Description
Book SynopsisMany farmers in sub-Saharan Africa suffer heavily from crop losses due to stem borer pests. Insecticides are often unaffordable; therefore, maize plants must be made resistant to pests. The 'Insect Resistant Maize for Africa' (IRMA) project in Kenya was aimed at developing new maize varieties both by conventional methods and by biotechnologically incorporating the ?-endotoxin produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. The author gives an impartial and chronological account of this exemplary project between 1999 and 2008, supplemented by discussions of agricultural development policy and descriptions of Kenyan smallholders and the project team. Taking critical and rational positions on the use of modern plant breeding techniques, biotechnology and development policy, this book is of interest to researchers and students, development agencies, NGOs and biotechnology companies.
Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Excursus on Kenya 3: The Prehistory 4: Biotechnology for the Poor 5: The First Year (1999) 6: Excursus on Independent-Minded Partners 7: The Second Year (2000) 8: 17 Dec 2000. A Farmer in Nyeri 9: The Third Year (2001) 10: 24 Nov 2001: Farmers in Machakos 11: Excursus on Plant Breeding 12: The Fourth Year (2002) 13: 25/26 Nov 2002. Farmers in Western Kenya 14: 27 Nov 2002. Farmers in the Lowlands 15: Excursus on Communications in a Rough Terrain 16: The Fifth Year (2003) 17: 15 Nov 2003. Farmers in Meru 18: Excursus on Commerce and Consumption 19: The Sixth Year (2004) 20: 21 June 2004. Farmers in Kisii 21: 7 Dec 2004. Farmers in Mwala 22: Excursus on Patents and Licenses 23: The Seventh Year (2005) 24: 6 Nov 2005. Farmers in Githunguri 25: 19 Nov 2005. Farmers in Mbeere 26: A Preliminary Assessment 27: Gleanings (2006-2008) 28: Excursus on Market Segmentation 29: 3 Nov 2008. A Farmer near Embu
