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USAID-Funded Scientist's Agriculture Initiative Wins 2009 World Food Prize, Improves Food Supply For Millions In Sub-Saharan Africa
October 15, 2009A Purdue University professor, whose research was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), received the 2009 World Food Prize Oct. 15 for his concerted effort in the development of drought and parasitic weed resistant varieties of sorghum which has increased the food supply to millions in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2009 World Food Prize was awarded to Dr. Gebisa Ejeta for developing sorghum plant hybrids that yield three to four times more than local varieties; dramatically increasing the production and availability of one of the world's five principal grains. "Hunger is one of humankind's oldest problems," said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when she announced the food prize selection in June. "Dr. Ejeta. . .reminds us of the international approach we need to this problem. We don't believe any country can do it on its own, but we believe the United States has a particular opportunity to lead and to make the changes that we have outlined in our policy." Full release.