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

摘要

This paper investigates stakeholder perceptions and interests in the public debates on the risks and benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in developing countries. Surveys conducted in Mexico, the Philippines, and South Africa (with 52, 65 and 55 respondents, respectively) 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. Results of a policy network analysis revealed that many local NGOs that are active in protesting against or promoting agricultural biotechnology have established links to western stakeholders (NGOs and international organizations), which play a key role in the choice and distribution of information through their organized campaigns. As a result, many of these local NGOs tend to adopt the political agenda of their foreign donors and often abandon their initial struggles for particular local concerns. It is argued 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. It is suggested that 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..