In 2002, the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations initiated the Assessment as a consultation process to determine whether or not an assessment of the impact of scientific research on agriculture and the welfare of agricultural populations was desirable. Reports from researchers on the ground in various parts of the world contributed, and the outcome is this synthesis report, a global report, and five volumes of regional reports. Among the themes summarized here are biotechnology, natural resources management, trade and markets, and women in agriculture. There is no index. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)