IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/h/fpr/ifpric/174302.html

Quality seeds, improved varieties: The economics of crop genetic improvement and farmer uptake

In: Global food policy report 2025: Food policy: Lessons and priorities for a changing world

Author

Listed:
  • Kramer, Berber
  • Spielman, David J.

Abstract

Crop genetic improvement has long been a cornerstone of global efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and foster economic development. This chapter explores evidence on the contribution of crop improvement to productivity, nutrition, environment, and poverty outcomes, before assessing evolutions in policy research and important areas for future research. Book link: ("https://hdl.handle.net/10568/174108")

Suggested Citation

  • Kramer, Berber & Spielman, David J., 2025. "Quality seeds, improved varieties: The economics of crop genetic improvement and farmer uptake," IFPRI book chapters, in: Global food policy report 2025: Food policy: Lessons and priorities for a changing world, chapter 9, pages 221-244, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifpric:174302
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/174302
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Caroline Miehe & Leocardia Nabwire & Robert Sparrow & David J. Spielman & Bjorn Van Campenhout, 2025. "Miracle Seeds: Biased Expectations, Complementary Input Use, and the Dynamics of Smallholder Technology Adoption," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 74(1), pages 305-334.
    2. Kyle Emerick & Alain de Janvry & Elisabeth Sadoulet & Manzoor H. Dar, 2016. "Technological Innovations, Downside Risk, and the Modernization of Agriculture," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 106(6), pages 1537-1561, June.
    3. Shenggen Fan & Peter Hazell & Sukhadeo Thorat, 2000. "Government Spending, Growth and Poverty in Rural India," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 82(4), pages 1038-1051.
    4. Foster, Andrew D & Rosenzweig, Mark R, 1995. "Learning by Doing and Learning from Others: Human Capital and Technical Change in Agriculture," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 103(6), pages 1176-1209, December.
    5. Bjorn Van Campenhout & David J. Spielman & Els Lecoutere, 2021. "Information and Communication Technologies to Provide Agricultural Advice to Smallholder Farmers: Experimental Evidence from Uganda," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 103(1), pages 317-337, January.
    6. Tavneet Suri, 2011. "Selection and Comparative Advantage in Technology Adoption," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 79(1), pages 159-209, January.
    7. James R. Stevenson & Karen Macours & Douglas Gollin, 2023. "The Rigor Revolution: New Standards of Evidence for Impact Assessment of International Agricultural Research," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 15(1), pages 495-515, October.
    8. Berber Kramer & Carly Trachtman, 2024. "Gender dynamics in seed systems: an integrative review of seed promotion interventions in Africa," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 16(1), pages 19-45, February.
    9. Lecoutere, Els & Spielman, David J. & Van Campenhout, Bjorn, 2023. "Empowering women through targeting information or role models: Evidence from an experiment in agricultural extension in Uganda," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    10. ter Steeg, E.M.S. & Louwaars, N.P., 2024. "Market-driven transitions in the vegetable seed sector in sub-Saharan Africa," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    11. Shenggen Fan & Ashok Gulati & Sukhadeo Thorat, 2008. "Investment, subsidies, and pro‐poor growth in rural India," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 39(2), pages 163-170, September.
    12. Matin Qaim, 2016. "Genetically Modified Crops and Agricultural Development," Palgrave Studies in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-137-40572-2, January.
    13. Shenggen Fan & Peter Hazell, 2001. "Returns to Public Investments in the Less-Favored Areas of India and China," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 83(5), pages 1217-1222.
    14. Tessa Bold & Selene Ghisolfi & Frances Nsonzi & Jakob Svensson, 2022. "Market Access and Quality Upgrading: Evidence from Four Field Experiments," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 112(8), pages 2518-2552, August.
    15. Patrick S. Ward & Simrin Makhija & David J. Spielman, 2020. "Drought‐tolerant rice, weather index insurance, and comprehensive risk management for smallholders: evidence from a multi‐year field experiment in India," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 64(2), pages 421-454, April.
    16. Howard D. Leathers & Melinda Smale, 1991. "A Bayesian Approach to Explaining Sequential Adoption of Components of a Technological Package," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 73(3), pages 734-742.
    17. Tessa Bold & Kayuki C. Kaizzi & Jakob Svensson & David Yanagizawa-Drott, 2017. "Lemon Technologies and Adoption: Measurement, Theory and Evidence from Agricultural Markets in Uganda," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 132(3), pages 1055-1100.
