The Problem Formulation and Options Assessment (PFOA) provides a framework for identifying the crucial societal needs that could be satisfied by introducing a GM crop into an agricultural system, and comparing the GM crop to other possible alternatives for meeting that critical societal need. To this end, a PFOA relies upon being transparent, inclusive of all appropriate stakeholders, and rationally informed by the best available science.

A PFOA Handbook has been developed to make this process tool accessible to interested users. Download it here.

A PFOA process is a core component for any biosafety program’s assessment of a GMO. It uniquely and necessarily puts people potentially affected by a proposed use of a GMO (i.e. stakeholders) at the center of risk assessment in a way that they can influence and contribute to the assessment. The healthy debate it engenders provides a forum for considering a GMO at multiple scales, across disciplines, between policy makers, regulators and scientists, and among stakeholders. It provides a viable means of combining public deliberation and rational, science-driven analysis within a decision process. In the end, PFOA enables countries to better design technology and policies to reduce societal risks.

How can a multistakeholder group compare the risks of future options to address these needs?

Step 1. Problem Formulation

What is the problem that needs addressing?
Where is the problem, when does it occur, and whose problem is it?

• define the problem as an unmet need that requires change: basic human needs are food, shelter, safety
• do the affected people think it is a core problem for them?
• how extensive is the problem? number of people, area, intensity

Step 2. Options Assessment

What technical options could address the defined problem as alternatives or complements to the GM crop? How do they compare?

The stakeholder group addresses the same questions for each option:

• ability to address the problem - attributes, limitations
• changes required for implementation
• possible adverse and beneficial effects on the system

• Problem Formulation and Options Assessment in Kenya

Option Identification and Assessment Chart

Download a bigger version

spraying cotton