Biotechnology for small-scale farmers: a Kenyan case study Online publication date: Sun, 13-Jul-2003
by Matin Qaim
International Journal of Biotechnology (IJBT), Vol. 2, No. 1/2/3, 2000
Abstract: The paper analyses ex ante the potential economic effects of tissue culture biotechnology, which is being introduced into the Kenyan banana sector through an international collaborative project. The expected yield and income gains are sizable, because the pathogen-free banana planting material could substantially reduce the current crop losses induced by pests and diseases. However, using the technology is associated with relatively high set-up costs for farmers. This might discourage innovation adoption, especially for the smallholders. Lowering the price of tissue-culture plantlets could help to avoid undesired income distribution effects among the banana growers. Furthermore, community-based initiatives for local biotechnology dissemination could ameliorate the adoption conditions. The example demonstrates the great potential of biotechnology to contribute to welfare growth in developing countries. Yet public support is needed to make sure that certain disadvantaged groups are not excluded from the benefits.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Biotechnology (IJBT):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook