Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa - Matthew A. Schnurr

Addison, Schnurr, Gore, Bawa & Mujabi-Mujuzi. (2021). Women’s Empowerment in Africa: Critical Reflections on the Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI). African Studies Review, 64(2), 276-291.

This commentary unpacks the underlying assumptions underpinning the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI). The WEAI has emerged as a popular survey tool designed to measure women’s inclusion, agency, and empowerment in the agricultural sector. By revealing key flaws and assumptions underpinning this survey tool, our goal is to contribute to the critical literature on empowerment which …

Schnurr, Addison, Gore, & Bawa. (2020). Genetically modified crops and gender relations in low- and middle-income countries: A critical review. Journal of Development Perspectives, 4(1-2), 9-22.

Genetically Modified (GM) crops have been lauded as a tool to redress stagnating yields and food insecurity amongst poor farmers since their release in the early 1990s. The potential for GM crops to alleviate poverty for farmers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) will likely hinge on their ability to enhance women’s overall wellbeing, yet …

Schnurr, Addison, & Mujabi-Mujuzi. (2020). Limits to biofortification: farmer perspectives on a Vitamin-A enriched banana in Uganda. Journal of Peasant Studies, 47(2), 326-345.

This paper draws on three data sets to evaluate whether biofortification fix synchs with existing farming systems, using the case study of the East African Highland Banana, known locally as matooke in Uganda. We argue that the positive scenario outlined by proponents rests on a number of assumptions related to the health, social and economic contexts facing producers. Full-text …

Schnurr & Addison. (2017). Which variables influence farmer adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) orphan crops? Measuring attitudes and intentions to adopt GM matooke banana in Uganda, AgBioForum 20(2), 133-147.

This study uses participatory ranking exercises to investigate the variables that determine attitudes and intentions to adopt matooke banana in Uganda. Results suggest that attitudes and potential patterns of adoption will vary significantly according to region, farm size, membership in a farmer’s association, previous experience with improved varieties and visits from extension workers. Full-text (protected)|Pre-publication …

Schnurr. (2017). GMOs and poverty: Yield gaps, differentiated impacts and the search for alternative questions. Canadian Journal of Development Studies, 38(1), 149-157

This short commentary reflects on the question: Can genetically modified (GM) crops help the poor? It aims not to provide a definitive answer but rather to grapple with the question itself, in the hope of illuminating some of the critical assumptions and values that shape exchanges on this polarising and politicised question. Full-text (protected) |Pre-publication version