In-depth analysis of Bt cotton adoption:farmers'opinions,genetic landscape,and varied perspectives——a case study from Pakistan

Background Bt technology has played significant role in controlling bollworms and increasing cotton yield in earlier days of its introduction,a subsequent decline in yield became apparent over time.This decline may be attributed to various environmental factors,pest dynamics,or combination of both.Therefore,the present biophysical survey and questionnaire were designed to evaluate the impact of Bt cotton on bollworms management and its effect on reducing spray costs,targeting farmers with varied landholdings and educational backgrounds.Additionally,data on farmers'cultivated varieties and the prevalence of bollworms and sucking insects in their fields were recorded.Subsequently,about eleven thousand cotton samples from farmer fields were tested for Cry1Ac,Cry2Ab and Vip3A genes by strip test.Results In this analysis,83% of the farmers planting approved varieties believe that Bt technology control bollworms,while 17% hold contradictory views.Similarly,among farmers cultivating unapproved varieties,77% agree on effectiveness of Bt technology against bollworms,while 23% disagree.On the other hand,67% of farmers planting approved varieties believe that Bt technology does not reduce spray costs,while 33% agree with the effectiveness.Similarly,78% of farmers cultivating unapproved varieties express doubt regarding its role to reduce spray costs,while 22% are in favour of this notion.Differences in opinions on the effectiveness of Bt cotton in controlling bollworms and reducing spray cost between farmers planting unapproved and approved varieties may stem from several factors.One major cause is the heavy infestation of sucking insects,which is probably due to the narrow genetic variation of the cultivated varieties.Additionally,the widespread cultivation of unapproved varieties(21.67%)is also an important factor to cause different opinions on the effectiveness of Bt cotton.Conclusion Based on our findings,we propose that the ineffective control of pests on cotton crop may be attributed to large scale cultivation of unapproved varieties and non-inclusion of double and triple transgene technologies in country's sowing plan.On the basis of our findings,we suggest cotton breeders,regulatory bodies and legislative bodies to discourage the cultivation of unapproved varieties and impure seed.Moreover,the adoption of double and triple Bt genes in cottons with a broad genetic variation could facilitate the revival of the cotton industry,and presenting a promising way forward.

Public Perception on the Success of Reforestation in a Degraded Land

Reforestation is an activity that involves planting or man-made trees regeneration and other plants in the state forest areas and in other areas based on land-use plan designated as forest. The purpose of this study was to determine the public perception of the difficulty of successful reforestation activities in the Lake Toba catchment area. The data were taken from primary and secondary data. Primary data were information collected by reforestation activities in the villages, secondary data were collected in the study site general conditions existing at the village government agencies, of which sampling method was done by purposive sampling, i.e., sampling deliberately chosen. The results showed a lack of socialization in the extension of government reforestation activities, uncontrolled forest fires, lack of maintenance of seed that has been planted, and the type of plant is less suitable.

Patients’ Preferences of Healthcare Facilities for Quality Healthcare Services in Akwa Ibom State: A Game Theory Approach

The purpose of this work is to apply Game theory approach to determine patients’ preferences of healthcare facilities for quality healthcare in Akwa Ibom State. Cross-sectional descriptive study and purposive sampling technique were adopted in order to collect the relevant data. Factors influencing patients’ preferences of health care facilities between public and private hospitals in Akwa Ibom State were assessed using a set of questionnaires which were distributed to 9976 patients in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A two-person zero sum game theory approach was applied. Perception of quality healthcare services received by respondent’s preferred facilities between public and private hospitals was examined. Also the reasons for patients’ persistence of their preferred facilities were evaluated using questionnaire. The optimal strategy and the value of the game were determined using the factors influencing patients’ preferences of healthcare facilities, and analysed with two-person-zero-sum game. Facility that gives their clients the best satisfaction was identified. The data collected through questionnaire were analysed using the rules of dominance in a two-person-zero-sum game and TORA statistical software was employed. The result shows that the value of the game, v = 330 which implies that the game is favourable to public hospital. The result also showed that patients preferred public hospitals due to costs of services with probability one (1), while private hospitals attributed their preferences to attitude of healthcare providers with probability one (1).