GMOs in Zambia: Facts at a Glance

Farm workers at Zega Training Trust weed a maize field on this farm near Lusaka, Zambia, in this August 2002 file photo. Zambia rejected genetically modified maize food aid that year, and has kept a ban on both the cultivation of and importation of genetically modified food ever since. (AP Photo/Salim Henry)

Are GMOs allowed in the country? Are they grown? 

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not allowed in Zambia at all. Both the cultivation and importation of genetically modified (GM) food and other GM products have been prohibited since 2002. 
One exception was made in 2005 for food aid.

If GMOs are not allowed or not grown, why not?

GM crop food aid was first offered to Zambia in 2002 by the United States. Zambia declined the aid and sent out a team of researchers to study the impact of GM crops in other countries. After finishing their study, the researchers recommended prohibiting GMOs because of “scientific uncertainty” about the effects of GMOs on humans, animals, and the environment, according to agricultural Minister Mundia Sikatana. 

Are GMOs labeled in any way?

No. The Seed Control and Certification Institute was created in 2009 but it does not currently have the technology to test for genetic modification.