Analysis of the adoption of maize biotechnology by developing maize farmers of Gauteng Province South Africa

Abstract

Science and technology can help feed the ever-growing human population. Green Revolution, still under critique, helped to certain extent, to reduce poverty in Asia. Biotechnology is not a solution to all problems but could be used in conjunction with other new technologies, to feed Africa. The adoption of biotechnology by farmers throughout the world, and by African farmers in particular, could help Africans to farm successfully without asking for food aid from other continents. The study analysed the adoption of maize biotechnology by developing maize farmers of Gauteng Province, South Africa. Primary data was collected through a survey (using a structured questionnaire) from 121 maize farmers from 2011 to 2014 maize production seasons. Data was analysed using SPSS computer software for descriptive statistics, rate of adoption and logit function to determine factors influencing adoption of Bt maize by farmers. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that 54% of the farmers adopted Bt maize during the 2011 to 2014 maize production seasons in the Gauteng Province. Results of the Logit model analysis indicated that farm size, gender, age, education level, off-farm employment, extension visits and farm neighbour had positive significant impact on the adoption of Bt maize by farmers. Visits by sales representatives of companies selling maize seeds, affiliation to farmer organisations and farmers speaking about Bt maize during meetings had negative significant impact on adoption of Bt maize by farmers. Developing farmers need regular visits of extension officers and their knowledge in order to achieve a high rate of Bt maize adoption. Well planted demonstration plots should be encouraged for farmers to adopt Bt maize as farmers believe in seeing to copy. Representatives from seed suppliers need to improve their sales approach in order to encourage adoption of Bt maize. Female developing farmers should be encouraged to get involved in maize farming by example making exclusive financing model for women farmers. Government can create legislations to commit financial institutions to provide women farmers with low interests or zero interest on farm loans to women farmers. Rigorous training should be encouraged so that farmers could successfully adopt Bt maize