Another more recent success could have wide implications for feeding millions of the poorest of the poor across Sub-Saharan Africa. Sorghum and millet are the staff of life for more than 300 million of Africas 500 million people, according to Gebisa Ejeta, professor of agronomy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Because of the arid climates common across Sub-Saharan Africa, many millions of people can grow nothing else but these grains, which can withstand dry weather. Now a parasitic weed called striga is devastating sorghum and millet crops across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is particularly hard to control in marginal areas, where population growth is pushing increasing numbers of poor subsistence farmers who are struggling to grow sorghum and millet.
Herbicides can control it, but they are either unavailable or unaffordable to most African farmers.
The only feasible way is to breed genetic resistance into plants. In 1995, eight tons of the new striga-resistant seeds were introduced to 10 African countries. He doesnt even need to conduct more demonstrations because the farmers are already convinced about the performance of these new seed varieties. The seeds have been so successful that World Vision is supporting a second growing season this year. Ejeta also led the team that developed the first commercial sorghum hybrid in Sub-Saharan Africa.