Many 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.
Introduction
Excursus on Kenya
The Prehistory
Biotechnology for the Poor
The First Year (1999)
Excursus on Independent-Minded Partners
The Second Year (2000)
17 Dec 2000. A Farmer in Nyeri
The Third Year (2001)
24 Nov 2001: Farmers in Machakos
Excursus on Plant Breeding
The Fourth Year (2002)
25/26 Nov 2002. Farmers in Western Kenya
27 Nov 2002. Farmers in the Lowlands
Excursus on Communications in a Rough Terrain
The Fifth Year (2003)
15 Nov 2003. Farmers in Meru
Excursus on Commerce and Consumption
The Sixth Year (2004)
21 June 2004. Farmers in Kisii
7 Dec 2004. Farmers in Mwala
Excursus on Patents and Licenses
The Seventh Year (2005)
6 Nov 2005. Farmers in Githunguri
19 Nov 2005. Farmers in Mbeere
A Preliminary Assessment
Gleanings (2006-2008)
Excursus on Market Segmentation
3 Nov 2008. A Farmer near Embu