ABSTRACT
Whereas previous chapters have emphasized interactions between biotechnology and environment, this chapter takes up the relationship between biotechnology and traditional knowledge. In particular I will consider the nature and resilience of traditional agricultural knowledge, as crop genetic modification – arguably the most powerful and controversial technology ever to enter the agricultural sector – moves into developing countries. How this technology may affect traditional knowledge and practice is poorly understood. Some argue that genetically modified (GM) crops are particularly suited to developing countries because they offer self-contained solutions ‘in the seed’ that can be adopted without farmers having to adjust or even to understand (Wambugu, 1999); others warn that the new technology threatens to undermine traditional knowledge (Harwick, 2000, p53; Simms, 1999).
