Feeding a World Population of More than Eight Billion People: A Challenge to Science / Edition 2

by J. C. Waterlow, D. G. Armstrong, Leslie Fowden, Ralph Riley

Overview

Since the 1960s, breakthroughs in agriculture have made it possible to satisfy the world's increasing requirements for food. Can this trend continue over the next thirty years when the world population is projected to exceed eight billion? This book takes a critical look at the immediate challenges for feeding the population just a generation from now. Based on the 10th International Symposium sponsored by the Nutrition Committee and the Trustees of the Rank Prize Funds, the volume examines the full range of related issues, from food economics to resource allocation and crop yields. Beginning with an analysis of future food needs, the articles cover basic resources and constraints, applications of science to increase yield, the role of animal products in feeding eight billion people, and diverse social issues. The book provides insights into some of the most important questions we will be faced with in the coming years, making it an invaluable resource for a wide range of researchers in agriculture, the environment, and public policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195113129
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	07/16/1998
Series:	Topics in Sustainable Agronomy
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London

University of Newcastle upon Tyne

University College, London

Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge

Table of Contents

Part 1: The challenge1. Needs for food: are we asking too much?, J. C. Waterlow2. The Economics of Food, Partha DasguptaPart 2: Basic resources and constraints3. Land resources and constraints to crop production, D.J. Greenland, P.J. Gregory, and P.H. Nye4. Water and food in developing countries in the next century, M. Yudelman5. Energy for agriculture in the 21st century, B.A. StoutPart 3: Applications of science to increase yield6. Greater crop production: whence and whither?, L.T. Evans7. How and when will plant biotechnology help?, Marc van Montagu8. What limits the efficiency of photosynthesis and can there be beneficial improvements?, J. Barber9. Rubisco: the key to improved crop production for a world population of more than eight billion people?, S.P. Long10. Increasing rice productivity by manipulation of starch biosynthesis during seed development, Sang-Bong Choi, et. al.11. Improving yield potential by modification of plant type and through exploitation of heterosis, G.S. Khush, S. Peng, and S.S. Virmani12. Developing crops with resistance to salinity and drought stress, D.P.S. Verma13. Prospects for engineering enhanced durable disease resistance in crops, Chris Lamb14. A systems perspective on post-harvest losses, M. Gill and N. PoulterPart IV: The role of animal products in feeding eight billion people15. Significance of dietary protein source in human nutrition: animal and/or plant proteins?, Vernon R. Young, Nevin S. Scrimshaw, and Peter L. Pellett16. Competition between livestock and man for nutrients: let ruminants eat grass, H.A. Fitzhugh17. Animals and the human food chain, R.B. HeapPart 5: Social Aspects18. Practical innovation: partnerships between scientists and farmers, G.R. Conway19. Productivity, poverty alleviation and food security, Donald L. Winkelmann

Editorial Reviews

"This book is based on the 10th International Symposium sponsered by the Nutrition Committee and the Trustees of the Rank Prize Funds. It examines the immediate challenges of feeding a growing human population just a generation from now. The 19 individually authored articles in this book cover a broad range of topics, from food economics to resource allocation and crop yields. The book is an invaluable resource for a wide range of those interested in agriculture, the environment, and public policy." —Biosis, Vol 51, Issue 3, March 1999

From the Publisher