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Unequal Exchange? Recent Transfers of Agricultural Resources and their Implications for Developing Countries

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  • Cary Fowler
  • Melinda Smale
  • Samy Gaiji

Abstract

Plant genetic resources constitute the biological basis for plant breeding and future agricultural development. Their transfer from developing to developed countries over centuries has sometimes been viewed as an example of exploitation, if not ‘biopiracy’. Modern gene flows are different in character and magnitude from historic exchanges, however. This article examines current patterns and finds that developing countries are major net recipients of germplasm samples from CGIAR centres, particularly if ‘improved materials’ are considered. Potentially problematic, intellectual property rights do not currently present major barriers to the availability and use of genetic resources by developing countries. Proposals to restrict flows and redress perceived injustices may reduce the benefits accruing at present to developing countries from germplasm exchanges.

Suggested Citation

  • Cary Fowler & Melinda Smale & Samy Gaiji, 2001. "Unequal Exchange? Recent Transfers of Agricultural Resources and their Implications for Developing Countries," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 19(2), pages 181-204, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:19:y:2001:i:2:p:181-204
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-7679.00130
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    Cited by:

    1. Brush, Stephen B., 2005. "Farmers' rights and protection of traditional agricultural knowledge:," CAPRi working papers 36, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Spielman, David J., 2007. "Pro-poor agricultural biotechnology: Can the international research system deliver the goods?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 189-204, April.
    3. Pragya Ranjan & Pratibha Brahmi & Vandana Tyagi & J. K. Ranjan & Vartika Srivastava & S. K. Yadav & S. P. Singh & Surender Singh & P. C. Binda & S. K. Singh & Kuldeep Singh, 2022. "Global interdependence for fruit genetic resources: status and challenges in India," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 14(3), pages 591-619, June.
    4. C.S. Srinivasan, 2005. "The International Trends In Plant Variety Protection," The Electronic Journal of Agricultural and Development Economics, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, vol. 2(2), pages 182-220.
    5. Dubin, H.J. & Brennan, John P., 2009. "Combating stem and leaf rust of wheat: Historical perspective, impacts, and lessons learned," IFPRI discussion papers 910, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    6. C. S. Srinivasan, 2004. "Plant Variety Protection, Innovation, and Transferability: Some Empirical Evidence," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 26(4), pages 445-471.
    7. Ola Tveitereid Westengen & Kristine Skarbø & Teshome Hunduma Mulesa & Trygve Berg, 2018. "Access to genes: linkages between genebanks and farmers’ seed systems," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(1), pages 9-25, February.
    8. Brush, Stephen B., 2007. "Farmers' Rights and Protection of Traditional Agricultural Knowledge," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 35(9), pages 1499-1514, September.
    9. Mekonnen, Dawit K. & Spielman, David J., 2021. "Changing patterns in genebank acquisitions of crop genetic materials: An analysis of global policy drivers and potential consequences," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).

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