In Pursuit of an African Green Revolution

Views from Rice and Maize Farmers' Fields

Business & Finance, Economics, International Economics, Industries & Professions, Industries, Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology
Cover of the book In Pursuit of an African Green Revolution by , Springer Japan
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9784431556930
Publisher: Springer Japan Publication: November 24, 2015
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9784431556930
Publisher: Springer Japan
Publication: November 24, 2015
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book explores recent experiences in the effort to bring about a Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The chapters focus on rice and maize, which are promising and strategic smallholder crops. Significantly, we find that an African Rice Revolution has already begun in many irrigated areas, using Asian-type modern varieties, chemical fertilizer, and improved management practices. Further, we find that the same technological package significantly increases the productivity and profitability of rice farming in rainfed areas as well. We also find evidence that that management training, when done well, can boost productivity on smallholder farms. This suggests that African governments can accelerate the pace of Africa’s Rice Revolution by strengthening extension capacity.

The story for maize is wholly different, where most farmers use local varieties, apply little chemical fertilizer, and obtain very low yields. However, in the highly populated highlands of Kenya, a number of farmers have adopted high-yielding hybrid maize varieties and chemical fertilizer, as was the case in  the Asian Green Revolution, apply manure produced by stall-fed cows, as was the case during the British Agricultural Revolution, and keep improved cows or cross-breeds from European cows and local stock, as was the case of the Indian White Revolution. We conclude that while rice in Africa has benefited from an Asian Green Revolution strategy that emphasizes modern seeds, inputs, and focused knowledge transfers, the success of Africa’s Maize Revolution will require a different system approach based on hybrid maize, chemical and organic fertilizers, and stall-fed cross-bred cows.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book explores recent experiences in the effort to bring about a Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The chapters focus on rice and maize, which are promising and strategic smallholder crops. Significantly, we find that an African Rice Revolution has already begun in many irrigated areas, using Asian-type modern varieties, chemical fertilizer, and improved management practices. Further, we find that the same technological package significantly increases the productivity and profitability of rice farming in rainfed areas as well. We also find evidence that that management training, when done well, can boost productivity on smallholder farms. This suggests that African governments can accelerate the pace of Africa’s Rice Revolution by strengthening extension capacity.

The story for maize is wholly different, where most farmers use local varieties, apply little chemical fertilizer, and obtain very low yields. However, in the highly populated highlands of Kenya, a number of farmers have adopted high-yielding hybrid maize varieties and chemical fertilizer, as was the case in  the Asian Green Revolution, apply manure produced by stall-fed cows, as was the case during the British Agricultural Revolution, and keep improved cows or cross-breeds from European cows and local stock, as was the case of the Indian White Revolution. We conclude that while rice in Africa has benefited from an Asian Green Revolution strategy that emphasizes modern seeds, inputs, and focused knowledge transfers, the success of Africa’s Maize Revolution will require a different system approach based on hybrid maize, chemical and organic fertilizers, and stall-fed cross-bred cows.

More books from Springer Japan

Cover of the book Obligate Pollination Mutualism by
Cover of the book The Mongolian Ecosystem Network by
Cover of the book Neuroimmunological Diseases by
Cover of the book Reproductive and Developmental Strategies by
Cover of the book Reduced Port Laparoscopic Surgery by
Cover of the book Asbestos Disaster by
Cover of the book Modern Classical Economics and Reality by
Cover of the book Environmental Geography of South Asia by
Cover of the book Sustainable Transport Studies in Asia by
Cover of the book Reliance on Foreign Markets: Multinationality and Performance by
Cover of the book Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by
Cover of the book π-Stacked Polymers and Molecules by
Cover of the book Brain Evolution by Design by
Cover of the book Physical Activity, Exercise, Sedentary Behavior and Health by
Cover of the book Contemporary Issues in Environmental Law by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy