ABSTRACT
Biotechnology applications can increase agricultural outputs and, therefore, benefit rural workers by expanding job opportunities and, by implication, the income of the poor. The small-scale producers in developing countries who depend mainly on crop production for their subsistence is the most vulnerable group. The evidence available on the socio-economic implications of biotechnology advances in developing countries is limited to a few country case-studies and scattered among few crops. Biotechnology may offer considerable scope for rural poverty alleviation by solving location-specific constraints, combating malnutrition and generating employment and, hence, income for the rural worker/producer. The application of biotechnology may benefit the small scale producer in developing countries, principally those located in drought-prone areas. The livelihood of the rural poor in developing countries may be affected by biotechnological advances. It is expected that improved new varieties of crop could help to increase physical output and, by implication, the income and employment opportunities for rural workers/producers.
