Appropriate Biotechnology in Small-Scale Agriculture

As currently practised, agricultural biotechnology is largely oriented to the needs and economies of the developed world. To be of benefit to small-scale farmers in developing countries, technologies need to be appropriate, taking into account both the prevailing conditions and making the best use of local resources. This book addresses a number of issues related to these problems. In particular it examines the concern that projects undertaken in research facilities far distant from the farmer may have little impact on small-scale agriculture in developing countries, and if so, how project proposals should be assessed to remedy this situation. A second key theme of the book is to consider how information exchange can be enhanced in order to give higher priority to small-scale agriculture in biotechnology research policies. The book will therefore be of immediate concern to policy-makers in government, donor organizations, non-governmental organizations, industry and research organizations concerned with biotechnology in the Third World.