Institute of Development Studies

Many policy makers, journalists and politicians are keen to celebrate the 'pro-poor success' of genetically modified (GM, transgenic) crops in developing countries. However, a detailed look at the evidence reveals that the impacts of GM crop varieties have actually been very mixed. Although some farmers have captured substantial benefits, others, especially smaller-scale and poorer farmers who lack access to key resources like irrigation and credit, have not. Consequently, the picture emerging from farmers’ fields is one of complex, contingent and highly differentiated impacts.