Adoption and Uptake Pathways of GM/Biotech Crops by Small-scale, Resource-poor Asian Farmers: Comparative Studies in China, India, and the Philippines

GM/biotech crops are the fastest adopted crop technology in recent history. In 2010, 148 million hectares of GM crops were grown in 29 countries by 15.4 million farmers of which over 90% were small resource-poor farmers in developing countries. Of the developing countries in Asia that grow GM crops, China, India, and the Philippines have had the most extensive experience. They represent an unmatched wealth of experience of resource –poor farmers that can provide critical information and insights towards a better understanding of the social environment for GM crop adoption. To understand the technology uptake process and impact, it is important to study who the adoptors of GM crops are, the key factors that influence their adoption decision, and the significant changes that occurred as a result of GM crops adoption. This research aims to analyze the dynamics of adoption and uptake pathways of GM crops and the changes these have brought about in resource-poor farmers’ lives, using case studies of farmer experiences in China, India and the Philippines. Articles to be submitted in scientific journals, a monograph that contains detailed outcome of the research, and summary highlights will be developed to address specific stakeholder information needs. An international conference to be participated in by scientists, media, policy makers, and farmers will serve as a venue to share research findings, disseminate relevant communication materials, facilitate networking, and contribute to the development of an action plan. A video will be developed to feature stories of farmer adoption. This project will forward concrete empirical basis for understanding farmer adoption of biotech crops of which very little information is available from the developing world. It has the potential to be a much cited reference to aid countries in developing paradigms and strategies to increase farmer acceptance and adoption of a beneficial technology.