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GM crops and gender issues

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Arjunan, Subramanian, Kirwan, Kerry, Pink, David and Qaim, Matin. (2010) GM crops and gender issues. Nature Biotechnology, Vol.28 (No.5). pp. 404-406. ISSN 1087-0156

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nbt0510-404

Abstract

Correspondence in the December issue by Jonathan Gressel not only states that gender issues in rural settings have not been adequately addressed with respect to weed control biotech but also asserts that such technology can increase the quality of life of rural women in developing countries. Improved weed control is a labor-saving technology that can result in less employment in a labor surplus rural economy. Often in rural areas, wage income is the main source of income and an important determinant of the quality of life, particularly where employment opportunities are generally limited. Apart from soil preparation, planting and weeding, harvesting is also 'femanual' work that can generate more employment if yields are higher. Biotech can enhance the quality of life of women but only if the technology is associated with overall generation of rural employment.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Alternative Title:

Genetically modified crops and gender issues

Subjects:

H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > WMG (Formerly the Warwick Manufacturing Group)
Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) > Warwick HRI (2004-2010)

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Genetically modified foods -- Social aspects, Women in development, Agriculture -- Economic aspects, Agriculture -- Labor productivity

Journal or Publication Title:

Nature Biotechnology

Publisher:

Nature Publishing Group

ISSN:

1087-0156

Official Date:

May 2010

Dates:

Date	Event
May 2010	Published

Volume:

Vol.28

Number:

No.5

Number of Pages:

Page Range:

pp. 404-406

Identification Number:

10.1038/nbt0510-404

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Open Access

References:

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Supplementary References:
Pyatt, G. & Round, J. Accounting and fixed price multipliers in a social accounting matrix framework. Econ. J. 89, 850-873 (1979).
Subramanian, S. & Sadoulet, E. The transmission of production fluctuation and technical change in a village economy: a social accounting matrix approach. Econ. Dev. Cult. Change 39, 131-173 (1990).
Parikh, A. & Thorbecke, E. Impact of rural industrialization on village life and economy: a SAM approach. Econ. Dev. Cult. Change 44, 351-377 (1996).