Modern biotechnology for sustainable food security

By: Calestous Juma

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<h1>Modern biotechnology for sustainable food security</h1>
<h4>By: Calestous Juma</h4>
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<p>The emergence of modern biotechnology has invoked a major global controversy over the future of world agriculture. The debates surrounding this controversy have often reflected the interests of developed countries and paid little attention to the needs of developing countries, especially those needs related to food requirements of low-income populations. <BR><BR>The author argues that biotechnology — especially genetic modification — represents an important technology option for meeting the long-term food needs of developing countries. However, this technology must be used within a policy framework that recognises the importance of managing the health, environmental, and socio-economic risks associated with it.<BR><BR><a href="http://www.ifpri.cgiar.org/2020/focus/focus07/focus07_04.htm" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/tracking/external/'+this.href);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link to full text</A></p>

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<p>This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.scidev.net" target="_blank">SciDev.Net</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.scidev.net/global/opinions/modern-biotechnology-for-sustainable-food-security/" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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The emergence of modern biotechnology has invoked a major global controversy over the future of world agriculture. The debates surrounding this controversy have often reflected the interests of developed countries and paid little attention to the needs of developing countries, especially those needs related to food requirements of low-income populations.

The author argues that biotechnology — especially genetic modification — represents an important technology option for meeting the long-term food needs of developing countries. However, this technology must be used within a policy framework that recognises the importance of managing the health, environmental, and socio-economic risks associated with it.

Link to full text