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SUPPORTING SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY & FOOD SECURITY

SUPPORTING SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY & FOOD SECURITY. Bongani Maseko (Phd) Project Manager. Portfolio Committee 26 February 2014. Who are we.

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SUPPORTING SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY & FOOD SECURITY

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  1. SUPPORTING SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY & FOOD SECURITY Bongani Maseko (Phd) Project Manager Portfolio Committee 26 February 2014

  2. Who are we • AfricaBio is a independent, non-profit biotechnology stakeholder association for the safe, ethical and responsible research, development and application of biotechnology and its products. • Our key role is to provide accurate information and create awareness, understanding as well as knowledge on biotechnology and biosafety in South Africa and the African region. • We are a member-based organization with a diversified membership from all segments of biotechnology industry. 2

  3. Grand Food Security Challenges in Africa • Increasing population = incr. demand for food, reduced per capita natural resources. • Increasing damage to ecological foundations. (water, bio-diversity, climate and sea level) • Urban growth = food security needs increase. • Decline food production (Low yield per hector compared to other regions). • Africa’s behind schedule to meet the MDG on food security and poverty alleviation • Low adoption of GM technology and Biosafety laws. 3

  4. Grand Food Security Challenges in South Africa • RSA is a water scare country with only 22 % arable land (1.3 mil ha under irrigation) • Food Security at National level is 100% but only 25% at household level. • Agricultural sector consist of commercial, emerging and subsistence farmers − delivers both non GM crops & GM crops (maize, soya bean, and cotton). • Agricultural production in South Africa is hampered by a number of abiotic and biotic factors.

  5. Biotechnology as a tool to improve crops Biotechnology as one of the too

  6. Biotechnology Defined • Bio means life • Technology refers to the use of scientific techniques or tools (including genetic engineering) • Biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify or improve production, or processing of products to to meet human needs • Organism: Any living plant, animal, bacteria, fungus & virus

  7. Genetic Change 7 major mutations (Txf) Teosinte Maize

  8. What is DNA • All living organism is made up of cells. • Inside each cell there is genetic material called DNA “Barcode” which carries a the blueprint of the organism • The DNA is a double helix molecule that holds the genetic instructions and transfers characteristics from one generation to the next. • DNA is made from four chemical building blocks (ATCG)

  9. Demonstration of Bt maize to small scale farmers • Maize production in South Africa is hampered by a number of abiotic and biotic factors. • The maize stalk borer, (Busseola fusca) is a serious pest of maize in South Africa. • A number of small scale farmers and their dependents rely on maize for subsistence and survival. • Since 2003 AfricaBio has been conducting on-farm demonstration trials of Bt maize and conventional maize in different areas of South Africa.

  10. Controlling the maize stalk borer through biotechnology • Busseola fusca - a serious pest of maize in Africa, particularly in high-lying regions. Yield losses may vary from 5% to 75% and even higher. • Insecticides not widely adopted – high costs & most cases health hazards – inappropriate use of cheap insecticides Caterpillar (Larva) Moth (Adult)

  11. MrKhoza’s field, Winterveld, South Africa Maize without Bt Maize with Bt

  12. Mr Khoza at his farm in Winterveld, South Africa

  13. More yield in Bt-protected maize

  14. Basic layout(4 x ½ ha plots) 1ha 1ha Bt Non-Bt 2 meters 200m Bt Non-Bt 50m

  15. Inputs cost GM vs Non GM maize

  16. Increase in yields Better utilization of land Improved seeds Increased income Improved pest control Safety - reduced handling of hazardous chemicals Benefits of the GM technology

  17. Conclusion: Benefits to farmers • Improved yield and stabilization of crop production • Capacity building of small scale farmers • Successful technology transfer and farmer empowerment • Development of new emerging farmers intending to go commercial • Efficient use of available natural resources • Improved quality of maize production • Creation of employment for participating community by involving them in planting, weeding and harvesting.

  18. Key Points • GM crops play a huge role in South African agriculture and contribute towards food, feed and fibre security. • Broad international consensus - GM crops pose no unreasonable risk to human or animal health or to the environment. • Widespread misinformation skew public understanding of GM crops and their risks. • GM crops are regulated by a robust regulatory system - reflects willingness to accept negligible risk. • Ag-Biotechnology consistent with national policy. • Invitation: Seeing is believing study tour 5 March 2014

  19. Thank you for your attention

  20. GMOAnswers – Your Questions on Health and Safety of GM foods http://gmoanswers.com/

  21. Follow us on Twitter @AfricaBioSA Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AfricaBio

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