    18. Barrett, Christopher B. & Carter, Michael R., 2020. "Finding our balance? Revisiting the randomization revolution in development economics ten years further on," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    19. Arouna, Aminou & Michler, Jeffrey D. & Lokossou, Jourdain C., 2021. "Contract farming and rural transformation: Evidence from a field experiment in Benin," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    20. Abate, Gashaw T. & Bernard, Tanguy & Makhija, Simrin & Spielman, David J., 2023. "Accelerating technical change through ICT: Evidence from a video-mediated extension experiment in Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    21. Jose Benjamin Falck‐Zepeda & Patricia Zambrano, 2011. "Socio‐economic Considerations in Biosafety and Biotechnology Decision Making: The Cartagena Protocol and National Biosafety Frameworks," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 28(2), pages 171-195, March.
    22. Mark R Rosenzweig & Christopher Udry, 2020. "External Validity in a Stochastic World: Evidence from Low-Income Countries," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 87(1), pages 343-381.
    23. Thomas Reardon & C. Peter Timmer, 2012. "The Economics of the Food System Revolution," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 4(1), pages 225-264, August.
    24. Rosenzweig, Mark R & Binswanger, Hans P, 1993. "Wealth, Weather Risk and the Composition and Profitability of Agricultural Investments," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 103(416), pages 56-78, January.
    25. Christopher B. Barrett & Michael R. Carter, 2010. "The Power and Pitfalls of Experiments in Development Economics: Some Non-random Reflections," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 32(4), pages 515-548.
    26. Smale, Melinda & Assima, Amidou & Kergna, Alpha & Thériault, Véronique & Weltzien, Eva, 2018. "Farm family effects of adopting improved and hybrid sorghum seed in the Sudan Savanna of West Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 162-171.
    27. Akhter U. Ahmed & John Hoddinott & Naveen Abedin & Nusrat Hossain, 2021. "The Impacts of GM Foods: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Bt Eggplant in Bangladesh," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 103(4), pages 1186-1206, August.
    28. Akinwumi A. Adesina & Moses M. Zinnah, 1993. "Technology characteristics, farmers' perceptions and adoption decisions: A Tobit model application in Sierra Leone," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 9(4), pages 297-311, December.
    29. Gashaw Tadesse Abate & Tanguy Bernard & Alan de Brauw & Nicholas Minot, 2018. "The impact of the use of new technologies on farmers’ wheat yield in Ethiopia: evidence from a randomized control trial," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 49(4), pages 409-421, July.
    30. Nicole M. Mason & Melinda Smale, 2013. "Impacts of subsidized hybrid seed on indicators of economic well-being among smallholder maize growers in Zambia," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 44(6), pages 659-670, November.
    31. Rema Hanna & Sendhil Mullainathan & Joshua Schwartzstein, 2014. "Learning Through Noticing: Theory and Evidence from a Field Experiment," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 129(3), pages 1311-1353.
    32. Feder, Gershon & Just, Richard E & Zilberman, David, 1985. "Adoption of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries: A Survey," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(2), pages 255-298, January.
    33. Tanguy Bernard & Sylvie Lambert & Karen Macours & Margaux Vinez, 2023. "Impact of small farmers' access to improved seeds and deforestation in DR Congo," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    34. repec:osf:socarx:h2g6r_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    35. Stephen R Boucher & Michael R Carter & Jon Einar Flatnes & Travis J Lybbert & Jonathan G Malacarne & Paswel P Mareyna & Laura A Paul, 2024. "Bundling Genetic and Financial Technologies for More Resilient and Productive Small-Scale Farmers in Africa," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 134(662), pages 2321-2350.
    36. Paul W. Heisey & John P. Brennan, 1991. "An Analytical Model of Farmers' Demand for Replacement Seed," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 73(4), pages 1044-1052.
    37. Galiè, Alessandra & Kramer, Berber & Spielman, David J. & Kawarazuka, Nozomi & Rietveld, Anne M. & Aju, Stellamaris, 2025. "Inclusive and gender-transformative seed systems: Concepts and applications," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    38. Sheahan, Megan & Barrett, Christopher B., 2017. "Ten striking facts about agricultural input use in Sub-Saharan Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 12-25.
    39. Philip Wollburg & Thomas Bentze & Yuchen Lu & Christopher Udry & Douglas Gollin, 2024. "Crop yields fail to rise in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 121(21), pages 2312519121-, May.
