IFPRI Policy Seminar "From Concepts to Realities Promising nanotech applications for agriculture, food and water safety in developing countries" by Guillaume Gruere on 14 November 2011

1. From Concepts to Realities
Promising nanotech applications for agriculture,
food and water safety in developing countries
Guillaume Gruere
Environment and Production Technology
Division, IFPRI

2. Nanotechnology applications?
 Nanotechnology
• R&D that involves measuring and manipulating matter at
the atomic, molecular and supramolecular level (1-100nm).
• Specific properties different from their bulk counterparts.
 Why discussing nanotech applications?
− Fancy concepts, significant investments & promises, but what
is actually happening?
− International debate on nano-governance could last decades but
there is an opportunity cost for the poor
• Should all nanotech applications be treated the same ?
o High potential/low-risk applications

3. Examples of promising nanotech
applications
 Agricultural production
• Better management and stewardship of agricultural inputs
(nanoherbicides, nanosensors)
• Improved animal production (nanofeed additives)
• Improved crop production (nanofertilizers and nanoporous
membranes to retain soil moisture and reduce the effects of
drought)

4. • Food safety and • Water safety
nutrition
• Enhanced barriers to microbial • Improved filtration
contamination or spoilage mechanisms to remove water
(nanoclays, nanofilms, etc) pathogens or contaminants
(nanotube membranes),
• Detection of foodborne
pathogens (nanosensors in • Improved detoxification of
packaging/processing) harmful pollutants (zero valent iron
nanoparticles) and remediation
• Nano-based veterinary (nanoparticle filters)
treatments (nanoclays to decrease
aflatoxin effects in animals, nano
veterinary drugs)
• Detection of pesticides, heavy
metals or other chemical
contaminants

5. Key challenges ahead
1. R & D investment for the poor
2. Cost and access to nano applications
3. Risk and regulatory issues
• Setting balanced approaches to regulation
• Monitoring risk perception and the acceptance of
nanotech
• Anticipating and managing market risks

6. For more information: www.ifpri.org