A Survey: Potential Impact of Genetically Modified Maize Tolerant to Drought or Resistant to Stem Borers in Uganda

Abstract

Abstract:Maize production in Uganda is constrained by various factors, but especially drought and stem borers contribute to significant yield losses. Genetically modified (GM) maize with increased drought tolerance and/or Bt insect resistance (producing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry protein) is considered as an option. For an ex ante impact analysis of these technologies, a farmer survey was carried out in nine districts of Uganda, representing the major farming systems. The results showed that farmers did rate stem borer and drought as the main constraints for maize farming. Most farmers indicated a positive attitude towards GM maize, and 86% of all farmers said they would grow GM maize. Farmer estimated yield losses to drought and stem borer damage were on average 54.7% and 23.5%, respectively, if stress occurred. Taking the stress frequency into consideration (67% for both), estimated yield losses were 36.5% and 15.6% for drought and stem borer, respectively. According to the ex-ante partial budget analysis, Bt hybrid maize could be profitable, with an average value/cost ratio of 2.1. Drought tolerant hybrid maize had lower returns and a value/cost ratio of 1.5. Negative returns occurred mainly for farmers with non-stressed grain yields below 2 t·ha −1 . The regulatory framework in Uganda needs to be finalized with consideration of strengthening key institutions in the maize sector for sustainable introduction of GM maize.

GM maize in Ethiopia: An ex ante economic assessment of TELA, a drought tolerant and insect resistant maize

“…Several studies (Mwalusepo et al 2015, Goftishu et al 2017, Keno et al 2018, and Abate 2012 have looked at the impact of stemborer on yields and the factors that predispose crops to infestation. We define the probability of infestation and damage following Wamatsembe et al (2017) who, based on farmers evaluations, estimated the average frequency of significant stemborer damage at two years out of three, an average risk of 67 percent across all years. We applied this same risk value to all regions.…”

“…As in the case of Ethiopia, stemborer damage and drought stress cause substantial losses in Uganda's maize production. According to Wamatsembe et al (2017), average yield losses due to drought alone in SSA are estimated at about 33 percent as the result of dependence on rainfed conditions in regions with insufficient and or uneven spread rains during crop growth. Losses due to drought were about five percentage points higher for low input farmers than high input farmers (60 and 54 percent, respectively).…”

“…According to de Groote (2002), several studies for East Africa have shown losses to fall between 34 and 43 percent, depending on maize variety and planting time (high correlation between crop loss and late planting) among other factors. Wamatsembe et al (2017) report yield losses to stemborer of 23.5 percent if stress occurs and 54.7 percent yield losses from drought. Wamatsembe et al (2017) also found that yield losses due to stemborer infestation were higher for high input farmers (24 percent) than low input farmers (19 percent).…”

Influence of traditional and genetically modified soybeans on the functional status of the excretory system in three generations of laboratory animals

“…Maize production can be increased by up to 2 to 5 million tons under moderate drought which can feed about 14 to 21 million people (Cenacchi and Koo, 2011). Wamatsembe et al (2017) indicated in a survey study that drought and stem borer damage were on average 54.7% and 23.5%, respectively, with corresponding estimated yield losses of 36.5% and 15.6% in Uganda. If and when Bt maize and DT maize are grown in Uganda, the ex-ante partial budget analyses for profitability of the two individual traits reveal an average value/cost ratio of 2.1 for hybrid Bt maize and 1.5 for drought tolerant maize (Wamatsembe et al, 2017).…”

“…Wamatsembe et al (2017) indicated in a survey study that drought and stem borer damage were on average 54.7% and 23.5%, respectively, with corresponding estimated yield losses of 36.5% and 15.6% in Uganda. If and when Bt maize and DT maize are grown in Uganda, the ex-ante partial budget analyses for profitability of the two individual traits reveal an average value/cost ratio of 2.1 for hybrid Bt maize and 1.5 for drought tolerant maize (Wamatsembe et al, 2017). It is imperative that combining the two traits together in one hybrid such as DT/Bt could increase this average value/cost ratio.…”