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Science and Technology in World Agriculture: The World Development Report as an Example of “Achievement Narratives”

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  • Pasquale Lucio Scandizzo

Abstract

Narratives simplify conceptual thinking about complex phenomena by providing interpretations and backgrounds based on standard linguistic schemes. As such, they offer an apt form for suggestive evocation of the many controversies on the impact of technology and science on world agriculture. Beliefs, stylized evidence and arguments on this subject tend to fall into contrasting narratives given the complexity of the issues involved, and, at the same time, the underlying contradictions that this complexity entails. This paper contends that narratives can be revealing as clusters of opposed beliefs, and as parts of contrasting discourses on the future of agriculture. In this respect, the World Development Report represents an excellent example of the interpretation of technological progress in agriculture as a series of narratives focusing on the optimistic but prudent sequence of rational pursuit of valuable objectives, inevitable obstacles and ultimate achievements.

Suggested Citation

  • Pasquale Lucio Scandizzo, 2009. "Science and Technology in World Agriculture: The World Development Report as an Example of “Achievement Narratives”," QA - Rivista dell'Associazione Rossi-Doria, Associazione Rossi Doria, issue 1, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rar:journl:0095
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    1. Williamson, Oliver, 2009. "The Theory of the Firm as Governance Structure: From Choice to Contract," Ekonomicheskaya Politika / Economic Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, vol. 6, pages 111-134, December.
    2. Alston, Julian M. & Wyatt, T. J. & Pardey, Philip G. & Marra, Michele C. & Chan-Kang, Connie, 2000. "A meta-analysis of rates of return to agricultural R & D: ex pede Herculem?," Research reports 113, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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    Cited by:

    1. Michele De Benedictis, 2008. "Peasant Economy: Yesterday and Today," QA - Rivista dell'Associazione Rossi-Doria, Associazione Rossi Doria, issue 3, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Narrative; Discourse; Science; Biotechnology; Agriculture;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • Z00 - Other Special Topics - - General - - - General

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