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Consumer Perception and Acceptability of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Nigeria: a case study of Abuja Metropolis

Iroh Emmanuel, Maruf Sanni, Ayo-Lawal Ronke and Emmanuel-Iroh O. Dora

Genetically Modified (GM) foods today have generated wide controversies, concerns, interest and debate both in developed and developing Nations of the world with fairly sufficient food supplies. Consumers now display misconceptions, limited knowledge, and even unfamiliarity with GM food products. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing consumer’s perception and acceptability of genetically modified (GM) foods in Nigeria: a case study of Abuja metropolis. Using Taro Yamane (Yamane, 1973) formula with 95% confidence level, a total number of 385 questionnaires were distributed to the Federal Civil Servants within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Stratified sampling was adopted to ensure that civil servants (Upper, Middle and Lower Cadre employees) were proportionally represented. About 65.5% (252) of the questionnaires distributed were retrieved. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using descriptive statistical tools (bar charts, tables, histograms).Results showed that there is a relatively low level of awareness of GM foods amongst residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with only 46.03% of the respondents agreeing to have at least some knowledge or information about GMOs or GM Foods. The survey also showed that even though more than half of the respondents (56.75%) vehemently claimed they were not aware of any side effects of GM food to human health, yet they believe that GM foods are harmful to health and environment when continuously consumed. It was also observed that majority of the respondents within the study area would willingly prefer and purchase genetically modified foods based on their nutritional value, environmental benefits and low cost of GM foods irrespective of how much they earn monthly. It was concluded and recommended that owing to the poor level of consumer’s knowledge about GMOs and GMF in FCT-Abuja, the government (policy makers and regulatory agencies), environmental agencies, media, agribusiness dealers and NGOs should intensify awareness and organize training/enlightenment programmes on GMOs and GM foods.