Public-Private Partnerships and GM Crops in Africa: Challenges, Impact, and Future Directions for Smallholder Farmers

A recent study by Dowd‐Uribe et al. (2024) titled “Bridging the gap? Public-private partnerships and genetically modified crop development for smallholder farmers in Africa” published in Plants, People, Planet, shows that GM crop research is concentrated in a few countries, with South Africa and Nigeria being the most prominent.

The article explores the evolution and influence of genetically modified (GM) crops on smallholder farmers in Africa, with a particular focus on the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in fostering innovation and technology transfer. It emphasizes the critical institutional barriers that impede the successful transfer of crop technologies from private sector firms to public research institutes across the continent, limiting the broader application and benefits of GM crops for small-scale agriculture.

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Public-private partnerships in Africa’s GM crop development face significant institutional barriers, limiting smallholder farmer impact.– Dowd‐Uribe et al. 2024

In analyzing these challenges, the study draws from a comprehensive dataset to assess the scope, progress, and effectiveness of GM crop development initiatives led by PPPs. The findings reveal a complex landscape, with many promising efforts facing suspension or delay. Remarkably, only one GM crop has successfully reached smallholder farmers, underscoring the difficulty of translating research and development efforts into tangible agricultural improvements at the grassroots level. The article further classifies GM crop research according to organizational groups—such as private corporations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations—and stages of development, ranging from early research phases to field trials and commercialization. This categorization offers a deeper understanding of the crops and traits targeted by research efforts, which are often chosen for their potential to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers. These crops typically focus on enhancing resistance to pests, improving drought tolerance, and increasing yield potential, aiming to mitigate the challenges faced by smallholders in Africa’s unique agricultural environments.

How the Study was Conducted

The authors employed data from various public and private organizations involved in GM crop development. This included information on the types of crops and traits being developed, the stages of development, and the partnerships formed. The data was categorized by organizational groups (public, private, and PPPs) and by the stages of development (research, field trials, and commercialization). The study specifically evaluated the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing GM crop development. This involved analyzing the extent of collaboration and the outcomes of these partnerships. The researchers identified and analyzed the institutional challenges that hinder the transfer of crop technologies from private companies to public research institutes. The study assessed the outcomes of GM crop development efforts, noting the number of projects that were suspended and the few that reached the commercialization stage.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that public-private partnerships (PPPs) have focused on crops and traits relevant to smallholder farmers, but many efforts have been suspended, with only one crop reaching farmers. The study also posits that PPPs can address some issues in GM crop development but are still constrained by other institutional challenges. GM crop research is concentrated in a few countries, with South Africa and Nigeria being the most prominent. In addition, private companies dominate GM crop research, with public entities contributing significantly but in a geographically limited manner.

Why is this Important?

Guiding Policy and Investment: Understanding the challenges and successes of GM crop development can help policymakers and investors make informed decisions about where to allocate resources and how to structure future public-private partnerships.
Improving Agricultural Productivity: By identifying the crops and traits that are most beneficial to smallholder farmers, the study can help direct research efforts towards innovations that will have the greatest impact on food security and agricultural productivity in Africa.
Addressing Institutional Barriers: Highlighting the institutional constraints that hinder technology transfer can lead to reforms and improvements in the regulatory and operational frameworks, making it easier for new technologies to reach farmers.
Fostering Collaboration: The study underscores the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. By understanding the dynamics of these partnerships, stakeholders can develop more effective strategies for working together.
Enhancing Sustainability: GM crops have the potential to improve crop yields and resilience to pests and climate change. The study’s insights can help ensure that these benefits are realized in a sustainable and equitable manner.

What the Authors Recommend

The authors of the study make several recommendations to improve the development and deployment of GM crops for smallholder farmers in Africa:

• The authors suggest enhancing the collaboration between the public and private sectors to overcome institutional barriers and ensure that GM crop technologies reach farmers more effectively.
• The authors recommend policy changes to address regulatory and operational challenges that hinder the transfer of crop technologies from private companies to public research institutes.
• The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring GM crop research to the specific needs of smallholder farmers, ensuring that the crops and traits developed are relevant and beneficial to them.
• Investing in building the capacity of local research institutions and scientists is crucial for sustaining GM crop development and ensuring that local expertise is available to support these initiatives.
• The study suggests expanding GM crop research to more countries in Africa to ensure a broader impact and to avoid over-reliance on a few countries.

In conclusion, the study by Dowd‐Uribe et al. (2024) sheds light on the complex dynamics of GM crop development for smallholder farmers in Africa, emphasizing the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in advancing agricultural innovation. While promising strides have been made, the findings reveal significant institutional barriers that impede the widespread adoption of GM crops, with only a single crop reaching commercialization. By addressing these challenges through improved collaboration, policy reforms, and investment in local research capacity, there is potential to unlock the transformative benefits of GM crops, ultimately enhancing food security and agricultural resilience for Africa’s smallholder farmers.

AR Managing Editor (2024). Public-Private Partnerships and GM Crops in Africa: Challenges, Impact, and Future Directions for Smallholder Farmers. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/public-private-partnerships-and-gm-crops-in-africa-challenges-impact-and-future-directions-for-smallholder-farmers/