Despite the ongoing controversy over their use, genetically modified (GM) crops have progressively grown in popularity and are now planted in approximately 160 million hectares in 29 countries.

Some countries in West Africa are considering the potential adoption of insect resistant cotton. Burkina Faso has already approved commercial cultivation of this technology. This paper presents the results of a socio economic impact assessment of the potential adoption of insect resistant cotton in West Africa using an augmented economic surplus model to consider risk and parameter uncertainty.

Tomato, cabbage, and garden egg are important crops for small-scale farmers and migrants in the rural and peri-urban areas of Ghana. Genetic modification has the potential to alleviate poverty through combating yield losses from pests and diseases in these crops, while reducing health risks from application of hazardous chemicals. This study uses farm survey data to gauge the potential for adoption of genetically modified varieties, estimate the potential impact of adoption on farm profits, and highlight economic differences among the three crops.