Genetic technologies focused on poverty? A case study of genetically improved tilapia (GMT) in the Philippines.

AbstractThis chapter examines the potential of genetics-based technologies to enhance the livelihoods of poor people in developing countries, in the context of current development paradigms. Issues related to impacts on production and producers, fish consumers, and on employment opportunities, are discussed using a case study of a technology for the production of genetically male tilapia (GMT), which has been developed and disseminated since 1995 in the Philippines. Small-scale tilapia culture in the Philippines is characterized, and criteria by which small-scale, poor farmers can be identified are outlined. Analysis of current dissemination strategies revealed that ongoing 'passive' mechanisms, while providing for sustainable dissemination, do not reach many small-scale farmers. However, small-scale, poor farmers do stand to benefit, in terms of improved livelihoods, from appropriate genetics-based technologies. Tilapia play an important role in the diet of both the urban and rural poor in the Philippines who stand to benefit greatly from contributions that genetic technologies can make to improved production efficiency. Evaluation of a number of alternative dissemination strategies indicates that strategic, supported partnerships with non-governmental organizations and people's organizations are most likely to be effective in targeting the benefits of the technology at poor farmers. Alternatively, providing improved broodstock to small-scale hatcheries, combined with appropriate technical and financial support, can also be effective in targeting small-scale farmers. Recommendations for further research and modifications to ongoing dissemination strategies to enhance the benefits of genetics-based technologies for the poor are made.