    40. Mekonnen, Dawit K. & Spielman, David J., 2021. "Changing patterns in genebank acquisitions of crop genetic materials: An analysis of global policy drivers and potential consequences," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    41. Kramer, Berber & Pattnaik, Subhransu & Ward, Patrick S. & Xu, Yingchen, 2024. "Impacts of an innovative credit + insurance bundle for marginalized farmers: Evidence from a cluster randomized trial in Odisha, India," IFPRI discussion papers 2288, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    42. Christopher B. Barrett & Tim G. Benton & Karen A. Cooper & Jessica Fanzo & Rikin Gandhi & Mario Herrero & Steven James & Mark Kahn & Daniel Mason-D’Croz & Alexander Mathys & Rebecca J. Nelson & Jianbo, 2020. "Bundling innovations to transform agri-food systems," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 3(12), pages 974-976, December.
    43. Koo, B. & Pardey, P. G. & Wright, B. D., 2003. "The economic costs of conserving genetic resources at the CGIAR centres," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 29(3), pages 287-297, December.
    44. repec:hal:pseptp:halshs-03956411 is not listed on IDEAS
    45. Peter Munyi & Bram De Jonge, 2015. "Seed Systems Support in Kenya: Consideration for an Integrated Seed Sector Development Approach," Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(2), pages 161-161, February.
    46. Bjorn Van Campenhout, 2021. "The Role of Information in Agricultural Technology Adoption: Experimental Evidence from Rice Farmers in Uganda," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 69(3), pages 1239-1272.
    47. Adesina, Akinwumi A. & Zinnah, Moses M., 1993. "Technology characteristics, farmers' perceptions and adoption decisions: A Tobit model application in Sierra Leone," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 9(4), pages 297-311, December.
    48. Mason, Nicole M. & Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob, 2013. "Disrupting Demand for Commercial Seed: Input Subsidies in Malawi and Zambia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 75-91.
    49. Taylor, J. Edward & Filipski, Mateusz J., 2014. "Beyond Experiments in Development Economics: Local Economy-wide Impact Evaluation," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198707882.
    50. Smale, Melinda & Zambrano, Patricia & Gruere, Guillaume P. & Falck-Zepeda, Jose Benjamin & Matuschke, Ira & Horna, J. Daniela & Nagarajan, Latha & Yerramareddy, Indira & Jones, Hannah, 2009. "Measuring the Economic Impacts of Transgenic Crops in Developing Agriculture during the First Decade: Approaches, Findings, and Future Directions," Food Policy Reviews 50413, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    51. Alan de Brauw & Patrick Eozenou & Daniel O Gilligan & Christine Hotz & Neha Kumar & J V Meenakshi, 2018. "Biofortification, Crop Adoption and Health Information: Impact Pathways in Mozambique and Uganda," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 100(3), pages 906-930.
    52. repec:ags:aaea22:335636 is not listed on IDEAS
    53. Fredrick Bagamba & Proscovia R. Ntakyo & Geoffrey Otim & David J. Spielman & Bjorn Van Campenhout, 2023. "Policy and performance in Uganda's seed sector: Opportunities and challenges," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(3), May.
    54. Adewale Oparinde & Abhijit Banerji & Ekin Birol & Paul Ilona, 2016. "Information and consumer willingness to pay for biofortified yellow cassava: evidence from experimental auctions in Nigeria," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 47(2), pages 215-233, March.
    55. Jeffrey D. Michler & Steven Y. Wu, 2020. "Relational Contracts in Agriculture: Theory and Evidence," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 12(1), pages 111-127, October.
    56. Julian M. Alston & Philip G. Pardey & Xudong Rao, 2022. "Payoffs to a half century of CGIAR research," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 104(2), pages 502-529, March.
    57. Tripp, Robert & Louwaars, Niels, 1997. "Seed regulation: choices on the road to reform," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 22(5), pages 433-446, October.
    58. repec:fpr:gsspwp:162767 is not listed on IDEAS
    59. Douglas Gollin & Casper Worm Hansen & Asger Mose Wingender, 2021. "Two Blades of Grass: The Impact of the Green Revolution," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 129(8), pages 2344-2384.
    60. Smale, Melinda & Heisey, Paul W & Leathers, Howard D, 1995. "Maize of the Ancestors and Modern Varieties: The Microeconomics of High-Yielding Variety Adoption in Malawi," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 43(2), pages 351-368, January.
    61. Rosegrant, Mark W. & Wong, Brad & Sulser, Timothy B. & Dubosse, Nancy & Lybbert, Travis J., 2023. "Benefit–Cost Analysis of Increased Funding for Agricultural Research and Development in the Global South," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 14(S1), pages 181-205, June.
    62. Raissa Fabregas & Michael Kremer & Matthew Lowes & Robert On & Giulia Zane, 2025. "Digital Information Provision and Behavior Change: Lessons from Six Experiments in East Africa," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 17(1), pages 527-566, January.
