Are drought-resistant crops in Africa the tech fix they're cracked up to be?

Biotech companies and non-profits are investing heavily in drought-resistant crops, but doubts remain over whether they are the best option for farmersThe rains are not what they once were in Kitui County. As climate change bites, the wet season is more erratic and drought has become an all-too-common phenomenon in this rural corner of eastern Kenya.This year, the community ’s produce of peas, sorghum and other staples failed to reach maturity because the rains arrived one month late, says Onesmus Mwangangi, an agricultural expert at the charityFarm Africa. “Farmers in this region have lost more than 80% of their crops due to lack of rain,” he adds.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Guardian sustainable business Africa Environment Farming Genetics Global development Science Climate change Drought Water Source Type: news