Redefining Development Priorities: Genetic Diversitv and Agroecodevelopment

Recent research on genetic and biological diversity suggests that they underlie, and are the source of renewable resources—which are themselves more fundamental than nonrenewable resources. However, recognition of this is hindered by various Western cultural and analytic biases that have generally led to the neglect of informal and natural systems. Signifcant implications flow from this recognition. Analysis and models at the global level—as well as their resource, environmental, and population components—will need to be considerably broadened to in clude the fundamental role of genetic and biological diversity. When this is done, the “limits to growth” debate takes on greater urgency, and the focus shifts. Agriculture is then seen as the key interface between natural and social systems. In addition, the whole notion that Third World countries should model their societies along current industrial lines is fundamentally challenged. At the national level, both industrial and developing countries will need to give priority to developing regenerative rural and agricultural systems To do this, industrial countries will need to move toward “food systems” approaches, while developing countries will need to conserve and build upon existing agroecosystems. This will require new development theories and practices that are more contextual and recognize the nonneutrality of Western technologies and economic theories. Finally, the larger threats posed by modern industrial society to the maintenance or creation of more sustainable and regenerative systems need to be included in any analysis. These include both the threat of nuclear war and the larger “war against nature” in which modem industrial society is engaged New concepts of “national security” are suggested along with corresponding shifts in national priorities.