http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/34909 2013-06-18T06:32:04Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50631 Title: Tackling Meningitis in Africa Authors: Thorsteinsdóttir, Halla; Sáenz, Tirso W 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50559 Title: Difusión del algodón GM y su repercusión en la rentabilidad de los pequeños productores. Estudio de caso de cuatro localidades chaqueñas Authors: Arza, Valeria; Goldberg, Laura; Vazquez, Claudia Abstract: En este trabajo se analiza la adopción del algodón genéticamente modificado (GM) por parte de pequeños productores del Chaco, Argentina. Se utiliza el marco conceptual de la configuración socio-técnica de la tecnología, en que se postula que existe un conjunto de factores que inciden de manera relevante en la forma en que funcionan las tecnologías. Desde este marco, se describen las condiciones en que los pequeños productores del Chaco adoptan el algodón GM y se señalan las diferencias existentes con los grandes productores, en quienes se centra la mayor parte de la literatura. A partir de metodologías cualitativas, se analizan las rupturas y continuidades ocurridas desde la introducción del algodón GM en las prácticas productivas que afectan a la rentabilidad de los pequeños productores. Se constata que las dificultades productivas que estos enfrentan no han variado esencialmente y, en algunos casos, se han profundizado. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50558 Title: The configuration of agricultural biotechnologies in dual agricultural systems: GM cotton adoption by commercial farmers and family farmers in Argentina Authors: van Zwanenberg, Patrick; Arza, Valeria Abstract: Drawing on a socio-technical systems perspective this paper compares the ways in which novel genetically modified (GM) crop artefacts, related devices and techniques, actors, practices, and institutions have been configured across two distinctive cotton production systems in north east Argentina, one based around large scale commercial farming and the other based around small scale family farming. In the former system, linkages between new GM seeds, and new actors, complementary artefacts, agricultural techniques, technical support, and modified supply markets and regulatory rules have resulted in GM-based cotton production systems that perform well. In the latter system, the new GM artefacts were unavailable, whilst conventional seeds disappeared from input markets. Instead, linkages were formed between copied GM seeds, of unreliable identify and poor quality, informal seed multipliers and dealers, largely unmodified production practices, declining technical support, uncontrolled pest problems, and an absence of regulatory oversight, resulting in a poorly performing technology. In effect, working agricultural biotechnologies are different in the two farming systems; they have different characteristics and capabilities and perform in different ways. The paper considers how regulatory and public agricultural research institutions have mediated those configuration processes, and how public policies in these areas could help shape cotton production systems in ways that better support small farmers’ livelihoods. Description: Draft – 15 June 2012 - Manuscript for submission to Technology in Society, special issue on “Biotechnology, Controversy, and Policy: Challenges of the Bioeconomy in Latin America” 2012-06-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50507 Title: When are agricultural biotechnologies adapted to host country contexts? Evidence from the commercialisation of GM cotton in Argentina Authors: Arza, Valeria; van Zwanenberg, Patrick Abstract: In this paper we explore how and why the affiliate of a multinational seed firm has adapted genetically modified cotton technologies, created elsewhere, for commercialisation within Argentina's agricultural sector. We argue that whilst a conventional economic rationale, such as market size, costs of local research and development, and the ability to appropriate benefits partly explain patterns of adaptation, the kinds of adaptation actually undertaken also reflect the outcome of political bargaining processes. Our findings imply that developing country governments may have scope for encouraging the international transfer and adaptation of foreign technology beyond the provision of economic incentives. Description: Manuscript 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50501 Title: Pequeños algodoneros chaqueños: ¿cómo viven y producen desde la llegada de los OGM?: Notas para repensar las políticas de promoción de tecnologías según el tipo de usuarios Authors: Arza, Valeria; Fazio, María Eugenia Abstract: La llegada de los organismos genéticamente modificados (OGM) y su paquete de tecnologías asociadas significó un cambio tecnológico radical en la agricultura mundial. Sin embargo, su uso y efectos en contextos de pobreza han sido, por ahora, poco estudiados y comprendidos. Los resultados de esta investigación cuestionan tanto los beneficios de estas tecnologías para los agricultores pequeños como los modelos uniformes de transferencia tecnológica como receta para salir de la pobreza. El caso de los pequeños algodoneros chaqueños ofrece un ejemplo para demostrar que el impacto de los OGM está lejos de ser neutral y homogéneo. Conviene, por tanto, repensar las políticas de promoción de estas tecnologías según el contexto en el que se insertan. El trabajo finaliza con recomendaciones de políticas para pensar el diseño y difusión de tecnologías para el algodón según las necesidades de los usuarios más vulnerables.; The arrival of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their associated technology package meant a radical technological change in agriculture worldwide. However, their use and effects in poverty contexts have not been well studied and understood so far. The results from this research question both, the extent to which these technologies have been beneficial for small farmers and policy recipes based on uniform technology transfer as a way out of poverty. The case of small farmers in Chaco offers an example to show that the impact of GMOs has not been neutral and homogeneous. It is worth then to rethink policies to promote these technologies for the specific context in which they would operate. The paper suggests policy recommendations to design and diffuse technologies for cotton according to the needs of the more vulnerable users. Description: Resumen y palabras clave en español y en Inglés / Abstract and keywords in Spanish and English 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z