Author: Bryant, Peter

Source: Participatory Learning and Action, Volume 58, Number 1, June 2008 , pp. 18-26(9)

Publisher: IIED - Participatory Learning and Action

Abstract:

In January 2006, 45 Malian farmers gathered in Sikasso to deliberate the role of genetically modified (GM) cotton in the future of the country's agriculture. The Farmers' Jury - known as l'ECID (Espace Citoyen d'Interpellation Democratique, the Citizen's Space for Democratic Deliberation) - set out to give farmers, previously marginalised from policy-making processes, the opportunity to share knowledge and make a series of recommendations. At the end of the jury, the farmers agreed unanimously to reject GM crops and instead 'proposed a package of recommendations to strengthen traditional agricultural practice and support local farmers'.

This paper examines the jury's impact some five months after l'ECID took place. Key decision makers, process facilitators and farmer jurors felt that the jury had had a real impact - not least that the introduction of GM crops has been delayed as a direct result of l'ECID. Its considerable influence can be traced in part to a rigorous methodological process which ensured that at the outset the jury had gained widespread support. Also important was the economic importance of Sikasso, the region from which jurors were drawn, and a recent history of political activism among farmers. L'ECID stands as a powerful example of public participation in decision-making, and an acknowledgement that everyday people can contribute important perspectives and expertise gained through experience. However, the pro-GM scientists were reluctant to engage in dialogue and continued to insist on the privileging of their expert knowledge.

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Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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• Participatory Learning and Action (formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading informal journal on participatory approaches and methods. It is published 2-3 times a year and includes articles of both general and thematic interest. PLA draws on the expertise of guest editors and authors, providing timely accounts and critical analysis about participatory development in specific fields. All articles are peer reviewed by an International Editorial Board. Subscriptions are free to readers from the South. For more information and to subscribe, visit www.planotes.org.

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