Thumbnail Image

Ten Lessons from Biotechnology Experiences in Crops, Livestock and Fish for Smallholders in Developing Countries

Year of publication 2013

Author James D. Dargie, John Ruane and Andrea Sonnino

Publisher Asian Biotechnology and Development Review ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) FAO recently commissioned a unique series of 19 case studies where agricultural biotechnologies were used to serve the needs of smallholders in developing countries. Most involved a single crop, livestock or fish species and a single biotechnology. The biotechnologies covered include some that are considered quite traditional, such as artificial insemination and fermentation, as well as other more modern ones, such as the use of DNA-based approaches to detect pathogens, but not genet ic modification. From the case studies, we have drawn ten general and interrelated lessons which can be used to inform and assist policy-makers when deciding on potential interventions involving biotechnologies for smallholders in developing countries. These include: the absolute necessity for government commitment and backing from donors and international agencies, and of partnerships, both nationally and internationally, and also with the farmers themselves in the planning and impl ementation of programmes while bearing in mind also the need to retain flexibility in order to respond appropriately to evolving circumstances; and the recognition that while long-term investments in science and technology are critical, the successful use of biotechnologies also requires their appropriate integration with other sources of science-based and traditional knowledge. For the 19 case studies, there were no indications that intellectual property issues, access to genetic resources or specific regulatory mechanisms constrained use of any of the biotechnologies or their products. It was also concluded that planning, monitoring and evaluation of biotechnology applications was weak and should be strengthened.

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Biotechnologies at Work for Smallholders: Case Studies from Developing Countries in Crops, Livestock and Fish 2013
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This book documents a unique series of 19 case studies where agricultural biotechnologies were used to serve the needs of smallholders in developing countries. They cover different regions, production systems, species and underlying socio-economic conditions in the crop (seven case studies), livestock (seven) and aquaculture/fisheries (five) sectors. Most of the case studies involve a single crop, livestock or fish species and a single biotechnology. The biotechnologies covered include some th at are considered quite traditional, such as fermentation and artificial insemination, as well as other more modern ones, such as the use of DNA-based approaches to detect pathogens. Prepared by scientists and researchers who were directly involved in the initiatives, the authors were able to provide an insider’s guide to the background, achievements, obstacles, challenges and lessons learned from each case study. The final chapter of the book summarizes the background, challenges, results and lessons learned from the 19 case studies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Developing fish landing centres: Experiences and lessons from Sri Lanka 2012
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The Restoration and Improvement of Fish Landing Centres with Stakeholder Participation in Management Project was implemented between August 2008 and September 2011. The goal of the project was to improve the livelihoods of fishers and fishing communities in tsunami-affected areas in Sri Lanka. This goal was broadened midway through the project to include post-conflict areas in the north of the country. This paper documents the experiences and lessons generated by the project which it is hoped wi ll serve as a source of information and inspiration for further work in the sustainable development of small-scale fishing communities and fish landing sites elsewhere. Attention focuses on the involvement of stakeholders, the practical aspects of the initial profiling and selection process for landing site development and the importance of capacity development in ensuring sustainability of the project outcome. The project’s methodology with regard to infrastructure development, in particular th e planning steps and procedures, the importance of the business planning process and training delivery is discussed, and the role of village-based institutions explored.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Developing a climate-smart agriculture strategy at the country level: lessons from recent experience
    Background Paper for the Second Global Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate ChangeHanoi, Vietnam, 3-7 September 2012
    2012
    Also available in:
    No results found.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.