Seeds of doubt: Farmers' perceptions and the future of genetically modified technology in South Africa

Public resistance and debates around genetically modified (GM) crops have been a topic of global concern, including in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. While some view GM technology as a solution to increasing agricultural challenges, others are sceptical, often influenced by market demand, public perception, and environmental concerns. This study uses a qualitative approach to explore the perceptions of Paarl's small-scale and large-scale farmers regarding GM technology adoption, aiming to understand how these perceptions influence adoption decisions. Thirty farmers were interviewed, and their perceptions were analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo 15. The findings reveal that both economic constraints and public resistance significantly shape the farmers' decisions regarding GM technology adoption. Farmers voiced concerns about the affordability of GM seeds and the long-term environmental impacts. Market demand, heavily influenced by public resistance, also played a major role in farmers' reluctance to adopt GM technology. However, some farmers expressed openness to adoption, contingent upon overcoming economic barriers and shifting public perceptions. The study concludes that while GM technology holds potential benefits, its adoption in Paarl is hindered by a complex interplay of economic, environmental, and public perception factors. Policymakers should focus on addressing these barriers by providing clearer information on GM technology and aligning policies with both market demands and farmers' needs to encourage informed decision-making.