Adjustment and Technology: The Case of Rice (Development Centre Studies)

Rice is the major food staple and an important source of income for millions of people in developing countries. The increases in rice production required to feed expending populations will require even higher growth rates than those experienced during the "Green Revolution." Studies of rice research effectiveness and productivity gains show that the returns to investment in rice research are high. At a time when privatization policies have become a major component of adjustment, this study presents strong arguments in favor of maintaining the existing public sector rice research system because profitability is not always a useful guide for setting research priorities.