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Eight out of ten South Africans have no knowledge about biotechnology and well over half have never even heard of the term before. Despite this lack of understanding, an average of 57% indicated that different applications of biotechnology should continue.
So say the results of the most comprehensive survey on public perceptions of biotechnology undertaken in South Africa to date. This national study involved a sample of 7000 adults aged 16 and older in households geographically spread across the country's nine provinces, including urban and rural communities of all race groups. The sample was designed to represent the total adult population, more than 29 million adults, of South Africa. Respondents were interviewed in person in the language of their choice.
The survey was undertaken by the Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) Programme in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The aim was to "find out what people think, feel and understand about biotechnology" according to Helen Malherbe, Coordinator of the PUB Programme. Prepared with input from national and international survey experts, the survey included adapted questions from polls undertaken elsewhere, to enable a comparison of South African public perceptions internationally.
The PUB Programme is now working on complementing this study with more in-depth, qualitative studies through focal groups to investigate people's knowledge, perceptions and attitudes in more detail.
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