Genetically modified foods (GM foods), often referred to as genetically engineered foods (GE foods), or bioengineered foods are foods developed from species that have made modifications to their DNA using genetic engineering methods. Genetic engineering techniques allow new traits to be added as well as greater control of traits compared to previous methods, such as selective breeding and mutation breeding.

The Flavr Savr tomato was the first genetically modified food approved for release in 1994. Developed by Calgene, it was designed to have a longer shelf life by adding an antisense gene that delayed ripening.Other genetically modified crops that were approved for marketing in 1995 included: canola with changed oil composition, Bt maize, herbicide-resistant cotton bromoxynil, Bt cotton, glyphosate-tolerant soybeans, virus-resistant squash, and other delayed tomato maturing.

The Genetically Modified Foods [GMFs) product technology is relatively new in Botswana and little research has been conducted (lethola and George, 2016). Although the concept of GMFs in developed countries is advanced and consumers are likely to be aware of GMF products availability in the market and their consumption, the same cannot be assumed about consumers in Botswana. According to Matshika, (2005) GMF products are available in Botswana markets but it is not known whether consumers have the knowledge about the products existence or not, and how they perceive the products. The author further indicated that, the fact that the products are available in the market cannot be denied since Botswana imports most of her agricultural products from all over the world including the neighbouring countries, which utilize biotechnology extensively

This study was therefore designed to solicit ideas of consumers so as to understand the knowledge level and perceptions of consumers regarding GMFs consumption in Botswana. The outcome of this study should educate stakeholders such as Trade and Consumer Affairs, agriculture industries, farmers and policy makers on whether or not to take a stance in growing, selling and marketing of GMFs for human consumption. The concern is, do people of Botswana accept the genetically modified foods or not? In addition, the study also examined the variables studied in relation to the theory and concepts existing

Consumers were not against the consumption of GMFs nor the adoption of the technology. This is close to the findings of a study by Wunderlich and Gatto (2015) which reported that consumer knowledge about GMOs has not grown much like it happened with the adoption rate of GMO crops. The authors found that globally people have shown not much understanding, misconceptions, and even unfamiliarity with GMO food products. It is therefore not shocking that the study found mixed feelings about the knowledge regarding GMFs

Authors can submit their manuscript related to GMF’S, Genetic food disorders topic as an email attachment to the mentioned mail Ids [email protected] or [email protected]

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Editorial Team