ABSTRACT

The genetically engineered bollworm-resistant Bt cotton hybrid varieties offer opportunities for reducing crop losses and enhancing productivity. In Eastern Africa region, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya have approved and released Bt cotton in 2012, in 2018, and in 2019, respectively. The region has potential to grow cotton in over 5 million hectares. For commercial plantings in Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya, hybrid Bt cotton seeds have been imported from India. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, high shipment costs, bureaucratic procedures for importing seeds, and foreign exchange shortages, farmers have not been able to access Bt cotton seeds. Stakeholders are seeking local production of seeds to provide sustainable access by farmers at affordable cost. Country case studies reveal the importance of enhancing capacity for local seed production and extension advisory services. Revival of the cotton sector needs enhanced public-private partnerships to pave the way for sustainable seeds access in the region.

摘要

转基因抗棉铃虫 Bt 棉花杂交品种为减少作物损失和提高生产力提供了机会。在东非地区，苏丹、埃塞俄比亚和肯尼亚分别于2012年、2018年和2019年批准并释放了Bt棉花。该地区有超过 500 万公顷的棉花种植潜力。为了在埃塞俄比亚、苏丹和肯尼亚进行商业种植，从印度进口了杂交 Bt 棉花种子。由于 COVID-19 大流行引起的供应链中断、运输成本高昂、进口种子的官僚程序以及外汇短缺，农民无法获得 Bt 棉花种子。利益相关者正在寻求本地种子生产，以便农民以可承受的成本获得可持续的种子。国家案例研究揭示了提高当地种子生产和推广咨询服务能力的重要性。棉花行业的复兴需要加强公私伙伴关系，为该地区可持续获得种子铺平道路。