In tackling agricultural challenges, policy-makers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have increasingly considered genetically modified (GM) crops as a potential tool to increase productivity and to improve product quality. Yet, as elsewhere in the world, the adoption of GM crops in SSA has been marked by controversy, encompassing not only the potential risks to animal and human health, and to the environment, but also other concerns such as ethical issues, public participation in decision-making, socio-economic factors and intellectual property rights. With these non-scientific factors complicating an already controversial situation, disseminating credible information to the public as well as facilitating stakeholder input into decision-making is essential. In SSA, there are various and innovative risk communication approaches and strategies being developed, yet a comprehensive analysis of such data is missing. This gap is addressed by giving an overview of current strategies, identifying similarities and differences between various country and institutional approaches and promoting a way forward, building on a recent workshop with risk communicators working in SSA.

No abstract

The study assessed the determinants of income diversification strategies among smallholder wheat farmers in Jigawa State. Primary data were collected from 255 smallholder wheat farmers in the study area selected using multi stage sampling procedure. The collected data were analysed using Logit regression, Simpson Diversification Index (SDI) and two stage least square regression analyses. The result revealed that non-farm income and number of income sources had significant positive relationship with income diversification. The two stage least square estimation with respect to Herfindahl Diversification Index (HDI) showed that age and years of education had positive significant relationship. The two stage least square estimation with respect to number of income share revealed that the number of income sources, age, farm size, frequency of extension contacts and years of education had significant positive relationship with per capita income. The major constraints to wheat production were limited production inputs (seed), pest and disease, low output price, lack of credit and timely preparation. Similarly, the effect of income diversification with reference to off farm income share showed that off farm income share, age and years of education had positive significant relationship. The study concluded that off farm income share and number of income sources were the most important determinants of income diversification and the major challenge to wheat production were limited access to right inputs, pest and diseases and low output prices. Thus, the study recommended that improving performance of determinants of diversification and linking farmers to better production and output markets as well as enlightening the farmers about pests and diseases control measures will improve the wellbeing of the farmers.