Implications of environmental educators' perceptions regarding the use of genetically modified crops towards sustainable development
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Authors
Le Roux, Stephanus Jacobus
Issue Date
2009-08-25T10:56:40Z
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Scientific ethic , Socially constructed knowledge , Environmental education , Risk , Perceptions , Southern Africa , Food security , Poverty , Sustainable development , Genetically modified crops
Alternative Title
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops gained attention in southern Africa as countries are struggling with food insecurity and poverty to achieve sustainable development. The controversy around GM crops have provoked heated debates. GM crops are often perceived as a global risk to human health and the environment. The research question is what are the perceptions of environmental educators regarding the use of GM crops toward sustainable development. In the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development environmental educators will need to be key role players in addressing crucial issues such as GM crops. Their perceptions hold many implications for educational programmes. Environmental educators interviewed perceive GM crops as a serious issue. As mediators in a multidisciplinary setting between science and society, environmental educators can play a functional role. Open processes that require greater participation, criticality and reflexivity need to be facilitated in a complex biophysical and social context in southern Africa.
Description
Citation
Le Roux, Stephanus Jacobus (2009) Implications of environmental educators' perceptions regarding the use of genetically modified crops towards sustainable development, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1788>