The Use of GM Crops in Developing Countries
Structure and methodological approach
1.13 In this Discussion Paper, we review recent scientific, regulatory and policy-related developments in the use of GM crops in developing countries. We assess the potential of the technology to improve the effectiveness of agriculture under the often difficult conditions which prevail in these countries. Chapter 2 begins with an outline of the economic and demographic observations which guided our deliberations in the 1999 Report and contrasts them with recent evidence. In Chapter 3 we explain the basic technical and conceptual principles behind the genetic modification of plants. We also present eight case studies which illustrate some of the evidence that has been gathered over the past three years on the current and potential use of GM crops in developing countries. This is followed by a discussion of socio-economic and ethical arguments about their use (Chapter 4). We then consider issues raised by developments in governance, national and international regulation and trade (Chapter 5). Chapter 6 examines issues relating to the control of and access to GM technologies.
1.14 The Paper does not aim to provide an exhaustive account of how food security could be improved and poverty reduced in developing countries. By focusing on the role of GM crops we consider only a part, albeit an important one, of a large and complex picture. We are aware of the many factors that affect agricultural productivity in developing countries. For example, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) has listed war and other forms of armed conflict as the exclusive cause of food emergencies in 10-15 developing countries during the last three years.17 Furthermore, many developing countries have to cope with worsening economic conditions for local agriculture. These result from the failure of national agricultural policies and the absence of private organisations that could fill the void of state services. There are also instances of poor governance and corruption. In addition, land reform is urgently needed in many developing countries.
1.15 At the international level, problems arise from the fact that developing countries are constrained in their participation in global agricultural markets. Subsidies and import restrictions are commonly provided by developed countries to support their own farmers.
Footnotes17 FAO (2003) Foodcrops and Shortages: Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture. Available: http://www.fao.org/giews/english/fs/fstoc.htm. Accessed on: 10 Oct 2003.
18 Diao X, Diaz-Bonilla E and Robinson S (2003) How Much Does It Hurt? The Impact of Agricultural Trade Policies on Developing Countries (Washington, DC: IFPRI).
19 OECD Joint Working Party on Agriculture and Trade (2002) The Medium-Term Impacts of Trade Liberalisation in OECD Countries on the Food Security of Non-Member Economies. Available: http://www.olis.oecd.org/olis/2001doc.nsf/LinkTo/comagr- td-wp(2001)74-final. Accessed on: 10 Oct 2003; Diao X, Diaz-Bonilla E and Robinson S (2003) How Much Does It Hurt? The Impact of Agricultural Trade Policies on Developing Countries (Washington, DC: IFPRI); Oxfam (2002) Cultivating Poverty: The Impact of US Cotton Subsidies on Africa (Oxfam International).
20 Diao X, Diaz-Bonilla E and Robinson S (2003) How Much Does It Hurt? The Impact of Agricultural Trade Policies on Developing Countries (Washington, DC: IFPRI).
21 For a discussion of issues arising in context of global food and trade policy, see Chapter 5.