This paper describes the method and findings of a survey designed to explore the economic benefits of the adoption of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton for smallholder farmers in the Republic of South Africa. The study found reason for cautious optimism in that the Bt variety generally resulted in a per hectare increase in yields and value of output with a reduction in pesticide costs, which outweighed the increase in seed costs to give a substantial increase in gross margins. Thus, these preliminary results suggest that Bt cotton is good for smallholder cotton farmers and the environment.
BetzF. S.HammondB. G., and FuchsR. L. (2000), ‘Safety and advantages of Bacillus thuringiensis-protected plants to control insect pests’, Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, Vol 32, No 2, pp 156–173.
2.
Department of Justice, Genetic Modified Organism Act, Act 15 of 1997, Department of Justice, South Africa.
3.
Fernandez-CornejoJ., and Klotz-IngramC. (1998), ‘Economic, environmental and policy impact of using genetically modified crops for pest management’, paper presented at the NEREA Meeting, 22–23 June, Ithaca, NY.
4.
Fernandez-CornejoJ.Klotz-IngramC.JansS., and McBrideW. (1999), ‘Farm level production effects related to adoption of genetically modified cotton for pest management’, Website: www.agbioforum.org/vol2no2/klotz.html.
5.
GianessiL. P., and CarpenterJ. E. (1999), Agricultural Biotechnology: Insect Control Benefits, National Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy, Washington, DC.
6.
GreenW. (2001), Monsanto Director, South Africa, personal communication.
KockM. (2000), ‘Case study: the introduction of GM cotton in South Africa’, paper presented at the ICGEB Workshop: Biosafety2: Advanced Research and Procedures: Case Studies for Designated Experts, 3–8 April, IAO, Florence.
9.
NeneP. (2000), Head Extensionist, Vunisa Cotton South Africa, personal communication.
10.
PrayC. E.MaD.HuangJ., and QiaoF. (2000), ‘Impact of Bt cotton in China’, paper presented at the Agricultural Economics Society Annual Conference, April, Manchester.
11.
PrayC. E.MaD.HuangJ., and QiaoF. (2001), ‘Impact of Bt cotton in China’, World Development, Vol 29.
