Both bananas and maize
are devastated by pests and diseases in this region,
particularly in the lowland tropical environments.
Since chemical treatment of these crops is not
economically viable for most smallholder farm
families, varieties with genetic resistance could
play a vital role in reducing their vulnerability to
crop failure. For that reason, national research
programs in East Africa have targeted bananas and
maize for genetic transformation. These briefs
examine the potential impact of transgenic bananas
and maize on smallholder farmers.
Includes country specific information from Kenya,
Tanzania, and Uganda.
All eight briefs available at:
http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/rag/br1004.asp
Briefs of relevance to seed professionals:
- Brief 19. Assessing the Impact of Crop Genetic Improvement in Sub-Saharan Africa: Research Context and Highlights
- Brief 20. Crucial Determinants of Adoption: Planting Material Systems for Banana and Maize
- Brief 23. Predicting Farmer Demand for Bt maize in Kenya
- Brief 25. Biodiversity of Maize on Farms in Kenya
- Brief 26. Biosafety and Biodiversity Risks
