Socio-economic Benefits of Biotechnology Safari Hotel 18August 2016

Biotechnology is Life Sciences Technology Biotechnology

What are the problems faced by farmers? Productivity constraints – producing less Environmental concerns – draught, floods, human and wildlife conflicts Malnutrition and Diverse nutritional needs – deficiency of nutrients and/or lack of nutrients rich foods. Access to market and limited value addition locally – lack of market intelligence and export raw or barely processed goods Capital – no or limited financial resources and returns (low income derived from agriculture)

Benefits of Biotechnology Biotechnology can benefit by aiding in growing more food on less land thus enhanced productivity and efficiency gains. Farmers spend less time in the field and more time on social activities – improving health. Farmers save on the cost usually paid for ploughing, weeding and spraying pesticides – reducing labour and input cost More food available to feed the growing world population.

Benefits of Biotechnology Biotechnology produces crop varieties that are designed to thrive under harsh conditions,  such as severe heat or cold, flood or drought, and soils with high levels of salt or metals Farmers will be able to produce during harsh environmental conditions There will be a reduction in animal deaths as feed for animals can be produced in harsh times. The country will use money spend on relief aid on other capital projects.

Benefits of Biotechnology Higher crop yields can boost incomes for farmers Biotechnology seeds enable farmers to increase their agricultural productivity and provide a higher quality crop, which, in turn, translates into higher incomes. Consistent and improved food supply can help to stimulate local economies.

Benefits of Biotechnology Biotechnology can benefit through the production of new nutritionally enhanced foods. Nutritionally enhanced biotech food is currently a major area of research that has already produced a few promising products. For example: cooking oils with unique fatty acid profiles and less then one percent trans fats and, corn with higher concentrations of amino acids, certain oils and minerals ideal for animal feed.

Benefits of Biotechnology Many products in development are being engineered to confer nutritional benefits, such as the new: “golden rice” which contains added beta-carotene and iron. Scientists are conducting research on ways to make foods, such as soy and peanuts, with fewer allergens by removing the offending proteins which cause allergic reactions in people. Also in development are fruits and vegetables with higher levels of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein.  Overall reduction of malnutrition.

Benefits of Biotechnology Using biotechnology to improve human health – use of biotechnology in medicine. Production of insulin to help diabetic patients. Gene therapy - experimental technique that uses genes to replace missing or defective ones or treat or prevent disease (genetic disorders).

But to attain these benefits … Technologies have to be adapted to local circumstances based on agro-ecological principles and local conditions. Farmers’ support organizations are needed to reduce the costs and improve the effectiveness of technical assistance efforts Farmers especially smallholders’ need assistance to gain access to markets for organic and other high value products.

Effective institutions and a stable, enabling and supportive policy environment are also critical. Promotion of learning culture – “what works well where and why” Integration of traditional farming practices in research and development programmes Technology is profitable in a relatively short period of time; does not substantially increase risks; and is consistent with farmers’ endowments of knowledge, management skill, land, labour, and other assets.

Socio-economic considerations in Biosafety Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Countries may consider socio-economic considerations in their decision making National legislation may expand scope

Potential socio-economic risks Loss of alternative food and medicinal sources due to mono- cropping. Intellectual property right issues – seed rights and farmers’ rights to seeds – traditional ways of sharing seeds. Loss of labour Impact on trade and markets. Impact on consumer choice – consumers should be able to choice.

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What are the problems faced by farmers? Productivity constraints – producing less Environmental concerns – draught, floods, human and wildlife conflicts Malnutrition and Diverse nutritional needs – deficiency of nutrients and/or lack of nutrients rich foods. Access to market and limited value addition locally – lack of market intelligence and export raw or barely processed goods Capital – no or limited financial resources and returns (low income derived from agriculture)