Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Features archive results 1-20 of 21 in Agriculture & Environment and Agri-biotech
Ambitious reforms aimed at meeting the world's food demands lie ahead for the agency that networks agricultural research in poor regions.
Nutrient-rich foods could combat malnutrition — but getting from the lab to the plate is proving a challenge.
An agricultural scientist whose work in sorghum improvement has benefited African farmers has won the World Food Prize.
FEATURE | 22 June 2009 | EN
Developing world farmers are leading the way in the adoption of genetically modified crops.
Opinions on China's recent US$3.7 billion GM roll-out remain divided, with concerns over potential risks and regulation loopholes.
Florence Wambugu, winner of the 2008 YARA prize for African agriculture, speaks to SciDev.Net about the challenges facing the field.
Cassava is getting a transgenic makeover to boost its nutritional value, shelf-life and disease resistance.
The first drought-tolerant maize varieties developed by the Asian Maize Network, established to tackle poor harvests, are showing promise.
A mutant strain of drought-resistant wheat is contributing to Kenya's food security, enabling the use of land previously unsuited to cultivation.
FEATURE | 20 May 2008 | EN
Tanzania's land is gradually being reclaimed, thanks to a new regional development programme and improved land management systems.
FEATURE | 26 March 2008 | EN
Climate change threatens food crops across the world. Now scientists are re-focusing their efforts on crop resilience, rather than yields.
Despite pest and pricing worries, many Asian farmers welcome GM crops. Jia Hepeng heard their stories during a farmers' exchange programme.
Maryke Steffens reports on the influences behind Africa's diverse attitudes to transgenic crops, and the need for a unified agenda.
FEATURE | 12 June 2007 | EN
Dominic Glover outlines the status of agricultural biotechnology research, development and commercialisation in sub-Saharan Africa.
FEATURE | 5 June 2007 | EN
Michael Malakata reports on efforts to fight hunger in Africa by preserving seeds and boosting research into improved crop varieties.
FEATURE | 22 May 2007 | EN
The chequered history of Bt cotton in India — marked by pest resistance and farmers' suicides — has polarised opinions over the technology, reports TV Padma.
FEATURE | 20 December 2006 | EN
Indian scientists say that reduced access to plant material in international gene banks will limit the country's ability to produce enough wheat, reports K.S. Jayaraman.
FEATURE | 24 May 2006 | EN
Ebenezer Bifubyeka asks African delegates at the Convention on Biological Diversity what they plan to do to spread awareness of the uses and risks of GM farming.
FEATURE | 31 March 2006 | EN
Mexican tequila producers are turning to modern plant science to improve the genetic diversity and resilience of their crop, reports Rex Dalton.
Carlos D. Marquez reports on how scientists are working with an indigenous people in the Philippines to save some of the world's most famous rice fields from being destroyed by rats and worms.
FEATURE | 23 August 2005 | EN
Our blog, by SciDev.Net columnist Priya Shetty, will fill you in, as will our interview with the Global Forum's Gill Samuels
Millions of people still drink arsenic-contaminated water despite scientists' solutions
Policymakers must improve water storage to help developing countries adapt to climate change