This book is an interdisciplinary primer on critical thinking and effective action for the future of our global agrifood system, based on an understanding of the system's biological and sociocultural roots. Key components of the book are a thorough analysis of the assumptions underlying...

An overview of the intended and unintended effects of U.S. agricultural and biotechnology policies / Joshua S. Graff Zivin and Jeffrey M. Perloff -- Agricultural policy -- The buck stops where? The distribution of agricultural subsidies / Barry K. Goodwin, Ashok K. Mishra, and François...

Intro -- About Island Press -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Chapter 1. Introduction - Michael Kugelman -- Chapter 2. Are We Learning from History? - Derek Byerlee -- Chapter 3. Overview - David Hallam -- Chapter 4. Social and Economic Implications - Alexandra...

Intro -- Contents -- Figures and Tables -- Foreword -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Abbreviations -- Part 1: Issues and Overview -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Environmental Problems Associated with Intensive Agriculture -- 3 Social Implications of Intensive Agriculture -- Part 2: Framework and...

Discusses the features and methodological difficulties of NRM impact assessment. This book examines the strengths and weaknesses of various impact assessment approaches, including econometric, bio-economic, and more direct methods. It also assesses and identifies data requirements for developing...

In rural Africa and the Middle East, many ecosystems are on the verge of collapse. The interplay of social, ecological, and political-economic forces has compromised the ability of farmers to sustain their precious soil. As a result, farmers, and especially women farmers, face a constant daily...

Genetically modified crops have become a topic of great interest among scientists, regulators, consumers, farmers, and politicians. Despite their potential benefits, public hostility toward these crops is causing dramatic changes to import/export policies, food safety regulations, and...

Plant breeding patents, the ownership of biological innovation and associated intellectual property rights (IPR) are the subject of increased attention worldwide. Particularly relevant to the field of biotechnology, this book presents the perspectives of policy-makers and economists on such issues.

The need for increased food production, enhanced economic growth and poverty reduction, whilst at the same time achieving environmental sustainability, is an issue of growing importance. This book addresses the linkages and tradeoffs involved in solving such key challenges.

Cover -- Contents -- Tables and Figures -- Abbreviations -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Chapter 1 The Natural Environment -- Chapter 2 The Political and Military Environment -- Chapter 3 The Rural Economy -- Chapter 4 The Seigneury -- Chapter 5 Institutions of Local Governance --...