SUPPORTING SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY & FOOD SECURITY

SUPPORTING SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY & FOOD

SECURITY

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Bongani Maseko (Phd)Project Manager

Portfolio Committee 26 February 2014

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Who are we

AfricaBio is a independent, non-profit biotechnology stakeholder association for the safe, ethical and responsible research, development and application of biotechnology and its products.

Our key role is to provide accurate information and create awareness, understanding as well as knowledge on biotechnology and biosafety in South Africa and the African region.

We are a member-based organization with a diversified membership from all segments of biotechnology industry.

Grand Food Security Challenges in Africa

Increasing population = incr. demand for food, reduced per

capita natural resources.

Increasing damage to ecological foundations. (water, bio-

diversity, climate and sea level)

Urban growth = food security needs increase.

Decline food production (Low yield per hector compared to

other regions).

Africa’s behind schedule to meet the MDG on food security

and poverty alleviation

Low adoption of GM technology and Biosafety laws.

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RSA is a water scare country with only 22 % arable land (1.3 mil

ha under irrigation)

Food Security at National level is 100% but only 25% at

household level.

Agricultural sector consist of commercial, emerging and

subsistence farmers − delivers both non GM crops & GM crops

(maize, soya bean, and cotton).

Agricultural production in South Africa is hampered by a number

of abiotic and biotic factors.4

Grand Food Security Challenges in South Africa

BIOTECHNOLOGY AS ONE OF THE TOO

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Biotechnology as a tool to improve crops

Bio means life Technology refers to the use of scientific

techniques or tools (including genetic engineering)

Biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify or improve production, or processing of products to to meet human needs

Organism: Any living plant, animal, bacteria, fungus & virus

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Biotechnology Defined

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MaizeTeosinte 7 major mutations (Txf)

Genetic Change

All living organism is made up of cells.

Inside each cell there is genetic material called DNA “Barcode” which carries a the blueprint of the organism

The DNA is a double helix molecule that holds the genetic instructions and transfers characteristics from one generation to the next.

DNA is made from four chemical building blocks (ATCG)

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What is DNA

Maize production in South Africa is hampered by a number of abiotic and biotic factors.

The maize stalk borer, (Busseola fusca) is a serious pest of maize in South Africa.

A number of small scale farmers and their dependents rely on maize for subsistence and survival.

Since 2003 AfricaBio has been conducting on-farm demonstration trials of Bt maize and conventional maize in different areas of South Africa.

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Demonstration of Bt maize to small scale farmers

Busseola fusca - a serious pest of maize in Africa, particularly in high-lying regions. Yield losses may vary from 5% to 75% and even higher.

Insecticides not widely adopted – high costs & most cases health hazards – inappropriate use of cheap insecticides

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Caterpillar (Larva)Moth (Adult)

Controlling the maize stalk borer through biotechnology

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Maize with BtMaize without Bt

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Mr Khoza’s field, Winterveld, South Africa

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Mr Khoza at his farm in Winterveld, South Africa

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More yield in Bt-protected maize

BASIC LAYOUT(4 X ½ HA PLOTS)

Bt

Bt

Non-Bt

Non-Bt

2 meters

1ha1ha

50m

200m

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Inputs cost GM vs Non GM maize

Input BT/HT Maize HT Maize Conventional Maize

Seed for 1ha = 15kg, for 35 K population / per ha

15kg = R1190 15kg =R1030 15kg = R770

Pre Emergence spray 500ml/ha=R50/ha 500ml/ha=R50/ha 500ml/ha=R50/ha

Post emerge herbicide 2litre/ha =R240/ha 2litre/ha =R240/ha 2litre/ha =R240/ha

Scuffle No scuffle No scuffle R200 (Diesel to scuffle)

Pesticide for stalk borer None R240/ha ( spray 2 times)

R240/ha (spray 2 times)

Weeding on inter rows Covered on post emergence spray

Covered on post emergence spray

Hand weeding on inter rows =R1575 for 5 people for 5 days/ha

Total R1480 R1560 spraying with Cypermethrin 2 times

R3075 (1x spray ) R3315 (2x spray )R3555 (3 X Spray 0

Increase in yields Better utilization of land Improved seeds Increased income Improved pest control Safety - reduced handling of hazardous

chemicals

Benefits of the GM technology

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Improved yield and stabilization of crop production

Capacity building of small scale farmers

Successful technology transfer and farmer empowerment

Development of new emerging farmers intending to go commercial

Efficient use of available natural resources

Improved quality of maize production

Creation of employment for participating community by involving them

in planting, weeding and harvesting.

Conclusion: Benefits to farmers

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GM crops play a huge role in South African agriculture and contribute towards food, feed and fibre security.

Broad international consensus - GM crops pose no unreasonable risk to human or animal health or to the environment.

Widespread misinformation skew public understanding of GM crops and their risks.

GM crops are regulated by a robust regulatory system - reflects willingness to accept negligible risk.

Ag-Biotechnology consistent with national policy. Invitation: Seeing is believing study tour 5 March 2014

Key Points

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Thank you for your attention

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http://gmoanswers.com/

GMOAnswers – Your Questions on Health and Safety of GM foods

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