Dr Nompumelelo H. Obokohpmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/docs/...1 Harnessing the benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology in South Africa: The Bt maize case study Dr Nompumelelo

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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:

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Prompt reaction when Government requests for input into bills 

and regulations e.g. biotechnology strategy, Consumer Protection

Act. Regulation (mandatory labeling of GMO’).

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Amendments/changes proposed in terms of legislation regulation 

GMO’

(GMO Act No. 17 of 1997; GMO amendment Act No.23 of 

2006).

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Participate at international meetings as part of delegations from 

South Africa.

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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!!