Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries
- John Bryant Professor4,
- Dr Linda Baggott la Velle5,
- Revd Dr John Searle6
Published Online: 18 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0470846593.ch11
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Bioethics for Scientists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Bharathan, G., Chandrashekaran, S., May, T. and Bryant, J. (2002) Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries, in Bioethics for Scientists (eds J. Bryant, L. B. la Velle and J. Searle), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/0470846593.ch11
Editor Information
- 4
School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- 5
Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 6
Exeter & District Hospice, Exeter, UK
Publication History
- Published Online: 18 APR 2002
- Published Print: 31 MAR 2002
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471495321
Online ISBN: 9780470846599
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- Africa;
- food security;
- globalisation;
- GM;
- green revolution;
- India;
- justice;
- partnership;
- population;
- poverty
Summary
The world's population at the start of the 21st century is about 6 billion. Of these, about 1 billion live in poverty and do not enjoy food security, despite the fact the world produces more than enough food. In the mid-21st century, population is predicted to outstrip food production. What is needed is a ‘doubly green’ revolution to produce affordable food for the whole population of the world. Biotechnology, including the use of GM crops, could play a role in this. More GM research must be directed at the needs of less-developed countries. However, the commercial power in crop GM technology lies with a small number of large and powerful companies. This opens the way for exploitation of less-developed countries by the richer nations, on a purely commercial basis. A partnership approach between the private sector in developed countries and publicly or charitably funded research organisations is a possible way forward.