Consumer awareness and perception of genome-edited food: A case study in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the acceptance of genome-edited food in Nigeria. Utilizing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as  a case study, this study adopted a descriptive research design. Data was collected via a likert-scale based questionnaire administered  to a sample population of 400 respondents to collect data on level of awareness on genome-edited food, factors influencing the attitude  and perception, as well as strategies for enhancing consumer education and communication concerning genome edited food. Findings of  this study indicate that respondents were familiar with genome-edited food to a little extent (30.1%) while a total of 48.5% were not  aware of the availability of genome-edited food products currently available in the market. However, 36.8% of the respondents indicated  willingness to consume genome-edited food once benefits are understood. Also, respondents indicated concerns about the safety of  genome-edited foods to a very great extent (35.3%), while to a moderate extent (27.4%) respondents indicated that media report  influenced their perception of genome-edited food to a moderate extent. Respondent also indicated that the reported current  educational initiatives in informing the public about genome-edited food was not effective at all and therefore recommended that public  discussions and forums about genome-edited food must be put in place by the government through the National Biosafety Management  Agency.