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Abstract
Adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in Africa has been slow and marred with
controversy. At present only three African countries have fully commercialized GM
crops. To evaluate the potential of GM crops in Africa, most studies have focused on
consumer acceptance and farmers' willingness to pay. In contrast, this paper explores
the attitudes of leaders and decision-makers in the continent's seed sector i.e., private
seed companies, government agencies, research institutions, and non-governmental
organizations involved in the research, production, regulation, and dissemination of
seeds in Africa. Based on an industry survey of 322 respondents conducted in 2012
and 2013, the results strongly support GM crop acceptance from seed sector experts
across the African continent, especially with non-food crops such as cotton. The
paper also highlights some differences in attitudes depending on the type of
organization, the country’s level of seed sector development and stated knowledge of
GM crops.