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Overcoming Agricultural Challenges with GMOs as a Catalyst for Poverty Reduction and Sustainability in Lebanon

Author

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  • Richard J. Roberts

    (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
    1993 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine—Fellow of the Royal Society—Chief Scientific Officer.)

  • Viviane Naimy

    (Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Notre Dame University—Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh P.O. Box 72, Lebanon)

Abstract

This study assesses the potential impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on poverty reduction and agricultural development in Lebanon, against a backdrop of economic crisis and agricultural uncertainties. GMO adoption is considered a viable strategy to enhance food security, spur economic growth, and alleviate poverty. Simulating various GMO adoption scenarios, specifically in the apple agriculture sector of Mount Lebanon’s Sannine–Baskinta area, this research examines their effects on poverty rates. The findings demonstrate a substantial reduction in poverty rates, from 55% to 36%, with a simulated GMO adoption rate of 70%, underscoring the transformative potential of GMOs in poverty alleviation. The study highlights the critical importance of well-informed decision-making and evidence-based policymaking to address challenges in the agriculture sector. It serves as a foundational pilot project for the introduction of genetically modified crops in Lebanese agriculture, with a focus on the Sannine–Baskinta region. The identified GMOs offer prospects for enhanced resilience to weather conditions and pests, reduced pesticide usage, elimination of chemical fertilizers, increased yield, and improved nutritional value. Future research endeavors aim to extend the project to encompass other crops and regions in Lebanon, as well as in other Arab countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard J. Roberts & Viviane Naimy, 2023. "Overcoming Agricultural Challenges with GMOs as a Catalyst for Poverty Reduction and Sustainability in Lebanon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16187-:d:1285084
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vialou, Alexandre & Nehring, Richard F. & Fernandez-Cornejo, Jorge & Grube, Arthur, 2008. "Impact of GMO Crop Adoption on Quality-Adjusted Pesticide Use in Corn and Soybeans: A Full Picture," 2008 Annual Meeting, July 27-29, 2008, Orlando, Florida 6429, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    2. Krishna, Vijesh V. & Qaim, Matin, 2012. "Bt cotton and sustainability of pesticide reductions in India," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 47-55.
    3. Hielscher, Stefan & Pies, Ingo & Valentinov, Vladislav & Chatalova, Lioudmila, 2016. "Rationalizing the GMO debate: The ordonomic approach to addressing agricultural myths," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 13(5), pages 1-10.
    4. Hera, Cristian & Popescu, Ana, 2011. "Biotechnology and Its Role for a Sustainable Agriculture," Journal for Economic Forecasting, Institute for Economic Forecasting, vol. 0(2), pages 55-63, June.
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