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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
Date:	May 2010
Volume:	Vol.28
Number:	No.5
Number of Pages:	3
Page Range:	pp. 404-406
Identification Number:	10.1038/nbt0510-404
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/3189