Seed Industry Perspectives on Genetically Modified crops in Africa

Adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in Africa has been slow and marred with controversy. At present only three African countries have fully commercialized GM crops. To evaluate the potential of GM crops in Africa, most studies have focused on consumer acceptance and farmers' willingness to pay. In contrast, this paper explores the attitudes of leaders and decision-makers in the continent's seed sector i.e., private seed companies, government agencies, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations involved in the research, production, regulation, and dissemination of seeds in Africa. Based on an industry survey of 322 respondents conducted in 2012 and 2013, the results strongly support GM crop acceptance from seed sector experts across the African continent, especially with non-food crops such as cotton. The paper also highlights some differences in attitudes depending on the type of organization, the country’s level of seed sector development and stated knowledge of GM crops