Philip G. Pardey Knihy

Outlines theory and methods necessary for evaluating research in agriculture, for setting priorities for resource allocation, and assessing the social value of new technologies. Reviews methods such as economic surplus analysis, econometric techniques, mathematical programming procedures, and scoring models in the context of scientific policy, and explains how to apply the methods. Includes numerous b&w charts and tables. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

This volume explores the major policy dimensions of agricultural research, both national and international, with a primary focus on less developed countries. The approach is strongly quantitative and presents a synthesis and interpretation of the data.

What is the future of food? Feeding the world in the coming decades will necessitate significant increases in crop yields, but the path to achieving this is contentious, particularly regarding biotechnology. The role of biotechnology in ensuring affordable and sustainably grown food is a critical question, with implications for agriculture, the environment, economic development, and the well-being of the poor. This book delves into the controversy surrounding biotechnology, presenting analyses and insights from economists and technologists. It explores perceptions of biotechnology in rich versus poor countries, the impact of wealthy nations' restrictions on international trade of genetically modified crops on poorer nations, the potential of alternative technologies, and the influence of intellectual property rights on global bioscience. Key questions addressed include the level of investment needed in biosciences, the entities responsible for research funding, and the likely beneficiaries and detractors. Policymakers and stakeholders on both sides of the debate will find valuable economic perspectives on the trade-offs involved in this complex issue.