Stakeholder attitudes toward GMOs in the Philippines, Mexico, and South Africa: The issue of public trust

This paper investigates stakeholder perceptions and interests in the public debates on the risks and benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in developing countries. The surveys conducted in Mexico, the Philippines, and South Africa showed that most local stakeholders in these countries te...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:World development 2006-03, Vol.34 (3), p.557-575
Main Authors: Aerni, Philipp, Bernauer, Thomas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic profession
Agricultural innovations
Attitudes
Biotechnology
Consumer attitudes
Developing countries
development assistance
Economic development
Finance
Genetic engineering
Genetically altered foods
Genetically modified organisms
GMOs
LDCs
Mexico
NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations
Philippines
Political activity
Political behavior
Public opinion
public trust
Regulation
Social aspects
South Africa
Stakeholder
stakeholder attitudes
Stakeholders
Studies
Trust
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Summary:This paper investigates stakeholder perceptions and interests in the public debates on the risks and benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in developing countries. The surveys conducted in Mexico, the Philippines, and South Africa showed that most local stakeholders in these countries tend to have pragmatic views toward the use of GMOs. Yet, they also revealed a trend toward political polarization that is linked to the transatlantic dispute on GMOs. We argue that it is not just power politics but also the increasing competition for public trust that explains why European stakeholders turned out to be so successful in influencing attitudes and regulation on GMOs in developing countries. National academia, which proved to be the most trusted stakeholder in all three countries and less involved in foreign-funded advocacy work, may be crucial in abating political polarization and facilitate pragmatic political action.
ISSN:0305-750X
1873-5991
DOI:10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.08.007