Diffusion and adoption of genetically modified crops: evidence from Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa

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Mhandu, EE, 2018. Diffusion and adoption of genetically modified crops: evidence from Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa. DBA, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This thesis seeks to explore opportunities for diffusion and adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in three Southern African countries. In the African context, genetic modification of crops is a new agricultural technology that promises to enhance farm productivity and farmers’ incomes. However, the promises are overshadowed by concerns about the impact of genetically modified organisms to the health of human beings, animals and the environment. Anchored on pragmatism research philosophy and using mixed methods research, evidence is gathered in Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa from participants representing stakeholders that include policy makers, farmers, technology developers, ginners, non-governmental organisations, media, scientists and consumers.

The study confirmed that in South Africa, insect-resistant GM cotton helps smallholder farmers to achieve high yields. The study established that, in Zimbabwe political will is the dominant factor which determines the diffusion and adoption of GM crops. The government of Zimbabwe’s stance on GM crops is resolutely based on the precautionary approach and research on the GM crops is allowed. In contrast, Malawi allows scientists to evaluate GM crops in preparation for commercialisation of insect-resistant GM cotton. However, government officials in Malawi fear that neighbouring countries who have not commercialised GM crops may not allow Malawian agricultural products to pass through their lands. If the fear of movement of goods is not resolved, it has implications for the diffusion and adoption of GM crops in Malawi. This may slow the adoption or outright rejection. The solution to this issue may be through bilateral country-to-country engagements with reference to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). The CPB is an international agreement which provides for movement of living modified organisms through member States.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Mhandu, E.E.
Contributors:	Name Role NTU ID ORCID Neshamba, F. Thesis supervisor UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Ehret, M. Thesis supervisor UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Date:	August 2018
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	20 May 2025 07:55
Last Modified:	20 May 2025 07:55
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53601