Interview: Dr. Gebisa Ejeta of Purdue University

Renowned Agricultural Scientist Visits for Science Envoy Program

On Monday May 16th, Dr. Gebisa Ejeta of Purdue University paid a visit to both the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and the Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room in Mamelodi as part of the Science Envoy Program. Dr. Ejeta was born and raised in Ethiopia, but attended graduate school and spent a great deal of his post-graduate career in the United States. Dr. Ejeta specializes in plant sciences and plant breeding & genetics, and along with many honors, won the 2009 World Food Prize for his work on the plant sorghum. When asked about his work and what his thoughts are on the food crisis in Africa, he emphasized the importance of continual investment in agricultural science, market development, and trade and storage facilities. He also encouraged investment in the research of indigenous crops like sorghum and millet, further supported by his work on sorghum hybrids, which are resistant to drought and the devastating striga weed, ultimately improving the food supply of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
In the afternoon, Dr. Ejeta visited and spoke to Mamelodi students at the Mae Jemison Reading Room, encouraging them to "think like scientists" and inspiring them to find answers to all their science questions.
The Science Envoy Program was designed to increase cooperation and collaboration on global issues involving science and technology. Dr. Ejeta is one of three distinguished scientists participating in the program currently, and will report his knowledge and insights gained from his travels to the U.S. scientific community and the Department of State upon his return.
Food shortage and droughts are growing problems in Africa and Dr. Ejeta's work is of particular relevance in sub-Saharan Africa where sorghum is a staple crop. Dr. Ejeta's travels around the continent through the Science Envoy Program have and will continue to allow him to share his expertise and technology with African scientists and farmers as well as build new and lasting relationships through Collaborative Research Support Programs (CRSPs).

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• africa
• food security
• ejeta
• food
• ethiopia
• food price
• investment
• agriculture
• agricultural
• science
• sciences
• university