Cotton has supported rural communities in Ethiopia for generations. Based on published information, the cotton industry employed more than 50,000 smallholder farmers, and supported more than 400 mechanized rain-fed farms, and 100 mechanized irrigated farms as of 2015.
But the crop has long been vulnerable to bollworms—pests that damage bolls and reduce farmers’ harvests by as much as 60 percent. Many farmers respond by spraying pesticides frequently, yet even this does not always prevent losses. As someone who has spent more than 25 years working in agricultural research, I became increasingly interested in what science might offer to help address this specific challenge. This curiosity eventually led me to work on Bt cotton.
Understanding the Bt Cotton Approach
Bt cotton is developed using biotechnology to help the plant defend itself against certain insect pests. The “insect resistance” trait comes from Bt gene, Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that naturally produces proteins (Cry proteins) toxic to bollworms and a few related insects. These proteins have been used in agriculture for many decades.
By introducing this trait into cotton, scientists enable the plant to produce the same protective proteins. This means the plant can resist bollworm attack more effectively, reducing the need for repeated pesticide spraying. The concept is straightforward: use a well-understood natural mechanism to give the crop an added layer of protection.
What We Observed in Ethiopia
When the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) began testing Bt cotton, our team conducted trials across multiple regions. We planted Bt cotton alongside the varieties farmers were already using so we could observe the differences directly. We monitored pest levels, crop damage, and plant growth, and we worked closely with farmers who participated in the demonstrations.
In most locations, Bt cotton suffered much less damage from bollworms. The Bt varieties reduced bollworm infestation by 77 percent and boll damage by 93 percent. Farmers told us they could see the difference clearly in the field, especially during peak pest pressure. Many found that they needed fewer pesticide sprays for bollworm control compared to their usual varieties.
The results supported what has been observed in other countries. In Malawi, for example, farmers reported their harvests increased from four bales per acre to 18.5 bales, generating higher incomes and improving living standards. It also helped us understand how Bt cotton behaves under Ethiopia’s growing conditions.
Safety and Regulation
Our country has a strong agricultural research system through the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), where I have served in various capacities since I began my career. Today, I coordinate the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ethiopian chapter, which works to promote the safe and beneficial use of modern biotechnology.
Before the inception of OFAB chapter in Ethiopia, there was no platform to share information, knowledge and discuss the issues of biosafety regulation. Now, regional nodes have been established to unite clusters of universities, research centres, development bureaus, affiliated institutes and other stakeholders to demystify the role and potential of biotechnology.
Ethiopia’s biosafety system requires that genetically modified crops undergo rigorous assessment before they can be released. This includes reviewing their environmental safety, as well as monitoring requirements.
Working within this system ensured that decisions were guided by evidence. It also helped us share information with farmers, and policymakers so they could understand how the technology works and how it was evaluated.
The development of Ethiopia’s regulatory system has enabled the second approval for genetically engineered cotton after the first varieties were approved for commercialisation in 2018. I believe the commercialisation of Bt-GT cotton will help revitalize Ethiopia’s textile industry by providing an increased supply of high-quality cotton. This is essential for meeting the goal of achieving clothing exports of USD 30 billion a year by 2030.
Reflections From the Field
My work with Bt cotton showed me how a targeted scientific solution can help address a clearly defined agricultural problem. The technology was not designed to solve every challenge facing cotton farmers, but it does offer a practical response to one of the most persistent and damaging pests in the sector. When combined with good agronomy and reliable seed supply, the results were encouraging.
As Ethiopia continues exploring different approaches to strengthen agricultural production, my experience with Bt cotton underscored the value of testing ideas carefully, listening to farmers, and allowing evidence to guide decisions.
Tadessa Daba (PhD) is a Lead Researcher on Agricultural Biotechnology at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and Ethiopia coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology.
Contributed by Tadessa Daba (PhD)
