Can genetically modified cotton contribute to sustainable development in Africa?

Morse, Stephen; Mannion, Antoinette M.

doi:10.1177/146499340800900304

Cited by 20 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Both have advantages for environmental and socio-economic reasons as discussed below. Similar trends have been identified in resource-poor cotton farmers in South Africa (Morse and Mannion, 2009) and this success is leading to the adoption of GM cotton by smallholders elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa (Hillocks, 2009). James (2010) also cites gains by resource-poor farmers growing Bt maize in South Africa and the Philippines.…”

Section: Agronomic Considerationssupporting

confidence: 69%

Biotechnology in agriculture

Mannion

Morse

2012

Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment

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Genetically-modified (GM) varieties of crops, notably soybean, maize, rape (canola) and cotton were first grown commercially in 1996. In 2010 they occupied 148 million ha in 29 countries, mostly in the Americas and Asia but with an obvious absence in Europe where their introduction has been controversial due to concerns about environmental impairment and adverse impacts on human health. This paper reviews the published literature on the agronomic and environmental impact of GM crops in the last 15 years (a related paper by Morse and Mannion reviews the socio-economic impact). Overall, the impact of GM crops has largely been agronomically and environmentally positive in both developed and developing world contexts. The often claimed negative impacts of GM crops have yet to materialise on large scales in the field. Agronomically, there have been yield increases per unit area, mainly due to reduced losses as a result of improved pest i.e. insect and weed control; in the case of conventional crops grown near GM varieties with insect resistance 2 there have been benefits due to the so-called 'halo' effect. Environmentally, the decrease in insecticide use has benefitted non-target and beneficial organisms while surface and groundwater contamination is less significant; human-health problems related to pesticide use have also declined. Equally important is the reduced carbon footprint as energy inputs are reduced. Of particular note, however, is the recognition that the success or longevity of GM crops is reliant on the speed with which resistance develops in target weeds and insects.However, resistance to GM-based plant resistance is already being detected in some pest populations and this suggests that scientists and farmers cannot be complacent. Current GM approaches are relatively transitory as a means of combating pests, as are conventional pesticides, and good management will determine how long this strategy proves positive.However, GM is a comparatively new science and the possibilities are considerable.

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Section: Agronomic Considerationssupporting

confidence: 69%

Biotechnology in agriculture

Mannion

Morse

2012

Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment

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“…However, a significant number of studies discussed yield and farm finances without own bottom-up data (52/83 studies). This meant that existing empirical data on yield and farm finances were repeated in many studies (e.g., [14,[56][57][58][59]). This could give the impression that claims of increased yields and profits have a more substantial empirical foundation than is actually the case.…”

Section: How Are Different Social Impacts Addressed?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Impacts of GM Crops in Agriculture: A Systematic Literature Review

et al. 2015

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It has recently been argued that the fragmented knowledge on the social impacts of genetically modified (GM) crops is contributing to the polarised debate on the matter. This paper addresses this issue by systematically reviewing 99 peer-reviewed journal articles published since 2004 on the social impacts of GM crops in agriculture; summarising current knowledge, and identifying research gaps. Economic impact studies currently dominate the literature and mainly report that GM crops provide economic benefits for farmers. Other social impacts are less well studied, but present a more complex picture. Studies on access to and benefits of GM crops show that these vary significantly depending on the political and regulatory setting. Substantial evidence indicates that intellectual property rights (IPR) and the private industry's dominance limit the access and utility of available GM crops to many farmers. Wellbeing is frequently discussed in the literature, but rarely investigated empirically. Existing evidence is contradictory and inconclusive. Impact studies from the Global North are virtually non-existent. Moreover, OPEN ACCESSSustainability 2015, 7 8599 two-thirds of publications are based on previously published empirical evidence, indicating a need for new empirical investigations into the social impacts of GM crops in agriculture.

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“…Scepticism is unavoidable, but what does seem certain is the fact that the world population is increasing by 81 million people per year. The total population is expected to increase from the present figure of 6.6 billion to 9 billion by 2050 Morse and Mannion [23].…”

Section: Technology Use In South Africamentioning

confidence: 84%

Technology Profiling for Emerging Commercial Cotton Farmers in the Makhathini Region

Mashala

Kruger

Grundling

et al. 2017

SAJIE

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This research article profiles cotton technology in the Makhathini region, focusing on the extent to which it is available to support farmers Although Makhathini Farmers have produced cotton for more than 10 years at a subsistence level, and despite using the related technology extensively, the farmers' mission remains to produce cotton commercial. The technology mentioned in the study is available worldwide, as well as locally. The technology accessed is readily available to the local farmers. Representatives of 13 Famers' Associations were interviewed and a response rate of 13/13 (100 percent) was obtained. The findings indicate overwhelming use of technology by the farmers. Yet an issue that is unresolved is why farmers are not producing at a commercial level despite the aid of technology. OPSOMMING'n Profiel van die katoen tegnologie gebruik in die Makhatini streek word aangespreek in hierdie navorsingsartikel. Die fokus van die artikel is gerig op die mate van ondersteuning beskikbaar aan die boere in die streek. Die klein boere verbou die afgelope 10 jaar katoen in die streek. Die verbouing van katoen is meer gerig op oorlewings boerdery, maar dit is 'n oogmerk van die boere om in die toekoms katoen op 'n kommersiële vlak te verbou. Die tegnologie waarna verwys word in die artikel is globaal sowel as plaaslik van toepassing in die verbouing van katoen en is vrylik beskikbaar aan die boere in die streek. Gestruktureerde onderhoude is met boere van 13 plaaslike boere verenigings gevoer en die navorser het daarin geslaag om 'n 100 persent terugvoer reaksie hiermee te verkry. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat boere in die streek tegnologie gebruik in die verbouing van katoen. Die onbeantwoorde vraag is dan waarom die verbouing van katoen nie op 'n kommersiële vlak plaasvind nie.

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Can genetically modified cotton contribute to sustainable development in Africa?

Cited by 20 publications

References 44 publications

Biotechnology in agriculture

Biotechnology in agriculture

Social Impacts of GM Crops in Agriculture: A Systematic Literature Review

Technology Profiling for Emerging Commercial Cotton Farmers in the Makhathini Region

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