Database helps research planning on maize technology

Scientists at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) have developed powerful new tools to improve the effectiveness of their maize research. The Kenya Maize Data Base Project (MDBP) was established in 1992 with the help of the Rockefeller Foundation, CIMMYT, and the US Agency for International Development. The MDBP enabled scientists to use advanced technology to prioritize and evaluate maize research options more effectively, by taking into account such variables as climatic effects and farmers' socioeconomic conditions. This book recounts the development and application of the MDBP, which uses spatial analysis to integrate data from Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with the results of biological experiments, socioeconomic statistics (including interviews with farmers) and agroclimatic information. The book provides an excellent planning tool for targeting new technology to the needs of farmers. It offers useful information for maize agronomists, crop modellers, agricultural and development economists, extension workers and planners. Maize Technology Development and Transfer: A GIS Application for Research Planning in Kenya Edited by R.M. Hassan, 1998, ISBN 0 85199 287 0, Publishing Division, CAB International Wallingford, Oxford, OX 10 8DE UK. Fax: +44 1491 833508 Email:cabi@cabi.org http://www.agricta.org/Spore/spore77 Price: British Pounds 45.00Maize Technology Development and Transfer: A GIS Application for Research Planning in Kenya Edited by R.M. Hassan, 1998, ISBN 0 85199 287 0, Publishing Division, CAB International Wallingford, Oxford, OX 10 8DE UK. Fax: +44 1491 833508 Email