Genetically-modified (GM) crops have been planted by farmers across the developing world for over a decade. When GM crops were first released there was a massive debate, with some arguing that they would be a disaster and others acclaiming them as a saviour. IDS research has aimed to take a balanced perspective, exploring what happened on the ground in a number of countries, including India, China, Kenya and Argentina.
The promise that GM crops were going to provide the 'pro-poor' solution to agricultural problems has been challenged, but in some places, for some farmers, with some crops they are offering benefits. IDS research has offered a critical and nuanced perspective often missing from the dominant, polarised debates, exploring in particular the political economy and governance challenges of agricultural biotechnology.
- Research Fellow
- Research Fellow
Agricultural Biotechnology & Policy Processes in Developing Countries
Modern agricultural biotechnology has profound implications for global and local agricultural and food systems, and for the livelihoods of farmers in the developed and developing worlds. The actual consequences will depend on the pathways along which the technology is developed and applied in practice. More details
GM Crops and Indigenous Management Skill
This project examines the effects of GM seeds on the ‘indigenous management skill’ (IMS) that is crucial to the productivity and sustainability of small-scale crop cultivation. More details
Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS) Centre
The STEPS Centre is an interdisciplinary global research and policy engagement hub, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. It aims to develop a new approach to understanding, action and communication on sustainability and development. More details