Modelling Public Knowledge and Attitude towards Genetically Modified Maize in Kenya

A survey of 138 farmers was conducted in Rift valley, Kenya, in November and December 2013 in three counties (Uasin-gishu, Elgeyo-marakwet, and Trans-Nzoia) to determine public knowledge and attitude towards genetically modified (GM) maize. Most of the respondents in Trans-Nzoia were female (18 %) while male were (16 %) though generally there was 50 % participation in both gender. Above two third (70 %) of the respondents had knowledge of GM maize, mostly those educated and male. Female was found to be having low knowledge on GM maize. Public acknowledged the technologys potential positive impacts, with more than 90 % willing to adopt and more than 98 % willing to buy GM seedlings at any given price. A small percentage less than 3 % were of a negative opinion about willing to buy and adopt GM seeds. Both male and female were willing to adopt GM maize (Both are 48 %) while the higher percentage of those with college education were willing to adopt (25 %). Female were more willing to buy (50 %) than the male (49 %) and all respondents with all levels of education were equally willing to buy the GM seeds at any given market price. The survey shows a society with positive attitude towards biotechnology which could play a major role in food security in Kenya. However, the public need more information about the technology, this study identified an important source of communication of biotechnology as use of radio which is the foremost source of communication. Finally, public knowledge and attitude on GM maize should be studied on a regular basis, and the survey population broadened to 47 counties.