Agricultural Biotechnology in International Development

Obtaining world food security and food self-reliance for the developing nations is a complex and difficult task, but with increased research and education, agricultural production in developing countries can be improved. Biotechnology applications, integrated into traditional systems, hold much promise in this respect. Realizing the positive impact of biotechnology will depend upon the ability of developing countries to access and generate technology which is suitable to their needs. However, government policies may not encourage investment in public sector agricultural research and the private sector is often underdeveloped.

This book is the product of a conference, held in California in April 1997, under the auspices of the Agricultural Biotechnology for Sustainable Productivity (ABSP) project. It provides a broad overview of the latest research and applications and policy requirements for biotechnology in developing countries. The issues of food security, capacity building, intellectual property rights, technology transfer, biosafety and the need for private sector enterprise are addressed. This book is essential reading for policy makers, researchers in agricultural biotechnology, economists, and extension workers.