Farmers, Scientists and Plant Breeding

Integrating Knowledge and Practice

Hardback
June 2002
9780851995854
More details
  • Publisher
    CABI
  • Published
    17th June 2002
  • ISBN 9780851995854
  • Language English
  • Pages 368 pp.
  • Size 6.75" x 9.25"
$242.00

The purpose of this book is to examine the nature of and relationship between the knowledge of farmers and of scientists, and how these can be best integrated in plant breeding. In the past, farmers' knowledge of local biodiversity has often been underutilized, but currently there is an increased recognition of the importance of farmer participation or collaboration.

"This book will be of interest primarily to plant breeders with an interest in exploring PPB as a dimension of their crop improvement programs. Likewise, policymakers in developing countries and developed assistance agencies should benefit..."

- BioScience

"The authors describe examples of farmer involvement in institutional plant breeding programs, and compare the knowledge of selection and genetic theory that farms and scientists bring to these collaborative efforts...Contrast in opinions among authors makes this book interesting to a wide spectrum of readers who are concerned with the genetics, politics, and social aspects of the convergence of modern and traditional science in agriculture."

- Biological Agriculture and Horticulture

"I strongly recommend this stimulating and informative book to students, plant breeders, social scientists and administrators of research and development in the international agricultural sector."

- Experimental Agriculture

David A. Cleveland

David A. Cleveland is a human ecologist who has done research and development project work on sustainable agrifood systems with farmers and gardeners around the world. His
research and teaching have focused on sustainable, small-scale agrifood systems,
including plant breeding and conservation of crop genetic diversity, and local and
scientific knowledge and collaboration between farmers and scientists. His current
research and teaching focus is on food system localization and diet change to improve health, mitigate anthropogenic climate change and environmental degradation, and promote food and climate justice, including at the University of California, in California,and globally.