Bt cotton in KwaZulu Natal: technological triumph but institutional failure

This paper explores the technological triumphs and institutional failures of Bt cotton amongst small-scale farmers in the Makhatini Flats of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

In the1998/1999 season, Bt cotton was commercially released to Makhatini smallholders and by 2001/2 over 90% of the approximately 3500 farmers in the area had adopted Bt varieties. The authors assert that this, in itself, suggests that Bt cotton was a successful venture, citing benefits such as an increased yield and a decreased use of insecticides which led to improved income for the farmers involved. Similarly, less pesticide residues reduce damage to the soil, water and wildlife and are less hazardous to the health.

However, the authors argue that it is clear that the relative magnitudes of such benefits depend on the weather and, in addition, that single surveys give very variable answers. There can be social costs in terms of job losses, if cutbacks in spraying and fetching water are not counter-balanced by output increases requiring more weeding and harvest labour. Studies in China, Argentina and Mexico, which are the other developing countries where farmers are using Bt, show the same variability in benefits.

The paper concludes by asserting that:

• the history of bt cotton in Makhatini Flats shows the technological potential of GM crops in an African smallholder environment - however, good governance and institutional structure is required or the potential gains will not be realised
• scientific advances are easier than attempting to establish the social and economic conditions necessary for progress to occur.