Agricultural biotechnologies in developing countries and their possible contribution to food security

Ruane, J.; Sonnino, A.

doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2011.06.013

Cited by 74 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…FAO stresses that there is a whole range of major strategies to cope with global water scarcity, including desalination of saline waters, re-use of wastewater, virtual water and food trade, increase in agricultural yields and improved wateruse efficiency in agriculture including the use of biotechnology [60]. The latter involves a series of sequential steps related to both physical and biological processes, stressing that it will be more effective to 'make modest improvements in several steps than to concentrate efforts on improving efficiency of just one or two of the eight steps' further discussed in the FAO report.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growing water scarcity in agriculture: future challenge to global water security

Falkenmark

2013

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

243

152

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As water is an essential component of the planetary life support system, water deficiency constitutes an insecurity that has to be overcome in the process of socio-economic development. The paper analyses the origin and appearance of blue as well as green water scarcity on different scales and with particular focus on risks to food production and water supply for municipalities and industry. It analyses water scarcity originating from both climatic phenomena and water partitioning disturbances on different scales: crop field, country level and the global circulation system. The implications by 2050 of water scarcity in terms of potential country-level water deficits for food self-reliance are analysed, and the compensating dependence on trade in virtual water for almost half the world population is noted. Planetary-scale conditions for sustainability of the global water circulation system are discussed in terms of a recently proposed Planetary Freshwater Boundary, and the consumptive water use reserve left to be shared between water requirements for global food production, fuelwood production and carbon sequestration is discussed. Finally, the importance of a paradigm shift in the further conceptual development of water security is stressed, so that adequate attention is paid to water's fundamental role in both natural and socio-economic systems.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growing water scarcity in agriculture: future challenge to global water security

Falkenmark

2013

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

243

152

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“…Cryogenic storage of carefully evaluated genetic material from a target breed population is also seen as an insurance policy against future loss. The merits and demerits of using these approaches have been previously discussed (Boettcher et al, 2010;Munro & Adams, 1991;Philipsson, Rege & Okeyo, 2006;Pintado & Hourcade, 2011;Ruane & Sonnino, 2011). The application of cryopreservation formerly depended only on assisted reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer technologies.…”

Section: Conservation Methods For Domestic Animal Genetic Resourcesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular identification of livestock breeds: a tool for modern conservation biology

et al. 2016

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Global livestock genetic diversity includes all of the species, breeds and strains of domestic animals, and their variations. Although a recent census had indicated that there were 40 species and over 8000 breeds of domestic animals; for the purpose of conservation biology the diversity between and within breeds rather than species is regarded to be of crucial importance. This domestic animal genetic diversity has developed through three main evolutionary events, from speciation (about 3 million years ago) through domestication (about 12,000 years ago) to specialised breeding (starting about 200 years ago). These events and their impacts on global animal genetic resources have been well documented in the literature. The key importance of global domestic animal resources in terms of economic, scientific and cultural heritage has also been quantified. In spite of the importance, there have been a growing number of reports on the alarming erosion of domestic animal genetic Molecular Identification of Livestock Breeds: A Tool for Modern Conservation Biology 2 resources. This erosion of animal genetic resources is happening in spite of several global conservation initiatives designed to mitigate it. In this review, we discuss these conservation interventions and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. However, pivotal to the success of these conservation initiatives is the reliability of the genetic assignment of individual members within a target breed. Finally, we discuss the prospect of using improved breed identification methodologies to develop a reliable breed specific molecular identification tool that is easily applicable to populations of livestock breeds in various ecosystems. These identification tools, when developed, will not only facilitate the regular monitoring of threatened or endangered breed populations, but also enhance the development of more efficient and sustainable livestock production systems.

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“…Advances in biotechnology can improve the detection and control of plant diseases, while biofertilizers and biopesticides can enhance plant nutrition and pest control [118]. Similar advances are available for use in livestock production and in aquaculture.…”

Section: Technology For Sustainable Agriculturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similar advances are available for use in livestock production and in aquaculture. Molecular-based serological techniques have notably improved animal health in lower income countries, while molecular-based pathogen detection systems are used to detect viruses in all countries producing commercial shrimp [118].…”

Section: Technology For Sustainable Agriculturementioning

confidence: 99%

Achieving Water and Food Security in 2050: Outlook, Policies, and Investments

Wichelns

2015

Agriculture

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Food production in 2050 will be sufficient, globally, but many of the poor will remain food insecure. The primary cause of food insecurity will continue to be poverty, rather than inadequate food production. Thus, policies and investments that increase the incomes of the poor will remain the best ways to extend food security to all. Investments that promote growth in sustainable agriculture and provide non-farm employment opportunities in rural areas of lower income countries will be most helpful. There will be sufficient water, globally, to achieve food production goals and sustain rural and urban livelihoods, if we allocate and manage the resource wisely. Yet, water shortages will constrain agricultural production and limit incomes and livelihood opportunities in many areas. Policies and investments are needed to extend and ensure access to water for household use and agricultural production. Challenges requiring the attention of policy makers and investors include increasing urbanization and increasing demands for land and water resources. Policy makers must ensure that farmers retain access to the water they need for producing food and sustaining livelihoods, and they must create greater opportunities for women in agriculture. They must also motivate investments in new technologies that will enhance crop and livestock production, particularly for smallholders, and encourage the private sector to invest in activities that create employment opportunities in rural areas.

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Agricultural biotechnologies in developing countries and their possible contribution to food security

Cited by 74 publications

References 19 publications

Growing water scarcity in agriculture: future challenge to global water security

Growing water scarcity in agriculture: future challenge to global water security

Molecular identification of livestock breeds: a tool for modern conservation biology

Achieving Water and Food Security in 2050: Outlook, Policies, and Investments

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