Although there seems no doubt that transgenic crops will find many applications in developing countries, their potential contribution to poverty reduction is not well understood. Many observers have correctly pointed to biotechnology's capacity for offering productivity gains to meet increasing food demand. What they discuss less frequently, however, are the challenges in allowing those gains to be realized by resource-poor farmers.
One of the most frequent points of comparison is the Green Revolution. It led to the widespread adoption of productive new varieties, but the impact was greatest in relatively favored environments, where markets were well established and inputs were available. Transgenic crops could circumvent such requirements. Engineered resistance to pests and disease could eliminate the need for expensive chemicals; changes in crop physiology could address limitations of poor soils or climate; nutritional enhancement can address dietary deficiencies caused by inadequate crop production. Transgenic crops could deliver benefits to resource-poor farmers within the seed. But real value will only accrue to such farmers if a number of largely nontechnical barriers can be overcome.
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