Abstract

Reference: CGIAR 2000b
Title: Promethean Science: Agricultural Biotechnology, the Environment and the Poor. 
Authors: Serageldin, I. and Persley, G.J.
Publisher: Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, 1818 H Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, USA 
Publication details: May 2000. 48p

Prometheus, according to Greek mythology, was a Titan, responsible for introducing fire to humans, a remarkable innovation in its time, but having benefits and risks, depending on its use. Promethean has since come to mean daringly original and creative.

This book is a companion to the larger volume “Agricultural Biotechnology and the Poor” (CGIAR 2000a) which was published by the CGIAR in January 2000. It summarizes the challenges of global food security, and the need for a double shift in the research paradigm to address these challenges.

The double shift in the research paradigm is firstly, the need for greater contextualization of research, to be undertaken in the context of the deeper understanding of the sustainable management of the environment and the socioeconomic and gender issues that affect livelihoods of poor people in rural and urban areas. The second shift is the need to mobilize the new revolution in genetics and biotechnology to improve the productivity of agro-ecological systems and the crops, livestock, fish, trees and other species important to poor people and developing countries.

Without minimizing the vital importance of the first shift, this monograph is devoted to a discussion of the second shift, the challenge of harnessing the new findings in biotechnology for the benefit of the poor and the environment. It recognizes that the need to produce and improve access to sufficient food for the world’s population is urgent, compelling and complementary to improving human health.

Back to CGIAR page