Filipino Experts and Agri Stakeholders Discuss Gender and GM Crops

Scientists, professors, farmer representatives, extension workers and other agriculture stakeholders in the Philippines discussed research and non-research needs on the link between GM crops and gender during a roundtable discussion titled Gender and GM Crops: Study findings and identification of gaps relevant to biosafety regulations and GM adoption in the Philippines on September 2, 2015 at SEARCA, College, Laguna. 

The roundtable discussion shared research results that have identified gender differentiated benefits of GM in several developing countries, including the Philippines. Findings of a project conducted in the Philippines included a qualitative exploratory study, and an economic study on gender impacts of GM corn. This project was funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC/CRDI) and was implemented by faculty at UP Los Baños. The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) presented an overview of the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines in the Philippines and its implications to gender observations, in addition to results from a study on herbicide tolerant (Ht) corn done by ERDB.

 

Several gaps were identified in exploring the link between gender and GM crops, including the need for training of local government units, studies using alternative research methodologies, and on the intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity, among others. Potential interventions for women's empowerment were also identified in the roundtable.

The activity was organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC) and the Program for Biosafety Systems facilitated by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

 

For more information about biotech developments in the Philippines or in Southeast Asia, visit SEARCA BIC website.