Climate-proof cotton: How Malawi’s farmers are using biotech to beat drought

By Noel Mkwaila

In the sun-scorched plains of Balaka District, where dry spells have become all too common and the rains increasingly unreliable, a quiet revolution is taking root. Here, smallholder farmers are turning to science, specifically, genetically modified (GM) cotton, to reclaim their fields, restore their confidence and future-proof their livelihoods against climate change.

This is not just a story about seeds. It’s a story about resilience, innovation and hope in one of Malawi’s most climate-vulnerable regions. And at the heart of this transformation is Bt cotton, a genetically modified crop that is proving to be a game-changer.

A seed of hope amid climate uncertainty

According to rainfall data from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Balaka has experienced extreme weather variability in the past 15 years.

While some seasons delivered over 800mm of rainfall, others dipped below 350mm with an average rainy season lasting between 67 and 108 days.

Most worrying are the frequent dry spells in January and February, critical growth periods for crops.

In some years, farmers faced more than 11 dry spells in just two months, jeopardising food security and income.

On the other hand, temperature data from 2010 to 2024 shows a downward trend in early-season warmth, with average January-February temperatures falling from 27.0°C in 2010 to 25.3°C in 2024, affecting seed germination and crop maturity.

These erratic patterns, driven by climate change, have made traditional cotton farming increasingly unviable.

“We opted to go back into cotton farming because of its improved version,” said Patuma Makamula, a 49-year-old farmer from Maliro Village, T/A Nsamala.

“With the weather here, it works perfectly,” she says.

What she means is Bt cotton, a genetically modified strain known for its resistance to bollworms – a major pest – and its adaptability to drought-prone environments.

What Is Bt Cotton?

Bt cotton is genetically engineered to produce a protein (derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis) that is toxic to certain pests but safe for humans. This built-in pest resistance reduces the need for chemical pesticides, lowers production costs, and significantly boosts yields.

In Malawi, Bt cotton is the only GMO crop approved for commercial cultivation, promoted under the government’s modernisation drive through the Cotton Council of Malawi (CCM) and supported by development partners.

“In Balaka, farmers have embraced Bt cotton with enthusiasm,” said Silence Semani, Agriculture Officer at Regis under the Balaka District Council.

“It’s popular because it’s pest-resistant and yields more. The only challenge is access to seed, but adoption is high.”

Yielding more, worrying less

For farmers like Master Sayenda, the change has been transformative.

“The seed we are using now is very resistant to diseases and pests,” he said. “I am able to realise more gains than before.”

According to Simani, the higher yields are restoring interest in cotton farming, once a backbone of Malawi’s rural economy. The revitalisation of cotton aligns with Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term vision, which highlights agro-industrialisation and climate-smart agriculture as key pillars of inclusive development.

“The introduction of GMO crops like Bt cotton is a positive step,” Simani said.

“But without accessible seed, farmers are reverting to less productive varieties. We need local seed multiplication and more suppliers on the ground.”

Demand for GMO maize on the rise

While cotton has seen biotech breakthroughs, GMO maize, the country’s staple food, remains in policy limbo. Confined field trials are ongoing, but no commercial release has been approved.

“I heard about the GMO maize, but I don’t know if we have it here,” said Patricia Wasili, 59, from Petulo Village.

“Had it been available, I believe we wouldn’t be suffering from these dry spells. I ask the agriculture authorities to help us.”

Maize accounts for over 60% of Malawi’s daily caloric intake, and in a drought year, hunger follows poor harvests. Scientists argue that drought-tolerant or insect-resistant maize varieties could buffer food security shocks, particularly in districts like Balaka.

The science and the skepticism

Despite the success of Bt cotton, GMO crops still face public skepticism, mostly due to limited understanding and misinformation.

“Unlike cotton, which is not consumed directly, maize is more sensitive in public debate,” Simani explained. “But farmers welcomed Bt cotton because they saw the benefits. It was tested and approved. There was no resistance.”

Agricultural scientists from institutions like LUANAR and the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) advocate for more science-based dialogue and education to inform public opinion. They argue that modern biotechnology is essential for building resilience, improving yields, and reducing dependency on imports.

Commentator’s views

Meanwhile, agricultural and entrepreneurship scholar Yamikani Moyo has backed the use of biotechnology such as Bt cotton as a key tool for improving food and income security among Malawi’s smallholder farmers.

Moyo, who is a LUANAR graduate, said biotech crops can significantly increase yields, reduce reliance on pesticides, and boost farmer incomes, especially in drought-prone areas.

“We need strong public-private partnerships to set up local seed production units, alongside training programs that help producers meet biosafety and quality standards,” he said.

However, he cautioned that successful adoption depends on a strong regulatory framework, proper biosafety measures and increased public awareness.

On improving seed access, Moyo recommended localising seed production through public-private partnerships, investing in seed systems and training farmers on the proper use and storage of biotech seeds.

“Farmer education will also be key. We must teach farmers how to properly use and store these seeds to maximize their benefits,” he said.

Aligning with global goals

Malawi’s embrace of biotechnology is not just a national priority; it aligns with global commitments. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), underscore the importance of climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Biotech crops like Bt cotton are already contributing to these goals by reducing the need for harmful pesticides, increasing farmer income, and improving productivity in drought-prone areas

However, the barriers to scale-up such as limited seed availability, regulatory delays and lack of infrastructure must be addressed urgently.

A call to action

Simani calls on authorities to expand the biotech seed supply chain and invest in local seed labs.

“Right now, most seeds are imported. If we had facilities to produce Bt cotton seed locally, we could meet demand and cut costs.”

He also points to the need for a well-organised cotton industry, noting that Malawi once had vibrant textile factories, now lost to years of market instability and policy gaps.

“With the challenges of climate change, droughts and market fluctuation, we need to take cotton production seriously,” he said. “We have the environment, the farmers, and the willingness. We just need to support them.”

Responding to growing interest in biotechnology, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale maintained that government will only adopt genetically modified organisms (GMOs) after ensuring all safety protocols are in place.

“The position has not changed on the adoption of GMO until all safety measures are in place. We will continue to produce drought-tolerant crops and practice climate-smart agriculture practices,” Kawale said.

The remarks come as Malawi explores climate-resilient farming innovations to support food security and revive key sectors like cotton, which once anchored rural livelihoods and export earnings.

Sowing the future

As the rains become more unpredictable and pests more aggressive, Malawi’s smallholder farmers cannot afford to be left behind by science. The success of Bt cotton in Balaka shows that when empowered with the right tools, even the most climate-vulnerable farmers can adapt, innovate and thrive.

To truly scale these gains, Malawi must bridge the gap between policy and practice, between research labs and rural fields, and between global science and local knowledge.

Only then can the seeds of change take root and grow into a future that is food-secure, climate-resilient and prosperous for all.

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