Farm-level economic impact of biotechnology: smallholder Bt cotton farmers in South Africa

Authors: Ismael, Yousouf; Bennett, Richard; Morse, Stephen

Source: Outlook on Agriculture, Volume 31, Number 2, 1 June 2002 , pp. 107-111(5)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $28.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

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.

Keywords: ECONOMIC BENEFITS; SMALLHOLDERS; BT COTTON; REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/000000002101293949

Publication date: 2002-06-01

More about this publication?

Outlook on Agriculture is an international peer-review journal devoted to agricultural science, policy and strategy. The journal is published quarterly and provides analysis, reviews and commentary for an international and interdisciplinary readership. Special attention is paid to agricultural policy, international trade in the agricultural sector, strategic developments in food production, the role of agriculture in social and economic development, agriculture in developing countries, and environmental issues. Readers include academics, policy makers and practitioners. For more details go to www.ippublishing.com
Subscribe to this Title
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites