Is it Appreciation with Caution? Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods

Authors

  • Michael Tuffour Presbyterian University College of Ghana
  • Daniella Delali Sedegah PhD Student, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research University of Ghana, Legon
  • Ohene – Nana Ama Akyiaa Boakye Department of Business Economics Presbyterian University College, Akuapem Campus Akropong Akuapem

Keywords:

GM foods, awareness and appreciation

Abstract

Despite its popularity in some parts of the West, Asia and South America, GM foods on the other hand are popular in very few countries in Africa in terms of its concept of production. Ghana is yet to discover more on its people’s attitude towards the consumption GM foods. This study used a purposive sampling method to select 140 respondents in supposedly middle – income communities in Accra; the capital city of Ghana. A Likert scale and a Kendall Coefficient of Concordance were used to determine their level of awareness and appreciation of GM foods respectively; after which a Probit model was used to examine the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on GM foods’ appreciation.  The study revealed that more than 90% were at least aware of GM foods whiles 70%, appreciative of it. Higher yields came out as the leading benefit of GM foods whiles chemical effect came out as the number one risk factor. It was also discovered that respondents with relatively higher levels of education and income tend to appreciate GM foods. The study therefore recommends more education and debate on the subject of GM foods as well as further studies on the appreciation, adoption and demand for GM foods in Ghana.

 

 

Author Biography

Michael Tuffour, Presbyterian University College of Ghana

Department of Business Economics

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Published

2013-10-22

How to Cite

Tuffour, M., Sedegah, D. D., & Boakye, O. – N. A. A. (2013). Is it Appreciation with Caution? Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 1(4). Retrieved from https://www.ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAFS/article/view/528