Biotechnology and Food Security in the 21st Century
Ismail Serageldin
Biotechnology can contribute to future food security
if it benefits sustainable small-farm agriculture in developing
countries. Presently, agrobiotechnology research cites ethical, safety,
and intellectual property rights issues. Protection of intellectual property rights encourages private sector investment in
agrobiotechnology, but in developing countries the needs of smallholder
farmers and environmental conservation are unlikely to attract private
funds. Public investment will be needed, and new and imaginative
public-private collaboration can make the gene revolution beneficial to
developing countries. This is crucial for the well-being of today's
hungry people and future generations.
Chairman, Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research, and Vice President for Special Programs, World Bank, 1818 H
Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA.
