Culture, Media, and Trust Shape GMO Acceptance in Nigeria

A study found that public acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria is shaped more by cultural beliefs, media coverage, and trust in government than by the science behind the technology. Although Nigeria has approved biotech crops, the researchers said that public opinion remains divided because of limited awareness and ineffective science communication.

The researchers reviewed scientific publications, policy documents, and media reports published between 2010 and 2024 to examine the factors influencing public perceptions of GMOs. They found that low public awareness, cultural and religious beliefs, negative media framing, and limited trust in regulatory institutions contribute to skepticism. The study also noted that while government policies support agricultural biotechnology, unclear policy communication has widened the gap between regulatory decisions and public understanding.

The researchers concluded that improving public acceptance of GMOs will require culturally sensitive engagement, stronger science communication, and greater transparency in biotechnology regulation. They added that building public trust is essential for the successful adoption of GM crops in Nigeria.

For more information, read the abstract from Fed Poly Oko Journal of Business and Management Studies (OJBMS).