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Genetically modified crops that are tested or cultivated in Africa
Crop
Trait
Country
Cotton
Insect resistance
Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Maize
Drought resistance, insect resistance
Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Cassava
Nutrient density, disease resistance, virus resistance
Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda
Cowpeas
Insect resistance
Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria
Sorghum
Nutrient density
Kenya, South Africa
Potato
Virus resistance, insect resistance, fungal resistance
Egypt, South Africa
Banana
Nutrient density, disease resistance, fungal resistance
Uganda
Sweet potato
Virus resistance
Kenya, South Africa
Sugarcane
Growth, sugar content, virus resistance
Egypt, Mauritius, South Africa
Coconut
Virus resistance
Ivory Coast, Ghana
Squash
Virus resistance
Egypt
Grapes
Fungal resistance
South Africa
Cowpeas for example
Insect-resistant cowpeas that were developed at African research institutes could be commercialised over the next years. Their protein content makes cowpeas an important staple crop to help counter malnutrition, and their hardiness should help them adapt to climate change. However, crop yields are threatened by the Maruca vitrata pod borer, an insect pest that currently costs African smallholders over 200 Million Euros and that they fight with strong insecticides.
