To what extent will GM(genitic modification) agriculture help feed a growing global population - Essay Example

the increase in population levels, but also the fact that these increases in population to a large extent are expected to happen in the emerging economies. These countries are experienced an upturn in economic fortunes giving rise to increased income generation. The result of the increased income generation will be reflected in demand for more food from these economies. This is the challenge that the world faces in this early period of the twenty-first century. It is in the addressing of these challenges that the role of biotechnology and genetically modified foods needs to be examined under the microscope.

(Pinstrup-Anderson, Pandya-Lorch & Rosegrant. 1999). This essay aims to examine genetically modified agriculture and the possibility of it offering a solution for the vexing problem of increased food production to meet the needs of the anticipated growth in population. For this purpose a literature review is proposed to establish evidence on genetically engineered agriculture. The review will cover literature in favour of the use of genetically modified agriculture as well as literature that is against the se of genetic engineering as means to provide a solution to the issue of feeding the expected increase in population.

Genetically engineered food crops have been grown in many parts of the world and it is expected that there is ample literature available on these experiences. In addition there has been scientific testing on the effects of genetically engineered food products and it is expected that there is enough literature to provide evidence on the effect of genetically engineered food in humans and animals. The literature review shows that support for the use of genetic modification in agricultural crops comes from biotechnology scientists, the business enterprises that have invested in the technology, financial institutes like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, and countries of the developed world in particular the United States of