Debunking the myths of GM crops for Africa: The case of Bt maize in Kenya

appreciated. The authors would like to thank all our IRMA collaborators, scientists as well as technicians, from KARI, CIMMYT, the University of Nairobi and Egerton University. We would like to thank Mauricio Bellon and participants at seminars at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Centre for Agroforestry Research (ICRAF), and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre for their comments and suggestions. Debunking the myths of GM crops for Africa: The case of Bt maize in Kenya Summary.-- Empirical evidence from research on Bt maize in Kenya puts to rest most concerns raised against GMOs, most importantly that the technology would not respond to the needs of poor farmers, but would be expensive and benefit only agro-business, and that it might decrease biodiversity. However, research results indicate that contamination of local varieties is likely through farmers ’ seed selection practices and dissemination. Moreover, possible buildup of insect resistance requires careful monitoring and evaluation after release