The Green Revolution in Zimbabwe

This paper presents a historical overview of plant breeding research, variety release and seed supply of staple food grains in Zimbabwe, and assesses the impacts of the new varieties on yields using national aggregate yield data. The paper also analyses farm-level factors determining farmers’ adoption decisions in the semi-arid areas, where the mini-green revolution lagged behind more favorable areas. The results indicate that the adoption of improved crop varieties will not lead to substantial yield gains unless improved soil management methods, such as application of manure and fertilizer, are also adopted..Green Revolution, maize, semi-arid areas, soil fertility management, drought, Zimbabwe

The Green Revolution in Zimbabwe

This paper presents a historical overview of plant breeding research, variety release and seed supply of staple food grains in Zimbabwe, and assesses the impacts of the new varieties on yields using national aggregate yield data. The paper also analyses farm-level factors determining farmers’ adoption decisions in the semi-arid areas, where the mini-green revolution lagged behind more favorable areas. The results indicate that the adoption of improved crop varieties will not lead to substantial yield gains unless improved soil management methods, such as application of manure and fertilizer, are also adopted.

Prevalence and drivers of seed and pollen-mediated geneflow in sorghum: implications for biosafety regulations and policy in Kenya

This paper uses a random sample of 881 farmers drawn from eastern and western Kenya to examine the prevalence and drivers of seed and pollen mediated geneflow in the two major sorghum growing regions. It employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques to assess farmers’ awareness of wild sorghum varieties, the practices they use in maintaining varietal purity and the conditioners of their success in maintaining the purity of cultivated varieties. The study finds that, among others, cultural differences, agro-climate and poverty affect the awareness, practices used in maintaining varietal purity and farmers’ success in doing so. These findings have implication for biosafety and policy in Kenya due to the clamour to introduce genetically modified bio-fortified sorghum varieties in Africa