SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Sustain. Food Syst.
Sec. Agricultural and Food Economics
Volume 9 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1609417
A Systematic Review on Enhancing the Technical Efficiency of Genetically Modified Maize Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Agricultural Extension Services and Barriers to Success
Provisionally accepted
- 1University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- 2University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa
- 3University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
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Abstract Genetically modified (GM) maize holds significant potential to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and farm returns. Yet, varying technical efficiency levels have been reported across countries, coupled with different levels of effectiveness of agricultural extension services, which could enhance high efficiency. This systematic review examines the impact of agricultural extension services on the technical efficiency of GM maize adoption in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search across multiple databases identified 68 peer-reviewed studies (2011-2024) that focused on technical efficiency and extension services. The review found that effective extension services significantly improve technical efficiency in GM maize adoption. However, challenges such as limited information, strict regulations, high seed costs, and biosafety concerns hinder adoption. The review highlights the importance of targeted support for smallholder farmers and calls for tailored extension programs that address farmers' specific needs. Additionally, encouraging collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities is essential for developing inclusive extension strategies that bridge knowledge gaps and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Keywords: Agricultural extension services, Technical efficiency, Genetically modified maize, sub-Saharan Africa, Adoption rates, productivity
Received: 24 Apr 2025; Accepted: 13 Oct 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Ngqulana, Oladele, Mdoda, Nontu and Mdiya. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Lelethu Mdoda, lelethu.mdoda@gmail.com
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