Biotechnology As a Tool for Development

1. Biotechnology As a Tool for Development Catherine Croft International Studies 5950 Globalization and the Environment December 6, 2001

2. Objectives • Understand the nature of the biotechnology debate • Identify biotechnology’s environmental and economic impact on less developed countries (LDCs) • Determine how biotechnology fits with development goals • Propose policy recommendations and ideas for further study

3. Introduction • Biotechnology is “The integrated use of molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and process technology employing micro-organisms, parts of micro-organisms, or cells and tissues of higher organisms to supply goods and services” (Bunders and Broerse, 1991) A buzzword for genetic engineering • Development is a multidisciplinary process, which, for the purpose of my paper, has three goals: • Increasing economic equality • Providing universal food security • Ensuring the environmental and economic sustainability of new initiatives

4. Introduction • The world’s population is growing exponentially • 0.2-0.5% in the developed world • 2.1% in the developing world (excluding China) • In order to feed the growing population, world food production will have to double by 2010 (est.) • The poorest of the poor are concentrated in rural areas • 80-90% in Africa and Asia • Approx. 50% in Latin America • Most depend on agriculture, particularly subsistence agriculture

5. The Biologists’ Debate How novel is biotechnology as a science? • Advocates say that biotechnology has existed since ancient times, since humans began fermenting wine or baking bread with yeast • They argue that biotechnology is an extension of classical breeding • Opponents point out that biologists cross genes from completely different species

6. The Biologists’ Debate How does biotechnology affect biodiversity? • Farming with too much of a similar crop creates a dangerous “monoculture” • A dependence on a few, GM crops could diminish food crop varieties through “pollution” and disuse • Advocates say that biotechnology could expand the use of plant diversity • Gene banks can be used to store seeds to preserve biodiversity

7. Environmental Impact • An estimated 60% of world’s poor survive on marginal soils; soil degradation could account for 0.5 – 1.5% of worldwide GDP (est.) • Biotechnology could increase production, thereby limiting the amount of new soils that need to be farmed • Plants could be modified so that there is less need for chemical inputs • However, so far biotech crops have increased farmers dependence on chemical inputs

8. Economic Impact • The largest portion of investment in biotechnology for agriculture is done by companies and universities in developed countries • Most biotechnology does not cater to the needs of the poor, though some genuine efforts are being made • Developed countries hold the patents, control pricing and distribution • Terminal seeds reduce self-sufficiency • Increased production drives down prices – poor farmers are affected whether or not they get involved

9. Development: Income Equality, Food Security, and Sustainability • Biotechnology increases income inequality • Patents control pricing for developing world and bring income to developed countries and their institutions • Countries that do not participate will be left behind • Biotechnology may increase food security • Increased production, increased quality • Biotechnology is not currently sustainable within developing countries • Has not yet had many positive effects on environment • Is depleting genetic resources

10. Can We Make Biotechnology Work? Yes… Here’s what we need: • Technology transfer • Patent restrictions • Alternative forms of genetic resource preservation (e.g. sample farming) • Crops developed specifically for the needs of the poor