presented by the Research Group for Anthropologies of African Biosciences, LSHTM/Centre for Research in International Medical Anthropology (CRIMA) Brunel - part of the Medical Anthropology Seminar Series
Date: Tuesday 10 January 2012
Time: 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Jerry Morris B, LSHTM, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
Type of event: Seminar
Speaker(s): Andrew Bowman - PhD. Candidate, Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, Manchest...
Read more
presented by the Research Group for Anthropologies of African Biosciences, LSHTM/Centre for Research in International Medical Anthropology (CRIMA) Brunel - part of the Medical Anthropology Seminar Series
Date: Tuesday 10 January 2012
Time: 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
Venue: Jerry Morris B, LSHTM, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
Type of event: Seminar
Speaker(s): Andrew Bowman - PhD. Candidate, Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, Manchester University; Editor, Manchester Mule; Web Editor, Red Pepper
Abstract:
The seed is the most basic constituent of agricultural production, and attempts to modify and manipulate its properties are as old as agriculture itself. In the agricultural development programmes of the 20th century, the quest for higher agricultural productivity was channeled through the creation of new seed varieties. New seeds promised to change more than simply yield levels though. Seed also offered a means for development agencies to rework the social relations of agrarian societies, and the wider political-economy of agriculture. Drawing upon my PhD research into the history of science and technology in Zambian agriculture, this paper will explore the history of seed technology in Zambian agriculture, from the colonial science of the 1950s to the controversies surrounding GM crops during the 2002 regional food crisis. I will demonstrate the inter-relations between seed technology choices and social concerns ranging from gender relations and child nutrition, to national sovereignty, to biodiversity. The paper seeks to ascertain what relevance this history might have to our understanding of the Bill and Melinda Gates' Foundation's Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa's efforts to drive agricultural development with seed technology in the present day.
Admission: Free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis.
Contact: Wenzel Geissler
Email: wenzel.geissler@lshtm.ac.uk
