The introduction of GMOs into the world’s market started since 1990’s, which has led to one of the most controversial issues that exist until today. And yet more than 75 countries import, grow and conduct research on GMOs. In August 2015, the Ethiopian government accepted the use of GMOs for research and commercial purposes by putting clear directives in each case. This descriptive research was conducted to obtain scientific information on the perception towards GMOs of regulatory bodies and service providers by administering questionnaires to randomly selected 405 respondents drawn from five regional states (Amhara, Afar, Benshangul Gumuz, Somali and Southern nations nationalities and peoples) and two city administrations (Addis Ababa city administration and Dire Dawa city council). The result shows that the perception towards the GMO of majority of the regulators and service providers was negative. It was found that 50.9% of respondents, even those who have sufficient information about GMOs, thought GMOs are dangerous for the environment and the society. This study recommends the awareness towards GMO for public and regulatory body should be increased by the government through promotion, establish voluntary GM food labeling system and increase the media coverage about GM.
Published Date: 2022-08-31; Received Date: 2020-07-22
