The dramatic increases in food prices experienced over the last four years, and their effects of hunger and food insecurity, as well as human-induced climate change and its implications for agriculture, food production and food security, are key topics within the field of agronomy and agricultural research. Contested Agronomy addresses these issues by exploring key developments since the mid-1970s, focusing in particular on the emergence of the neoliberal project and the rise of the participation and environmental agendas, taking into consideration how these have had profound impacts on the practice of agronomic research in the developing world especially over the last four decades. This book explores, through a series of case studies, the basis for a much needed ‘political agronomy’ analysis that highlights the impacts of problem framing and narratives, historical disjunctures, epistemic communities and the increasing pressure to demonstrate ‘success’ on both agricultural research and the farmers, processors and consumers it is meant to serve.
Whilst being a fascinating and thought-provoking read for professionals in the Agriculture and Environmental sciences, it will also appeal to students and researchers in agricultural policy, development studies, geography, public administration, rural sociology, and science and technology studies.
Reviews
"Explored through compelling case studies, this book is a gripping account of the recent history of agronomy and agricultural research, and how these disciplines have been shaped by emerging challenges such as climate change, erratic weather, and increasing food prices." – Prof. Judi W Wakhungu, Executive Director African Centre for Technology Studies
"This is an important and necessary book. For too long agronomy has been used as a means to increase productivity of only a few crops responsive to high inputs. By contextualizing the science economically, socially and politically, we learn of its l as a system science that can serve more than the stockholders of major input providers" – Professor Cornelia Flora – Iowa State University
"It has been a long time since there was consensus in agricultural development approaches. Contested Agronomy lays out the difference between different practitioner groups and marks an important step forward in the continuing dialogue" – Dr Tom Remington, Principal Agriculture Advisor, Catholic Relief Services
"Contested Agronomy shows how much both the technical questions asked by practitioners and the broader questions asked by supporters of and detractors from agronomic research have changed over the past several decades. Moreover, it asks tough questions about the contested politics that drive particular research agendas globally. Not only agronomists, but anyone interested in the future provision of food should read this book" – Lawrence Busch, Michigan State University
"This book is a much needed contri...
