Global use of transgenic crops has increased rapidly since 1996 but remains highly concentrated in the United States, Argentina, Canada, corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola, which together account for nearly all transgenic crop planting. Biotechnology could help smallholder farmers in developing countries by tapping into natural pest control through habitat management strategies like "push-pull," where companion crops are planted to repel or attract different pest species, protecting maize and increasing yields for smallholders in places like Kenya.

1. Who Needs Biotechnology?
by Brian Halweil

2. Global Area of Transgenic Crops Has Exploded, But. . .
Global Area Planted to Transgenic Crops,
1996-2001
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Source: ISAAA
Million
hectares

3. But Remains Powerfully Concentrated in Two Ways.
1. In terms of where transgenics are planted:
Just three nations—the United States, Argentina, and
Canada—account for 98 percent of all global areas
planted in transgenic crops.
2. In terms of which crops are in production:
Corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola (rapeseed) account for
99 percent of global plantings.

5. Tapping into natural capital— ”billions
and billions of free workers.”

7. Major Pests of Maize in Africa
10-20% loss15-40% loss

8. The Improved Fallow Strategy.

11. The Push-Pull Strategy in the Field

13. 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Trans-Nzoia Suba
Control
Habitat
management
Average Yield Advantages of Habitat Management
Technologies in Kenya