Part 1 Conceptual approaches: a conceptual framework for biotechnology assessment, H.H.Lee and F.E.Tank; new biotechnologies for rural development, P.Bifani. Part 2 Advanced plant biotechnologies: advanced plant biotechnology in Mexico - a hope for the neglected?, A.Eastmond and M.L.Robert; biotechnology and farm size in Kenya, L.P.Mureithi and B.F.Makau; biotechnology and labour absorption in Malawi agriculture, C.Chipeta and M.W.Mhango. Part 3 Milk and feed: the differential impact of biotechnology the Mexico-United States contrast, G.Otero; biotechnology to combat malnutrition in Nigeria, G.U.Okereke. Part 4 The external threat: biotechnology trends - a threat to Philippine agriculture?, S.C.Halos; can we avert an oil crisis?, G.Ruivenkamp; policy perspectives and the future outlook, I.Ahmed.