufacture affordable green fertilisers by 2025.

    This will lessen Kenya's dependence on imports of fertilisers from foreign nations with fossil-fuel-free alternatives, reduce the high cost of fertiliser, boost food production as well as provide skilled jobs.

    The initial facility which will be located at Naivasha near the Olkaria geothermal field will have an initial generation capacity of 300MW of green ammonia and green fertiliser. 

    Feasibility studies for two further projects could scale up renewable electricity generation by up to 25GW, which could ultimately produce up to 1.7 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year for export.

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    The deal which aims to fast-track Kenya’s development of an affordable green fertiliser supply chain and other green hydrogen-based industries and their derivatives was signed on the sidelines of COP27 by the President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto and the Executive Chairman of Fortescue Dr. Andrew Forrest.

    “Today marks the beginning of what we all believe will be a long and fruitful partnership between Kenya and FFI. Production of clean fertiliser will help reduce our reliance on imports, check the high cost of fertiliser, and boost food production,” said Ruto

    FFI intends to fast-tracking significant investment to develop green industrial facilities in Naivasha, Mombasa, and Lamu, with the potential to create thousands of new jobs and deliver significant manufacturing and industrial development to Kenya.

    Related News: 60% of farmers predict increased harvest owing to low-cost fertiliser--CBK Report

    Dr. Forrest said, “Current ammonia and fertiliser production relies almost exclusively on fossil fuels and results in considerable CO2 emissions.

    “By stepping away from fossil fuels to use green ammonia, Kenya can eliminate its reliance on imports, reduce the cost of fertiliser and increase its food and economic security.

    “Today’s agreement sets Kenya on a path to industrial decarbonisation and we are committed to walking with Kenya on that journey every step of the way.”

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    UK to finance Sh500B green investments in agriculture, green energy & transport

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    By George Munene

    The UK has agreed to fast-track financing for six green investment projects worth Sh500 billion covering agriculture, green energy, and transport.

    This follows a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the COP27 climate summit yesterday [Monday 7 November] in Sharm-el-Sheik, Egypt.

    The projects include: a Sh32 billion investment in a climate-resilient agriculture hub for the Lake Victoria region in Kisumu that will create 2,000 direct jobs and provide an income for a further 20,000 farmers; Sh425 billion in a public-private partnership to deliver the Grand High Falls Dam, which will generate a gigawatt of renewable power and provide an area over twice the size of the Maasai Mara with drought-combating irrigation solutions; new geothermal and solar energy generation at Menegai and Malindi; and the green regeneration of central Nairobi anchored around a new central rail station.

    Related News: Kisumu’s Sh 30B investment seeks to turn county into agriculture hub

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    “By fast-tracking finance into these clean, green projects with honest, reliable investment the UK is supporting Kenya to advance and maintain its continent-leading climate credentials– with mutual benefits for both our countries,” said British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott.

    Dubbed United Green, the Sh31 billion investment will finance climate-smart crop and agro-industrial processing system via a joint venture between the UK government and Kisumu County and hopes to create over 22,000 jobs across counties in the Lake Victoria region.

    Related News: Sh607M fund set up to finance African agriculture SMEs

    For its part, the Sh425 billion Grand High Falls Dam project will irrigate 400,000 hectares of farmland and generate 1,000MW of hydroelectric energy. Led by UK engineering firm GBM, the project is envisaged to include both a Power Purchase Agreement for clean energy and a Water Purchase Agreement for agricultural irrigation.

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