Genetically modified crops in developing countries: Savior or traitor?

Genetic modification has been used as a method to produce higher yields for consumption. However, the impact of genetic modification technology on agriculture in developing countries at the farm level often remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the environmental, social and economic consequences of genetically modified (GM) crops at the farm level in developing countries. Using a meta-analysis on 40 empirical studies conveyed in developing countries, this article reports farmers' reflections on the influences of GM crops in the framework of sustainability, including environmental, economic, and social impacts. Results indicate that genetic modification technology has been able to enhance the socio-economic and environmental efficiency of farmers in developing countries. This study showed genetic modification as a lifesaving technology in the short term, while in the long term, the sustainability of genetic modification production is reduced, according to farmers. Furthermore, this meta-analysis study showed that legal and administrative challenges and less access to relevant information are the main dilemmas of farmers dealing with GM crops in developing countries. Accordingly, the study concluded that conducting meta-analysis can provide useful information for policy makers who plan for the development of GM production.

Automated summary

This study investigates the environmental, social, and economic consequences of genetically modified (GM) crops at the farm level in developing countries through a meta-analysis. The results show that genetic modification technology can enhance the socio-economic and environmental efficiency of farmers in developing countries. However, the long-term sustainability of genetic modification production is reduced.