An Economic Assessment of Banana Genetic Improvement and ...
An Economic Assessment of Banana Genetic Improvement and ...
An Economic Assessment of Banana Genetic Improvement and ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
xiv<br />
SUMMARY<br />
up from some <strong>of</strong> the experiences in Ug<strong>and</strong>a. The strategy <strong>of</strong> providing materials free-<strong>of</strong>charge<br />
in large quantities is not sustainable.<br />
5. Developing R&D Strategies for the Highl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Lowl<strong>and</strong>s. In the high-elevation<br />
areas, developing <strong>and</strong> promoting best cultural practices <strong>and</strong> marketing improvements<br />
are <strong>of</strong> primary importance. In the low-elevation areas, developing <strong>and</strong> promoting pest<strong>and</strong><br />
disease-resistant endemic cultivars is a priority, alongside cultural practices focusing<br />
on reviving productivity. To support the success <strong>of</strong> these efforts, major investments will<br />
need to be made in dissemination.<br />
Technical change is a continuous, multidimensional process. Social science research can<br />
support the decisionmaking <strong>of</strong> research programs <strong>and</strong> investors by identifying the impediments<br />
that must be addressed to ensure that promising new technologies are in fact widely<br />
adopted by farmers. <strong>Genetic</strong> transformation <strong>of</strong> the cooking banana <strong>of</strong>fers the rare opportunity<br />
to maintain the end-use qualities preferred by East African consumers while enhancing agronomic<br />
traits. Given the economic role <strong>of</strong> the banana plant in the region, the social benefits <strong>of</strong><br />
technical change will be significant.
Change language