Many poor farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa suffer heavily from crop losses due to the stem borer insect pest. Insecticides are often unaffordable and the `insect resistant maize for Africa' (IRMA) project was developed to produce resistant maize that could adapt to different climates through conventional breeding or the controversial use of genetic engineering. The independent author gives his impartial description of the project, providing balanced arguments on this debate about agricultural development policy and the use of modern plant breeding techniques.
Kenya: A Brief Portrait
The Background
Gene Technology for the Poor
The First Year (1999)
Independent-Minded Partners
The Second Year (2000)
Visit to a Nyeri Farmer
The Third Year (2001)
Farmers in Machakos
Plant Breeding
The Fourth Year (2002)
Farmers in Western Kenya's Corn Belt
Farmers in the Lowlands
Communication Problems
The Fifth Year (2003)
Farmers in Central and Southern Meru
Commerce and Consumption
The Sixth Year (2004)
Woman Farmers in Kisii
Farmers in Mwala
Patents and Licenses
The Seventh Year (2005)
Farmers in Githunguri
Farmers in Mbeere
A Preliminary Assessment