‘Wonder Seeds’ Are No Miracle Cure Without Infrastructure

This story from the New York Times is just an example of the obstacles facing sustainable agriculture projects. About ten years ago, philanthropists and scientists across the world applauded the development of a new type of seed called New Rices for Africa (or Nericas). Unpatented and resistant to drought and disease, these seeds seemed like the boon that West Africa had long been waiting for and a potential way to boost agriculture and reduce food scarcity. Unfortunately, development from this much-celebrated bioengineering feat has so far failed to take off, due to insufficient access to the seeds themselves and lack of an effective agriculture infrastructure. Farmers eager to increase their crop yields are not in shortage, but fertilizer, roads, and efficient irrigation systems are. Investment in infrastructure and credits for these farmers could increase their ability to procure the resources that they need in order to start new crops of Nericas. Fortunately, a number of government organizations and NGOs are trying to address this problem.