Title: Editorial Viewpoint: 'Making science and technology work for the poor'

Authors: Ian Scoones

Addresses: Knowledge, Technology and Society Team, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RE, UK

Abstract: This viewpoint piece argues that, as currently organised, research and development (R&D) systems – both public and private – do not necessarily respond well to the needs of poor people in developing countries. Despite all the hype about the potentials of Science and Technology for reducing poverty, there are many missed opportunities. Very often poor and marginalised people across the global south do not end up benefiting from science and technology (S&T). How then should we rethink R&D so that S&T can help in the important challenge to |make poverty history|? Three reasons are suggested why currently S&T does not always work for the poor, and these are illustrated with three examples from developing country agriculture.

Keywords: developing countries; agriculture; research and development; R&D; science and technology; S&T; poverty.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2007.013587

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2007 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.284 - 287

Published online: 08 May 2007 *

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