Abstract

There is currently limited knowledge about the effects of introducing genetically modified (GM) crops into smallholder farming or about how biosafety requirements are interpreted and adopted by smallholders. A case study was conducted on introduction of GM (Bt) maize to South African smallholders. The results reveal low general awareness about agricultural technology among smallholders and an incompatibility between smallholder practices and biosafety requirements. The implications are low understanding of biosafety measures and low compliance. Therefore, essential prerequisites for the safe introduction of GM crops to smallholders are increased smallholder knowledge on modern plant varieties and improved agricultural advisory services that better match the smallholder context. In addition, information about GM crops and biosafety implementation must be modified to better suit smallholders.

Keywords

advisory services; corn; extension activities; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs

Published in

Journal of Environment and Development
2013, Volume: 22, number: 1, pages: 104-124
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC

SLU Authors

• Fischer, Klara

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
Genetics and Breeding


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1070496512466856

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/56001