Promotion of Genetically Modified Seeds in Ethiopia: Epistemic Violence on Farmers and the Land
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Date
2024-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The introduction of genetically modified (GM) seeds and the policy intentions to formally allow the use of GM seeds in Ethiopia's agriculture have sparked considerable debate regarding their impact on farmers and the environment. Advocates of GM seeds argue that they lead to higher yields and offer resistance to pests and drought. However, critics warn of environmental risks, reduced biodiversity, and the consolidation of control by multinational corporations. This thesis examines the promotion of GM seeds in Ethiopia through the lens of epistemic violence. Drawing on Paulo Freire's concept of epistemic violence, which refers to the suppression of the perspectives and knowledge of oppressed groups by dominant power and knowledge relations. Hence, the study argues that the use of GM seeds can be viewed as a form of epistemic violence. This includes the imposition of Western scientific paradigms on traditional agricultural practices, the disregard for local knowledge systems, and the resulting impacts on sustainability and food sovereignty. The study advocates for policies and practices based on farmer-led research and accessible resource management to address epistemic violence. It aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders for a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future in Ethiopia. It explores the historical, socioeconomic, and political factors contributing to the promotion of GM seeds, the narratives that legitimize their use, and the perceptions of Ethiopian farmers regarding this technology. The impact of promoting GM seeds on agricultural biodiversity and socio-economic relationships at both local and national levels is examined. While the study highlights numerous controversial issues and paradoxes surrounding GM seed promotion, it underscores the tensions between technological innovation, agricultural sustainability, and social justice. It reveals how epistemic violence exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly marginalizing smallholder farmers and the larger farming community. Using interdisciplinary and qualitative research methods, the study analyses various aspects of epistemic violence in the promotion of GM seeds in Ethiopia. It advocates for a more inclusive and participatory approach that values the voices and knowledge systems of local communities. The findings suggest alternative actions to reconsider the promotion of GM seeds in Ethiopia in a manner that is more socially acceptable.
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Keywords
Epistemic violence, Genetically Modified Seeds (GMOs), Indigenous knowledge (IK), Capitalism