Author Description

Environmental Science and Technology / Food Science and Technology, Food Security and Environmental Quality in the Developing World, Can developing countries meet the food requirements of their growing populations without jeopardizing a natural resource base that is already under great stress? How can food security be reconciled with environmental quality in an industrializing society? Leading authorities from soil scientists to economists address these critical questions in Food Security and Environmental Quality in the Developing World- With a focus on India, this book reviews the state of natural resources, fertilizer and energy needs, and the potential importance of biotechnology as they affect all developing countries. It then addresses issues pertaining to water quality, agricultural chemicals, and pesticide residues on food. Part Three examines water harvesting, post-harvest food losses, storage and processing of animal products, and sustainability and inequality issues. The next sections deal with poverty alleviation, microfinance, gender equity, policy issues, and the role of the public sector. Finally, the book considers emerging issues and priorities. Developing countries have achieved an impressive increase in total food production over the past two decades, but at a high cost to environmental quality. As the populations of these countries continue to grow, soil degradation, pollution and contamination of natural waters, deteriorating air quality, and growing dependence on expensive and diminishing fossil fuels become increasing concerns. Food Security and Environmental Quality in the Developing World takes on the crucial challenge of enhancing agricultural production while reversing the alarming trends in soil and environmental degradation. Features, Addresses critical issues facing the developing world, Deals with global issues using India as a model, including post-harvest losses, water constraints, energy constraints, soil degradation, and climate ch