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Harnessing the benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology in South Africa:
The Bt maize case study
Dr Nompumelelo H. Obokoh
Content
Challenges faced by small holder farmers
Production per unit area
Biotechnology – a tool to enhance productivity
Maize damages due to pest attack
Interventions by AfricaBio
Bt maize case study 2
Agriculture in South Africa
Small holder farmers ‐ characterized by traditional, low technology, small scale communal sector – low agricultural productivity
Commercial farmers – adoption of new agricultural technologies & improved seeds – high agricultural productivity.
Maize production by 9000 commercial farmers ‐ employed over 128 000 farm workers
Small holder farmers to contribute to the national maize production – efficient mechanisms to optimise production per unit area.
Biotechnology – a tool to enhance productivity
Biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify or improve production, or processing of products for the benefit of human beings.
In agriculture, the technology can play a role in the alleviation of hunger and poverty by enabling the production of more food “(maize, soybean, ….)
Commercial farmers – have since 1998 adopted such new agricultural technologies offering improved seeds (Bt maize) – high agricultural productivity.
Scale neutral technology - One way to optimiseproduction per unit area for small holder farmers to contribute to the national maize production –
African maize stem borer
White maize is an important staple food in South Africa
Productivity levels are lowered due to pest attacks
Farmers experiences severe yield losses (5-70%) due to the African maize stem borer (Busseola fusca)
Insecticides not widely adopted – high costs & most cases health hazards – inappropriate use of cheap insecticides
African maize stem borer
Caterpillar (Larva)
http://www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/102/pests
“Many farmers don’t even know their maize fields have a stem borer problem, yet these insects cost them some 400,000 tons in lost harvest each year”
Alternative, non-chemical, affordable and sustainable control methods of stem borers in cereal crops offer an attractive control.
Interventions by AfricaBio
AfricaBio is a non‐political, non‐profit biotechnology association for the safe, ethical and responsible research, development and application of biotechnology and its products.
The Association also serves as a forum for informed discussions on biotechnological issues in Africa.
The aim of the Association is to provide a factual reference point for the safe use and responsible application of biotechnology and its products.
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Controlled field trials with GMOs began in 1990.
Establishment of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Act, (Act No. 15 of 1997).
The National Department of Agriculture issued the first commercial release permit in1997.
GM maize was commercially released in 1998.
GM soybeans were approved in 2000.
Relevance in SA Biotech field
OUR MISSIONTo promote the safe, responsible and ethical use of biotechnology and
its products by:
providing balanced information on biotechnology to consumers, the media and decision‐makers.ensuring that all levels of society have accurate information onbiotechnology.providing a regular forum for the exchange of information on biotechnology and biosafety.facilitating training, education, research and development on biotechnology in Africa.
providing biotechnology stakeholders with a single voice to address policy and decision makers.
stimulating the development of new biotechnology products and companies for the benefit of Africa.
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Issues related to modern Biotechnology:
‐
Prompt reaction when Government requests for input into bills
and regulations e.g. biotechnology strategy, Consumer Protection
Act. Regulation (mandatory labeling of GMO’).
‐
Amendments/changes proposed in terms of legislation regulation
GMO’
(GMO Act No. 17 of 1997; GMO amendment Act No.23 of
2006).
‐
Participate at international meetings as part of delegations from
South Africa.
‐
Constant interaction with policy makers, provide up to date and
balanced information about biotechnology and biosafety.
Interaction with the Government
Bt Maize case study
To help resource‐poor maize farmers improve their food security status.
To demonstrate the role of biotechnology in crop production
To increase farmers’ awareness of agricultural biotechnology, as well as its benefits.
To encourage capacity building of small scale farmers in order to improve their level of food security and alleviate poverty.
Encourage the acceptance of biotechnology.
Stimulate discussions on biotechnology among stakeholders.
To increase factual information on the safety and utility of biotechnology as a tool in agricultural production.
Insect control with biotechnology
Smallholder farmers outreach and capacity building
Mr Khoza’
field , Winterveld
Maize with Bt Maize without Bt
Bt technology in farmers hands
Comparison of cobs
Bt maize
Non‐Bt maize
Increase in yieldsBetter utilization of landImproved seedsIncreased incomeImproved pest controlSafetyReduced handling of hazardous chemicals
Bt technology in farmers hands
Smallholder farmers outreach and capacity building
Farmer’dayFarmer’s day
Community and farmers outreach achievements
Improved yield and stabilization of crop production Technical gain in experience for the farmers and GDARD extension officers and officialsCapacity building of small scale farmers Successful technology transfer and farmer empowermentDevelopment of new emerging farmers intending to go commercialEfficient use of available natural resourcesImproved quality of maize productionCreation of employment for participating community by involving them in planting, weeding and harvesting.
Visitors from Kenya and Malawi
Anti-GMO protests
http://agronomyday.cropsci.illinois.edu/2000/gmos/index.html
If anti-GM campaigners win Africa looses a key economic technology.
Responsible biotechnology is not the enemy, but starvation is the enemy – Norman Borloug
Role of Scientists and IndustryRole of Scientists and Industry
Promote safe biotechnology research, use and application.
Act in accordance with biotechnology laws and regulations.
Avoid misrepresentation or misleading information.
Support the dissemination of accurate information.
Support and get involved in open and informed debate on biotechnology.
Role of Government in Role of Government in BiotechnologyBiotechnology
National biosafety and regulatory legislation and structures.
National policy and strategic approach on biotechnology.
National input into international biosafetyregulations.
Information to stakeholders and public on biotechnology.
How do we keep you upHow do we keep you up--toto-- date?date?
Web-site at www.africabio.com
THANK YOU!!
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