This publication describes the state of biotechnology in the developing regions of the world, namely Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Near East and North Africa. Regional and selected country analyses review problems and prospects of food and agricultural production and sustainability issues and then examine the actual and potential role of biotechnologies as complements to conventional technologies. Policies, programmes and institutional and infrastructural supports to biotechnology are discussed in detail. Comparison of the different approaches to management of biotechnology taken by the different regions and countries, including some developed countries such as Australia and Japan, provides a basis for learning from each other?s experiences and for planning biotechnology programmes and activities commensurate with the level of development, capability and need of individual countries. It is hoped that the volume will stimulate cooperation among developing countries and between developed and developing countries in harnessing modern biotechnologies for enhanced food security and sustainable agricultural development.