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Biotechnology and the African Farmer

Eicher CK, Maredia K, Sithole-Niang I (2005). Department of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University.

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This paper is relevant to the Agronomic, Safety & Health Impact, Socio-Economic, and Environmental categories in the following areas:

Crops:Maize, Cotton, Potato, Sweet Potato, and Other
Traits:Insect Resistance, and Virus Resistance
Countries:Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa
Regions:Africa
ImpactAreas:Agronomic, Safety & Health, Socio-Economic, and Environmental

Abstract or Summary:

This paper examines the challenges of biotech crop adoption in Africa. Although one of the poorest and most food insecure region of the world, leaders and farmers in Africa have been slow to take up biotechnology and have generally been fearful of supporting and investing in the gene revolution. The paper is focused on the discussion of seven case studies which highlight the challenges in developing biotech crops, getting them cleared by national biosafety committees and into the hands of smallholders in Africa. It concludes with a list of recommendation to overcome these challenges, focusing on the need for financial resources, infrastructure and expertise (scientific, technical, political, institutional and financial) to help Africa overcome these barriers and join the global biotech revolution.

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