The recent commercial introduction of genetically modifi ed
white maize varieties with, for example, resistance to herbicide
has caused much policy debate (Hilbeck and Andow
2004). This started in South Africa but is now also in Kenya.
Some countries have accepted this new technology as an
opportunity for smallholders to reduce labor and input costs,
while others, such as Zambia, believe that the new technology
threatens their domestic biodiversity. Not much is known
about the impact of genetically modifi ed maize on storage,
postharvest handling, and biodiversity outcomes.
Rice farming was traditionally confi ned to the cultivation of
African rice in marshy places, although planting of Asian longgrain
rice has been a longstanding practice in Madagascar,
owing to its links with Indonesia. More modern rice cultivation
of long-grain Asian rice was introduced into mainland
Africa in the 20th century, especially in the Niger delta in Mali
and other damp places in West Africa. The very strong local