Covering 19 case studies where biotechnology has been used to serve the needs of smallholders in developing countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has released a publication titled, 'Biotechnologies at Work for Smallholders.'
29 October 2013: Covering 19 case studies where biotechnology has been used to serve the needs of smallholders in developing countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has released a publication titled, ‘Biotechnologies at Work for Smallholders.’ The publication examines the potential of a range of biotechnologies, such as the development of flood-tolerant rice varieties, highly productive carp, and DNA diagnosis of viral livestock disease, to improve food security and enhance development.
Each case study explores constraints and opportunities on different crops including bananas, cassava, rice, livestock and shrimp. Challenges related to disease, climate change and resource overexploitation are also addressed. Lessons learned include the need for national commitment to increase smallholder productivity, financial support, and long-term national investment in science and technology.
The publication also calls for increasing engagement of smallholders in all stages of biotechnology introduction, as well as the sharing of resources, techniques and human capacity across borders. [Publication: Biotechnologies at Work for Smallholders: Case Studies from Developing Countries in Crops, Livestock and Fish] [FAO News Release] [UN News Release]