    63. repec:hal:journl:halshs-03956411 is not listed on IDEAS
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Deutschmann, Joshua W. & Duru, Maya & Siegal, Kim & Tjernström, Emilia, 2025. "Relaxing multiple agricultural productivity constraints at scale," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    2. Khushbu Mishra & Abdoul G. Sam & Gracious M. Diiro & Mario J. Miranda, 2020. "Gender and the dynamics of technology adoption: Empirical evidence from a household‐level panel data," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(6), pages 857-870, November.
    3. Paola Mallia, 2022. "You reap what (you think) you sow? Evidence on farmers’behavioral adjustments in the case of correct crop varietal identification," PSE Working Papers hal-03597332, HAL.
    4. Kazushi Takahashi & Rie Muraoka & Keijiro Otsuka, 2020. "Technology adoption, impact, and extension in developing countries’ agriculture: A review of the recent literature," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(1), pages 31-45, January.
    5. Mastenbroek, Astrid, 2025. "Scaling seed demand through behavioral insights: Applying the COM-B model and behavioral change wheel to the maize seed sector in Uganda," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    6. Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob & Jones, Michael, 2015. "Does storage technology affect adoption of improved maize varieties in Africa? Insights from Malawi’s input subsidy program," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 92-105.
    7. Michelson, Hope & Fairbairn, Anna & Ellison, Brenna & Maertens, Annemie & Manyong, Victor, 2021. "Misperceived quality: Fertilizer in Tanzania," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    8. Josephson, Anna & Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob, 2020. "Preferences and crop choice during Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic crisis," African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 15(3), September.
    9. Christopher B. Barrett & Asad Islam & Abdul Mohammad Malek & Debayan Pakrashi & Ummul Ruthbah, 2022. "Experimental Evidence on Adoption and Impact of the System of Rice Intensification," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 104(1), pages 4-32, January.
    10. Apoorv Gupta & Jacopo Ponticelli & Andrea Tesei, 2020. "Language Barriers, Technology Adoption and Productivity: Evidence from Agriculture in India," NBER Working Papers 27192, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    11. Spielman, David J. & Smale, Melinda, 2017. "Policy options to accelerate variety change among smallholder farmers in South Asia and Africa South of the Sahara," IFPRI discussion papers 1666, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    12. Jacopo Bonan & Harounan Kazianga & Mariapia Mendola, 2019. "Agricultural Transformation and Farmers' Expectations: Experimental Evidence from Uganda," Development Working Papers 458, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano.
    13. Asresu Yitayew & Awudu Abdulai & Yigezu A Yigezu, 2022. "Improved agricultural input delivery systems for enhancing technology adoption: evidence from a field experiment in Ethiopia," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 49(3), pages 527-556.
    14. Nazli, Hina & Smale, Melinda, 2016. "Dynamics of variety change on wheat farms in Pakistan: A duration analysis," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 24-33.
    15. Jeremy L. Jelliffe & Boris E. Bravo-Ureta & C. Michael Deom & David K. Okello, 2018. "Adoption of High-Yielding Groundnut Varieties: The Sustainability of a Farmer-Led Multiplication-Dissemination Program in Eastern Uganda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-21, May.
    16. Ayalew, Hailemariam & Chamberlin, Jordan & Newman, Carol, 2022. "Site-specific agronomic information and technology adoption: A field experiment from Ethiopia," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    17. Fredrick Bagamba & Proscovia R. Ntakyo & Geoffrey Otim & David J. Spielman & Bjorn Van Campenhout, 2023. "Policy and performance in Uganda's seed sector: Opportunities and challenges," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(3), May.
    18. Terrance Hurley & Jawoo Koo & Kindie Tesfaye, 2018. "Weather risk: how does it change the yield benefits of nitrogen fertilizer and improved maize varieties in sub‐Saharan Africa?," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 49(6), pages 711-723, November.
    19. de Janvry, Alain & Rao, Manaswini & Sadoulet, Elisabeth, 2025. "Seeding the seeds: Role of social structure in agricultural technology diffusion," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
    20. Kondylis, Florence & Mueller, Valerie, 2012. "Seeing is Believing? Evidence from a Demonstration Plot Experiment in Mozambique," Mozambique Working Paper 1, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:fpr:ifpric:174302. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: the person in charge (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/ifprius.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.