Enclosing the Global Plant Genetic Commons

Looks at policies related to the development, use, and control of plant genetic resources, with a focus on property rights in relation to changing technology and its impact on food security in developing countries

Technological Potential for Increasing Crop Productivity in Developing Countries

Crop Production/Industries, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Report on the Examination of the CGIAR Secretariat

Report of an ad hoc committee, chaired by Bob Herdt, appointed by the Chairman of the CGIAR to review the work of the CGIAR Secretariat. The committee made 12 recommendations and 21 suggestions, some of which extended beyond its mandate. For example it suggested creation of a Policy Council, continued appointment of the CGIAR Chairman from among the vice presidents of the World Bank, and the merger of the TAC and CGIAR secretariats. It also recommended a system for identifying qualified candidates for center boards, TAC, and external reviews.Agenda document at CGIAR International Centers Week, October-November 1988

The Rockefeller Foundation's International Program on Rice Biotechnology

Presents the product of a two-year intensive survey and analysis of the genetic prospects for the world's major food crops conducted in the early 1980s

The Effects of Small Farm Mechanization on Employment and Output in Selected Rice-Growing Areas in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This article is part of the seminar-workshop on the "Consequences of Small Farm Mechanization on Production, Employment and Incomes in the Philippines” sponsored jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and the International Rice Research Institute held on December 1-2, 1983 at Tagaytay City. It develops a working definition of a mechanized rice farm, determines the existence of mechanized and nonmechanized rice farms and looks into various factors that affect labor employment and output of small rice farms in Nueva Ecija.labor force, agriculture sector, rice commodities, rice farm, farm lands, impact analysis, mechanization

The Effects of Small Farm Mechanization on Employment and Output in Selected Rice-Growing Areas in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This article is part of the seminar-workshop on the "Consequences of Small Farm Mechanization on Production, Employment and Incomes in the Philippines” sponsored jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and the International Rice Research Institute held on December 1-2, 1983 at Tagaytay City. It develops a working definition of a mechanized rice farm, determines the existence of mechanized and nonmechanized rice farms and looks into various factors that affect labor employment and output of small rice farms in Nueva Ecija.labor force, agriculture sector, rice commodities, rice farm, farm lands, impact analysis, mechanization

Agricultural biotechnology in the 21st century: Promises and pitfalls

Plant biotechnology promises many advantages and may significantly improve agricultural productivity, help feed people in developing countries, reduce pesticide use, and lead to a more sustainable agricultural system. Some people question each of these promises, but the balance of scientific opinion holds that the potential dangers associated with genetically engineered crops is small, especially compared to the potential benefits for regions of the world that will require considerably increased production

Agricultural Biotechnology and the Poor in Developing Countries

The poor can be helped by improving the conditions or environment in which they live, lowering the costs of what they consume, and increasing their incomes. In the developing world, if agricultural biotechnology can be directed towards such changes it can benefit the poor. Directing biotechnology requires a clear identification of the poor, where they live, what they consume, how they generate their income, how biotechnology could improve their living conditions, how it could reduce the costs of what they consume, and how it might increase their income. I briefly discuss identifying the poor and their needs, and then concentrate on the potentials of biotechnology