#BorlaugBlog
For 30 years, the World Food Prize has worked to build on the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, the man who saved a billion lives, by recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. Our Laureates, our close partners, and our staff work tirelessly to alleviate hunger through innovative approaches, and we hope to share their expertise, research, and personal stories on The Borlaug Blog.
In the Borlaug Blog, we will occasionally post a blog featuring stories, research, and expert opinion from our Laureates, partners, and staff. It is our hope that this blog series will create a conversation between farmers, NGOs, CEOs and people across the globe.
Africa can end malnutrition but lessons must be learnt from front-runners
By Badiane and Joachim von Braun posted on
10/26/2017
at 8:44 AM
Last week Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, was named as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate. This globally recognized prize for food and agriculture has been awarded to him for transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
Adesina holds the firm belief that within ten years, with renewed political...
Can Livestock Production Meet the Growing Demand for Meat in Developing Countries?
By Louise Fresco posted on
10/23/2017
at 1:38 PM
Dr. Louise Fresco
The short answer is yes. Livestock production cannot only meet the growing demand for animal proteins, but we absolutely need livestock to use the planet in a sustainable and healthy way.
Here is why: food production in the 21st century needs to be better matched to food consumption so...
Borlaug's Passion for Agriculture and Why it's Needed Right Now
By Nick Austin posted on
10/19/2017
at 10:30 AM
For those of us who are immersed in agricultural research
and development, so much of what we do is often buried in the technical language of science, engineering and economics. But it’s a deep,emotional commitment to our work, and the potential impact it will have on people’s lives that drives us.
This...
The Importance of Biodiversity to Food and Agricultural Systems across the Globe
By Gurdev S. Khush posted on
10/16/2017
at 3:11 PM
“Access to food is the birth right of every individual on this planet.”
Norman Borlaug
Dr. Gurdev S. Khush
The food we humans eat every day throughout our lives comes from agricultural biodiversity. Biodiversity is the basis of agriculture and our food systems. It has enabled farming systems to evolve since the origin...
Is the Sustainable Development Goal to End Hunger Achievable?
By Robert Hunter posted on
10/09/2017
at 2:14 PM
Ending hunger by 2030 is no small task. Ensuring everyone on our planet is well-fed and nourished is not only going to take greater quantities of food, but better quality food. Taking into account the rising temperatures, scarcity of water and perpetual conflict that persists in many parts of the...
Urged to Action
By Sam Harris posted on
10/02/2017
at 9:56 AM
Sam Harris
“It would probably be easier if I could just end my life...I can’t pay these debts,” Depak uttered during my first focus-group interview as a 2014 Borlaug-Ruan International Intern. I found myself 8,000 miles outside of my comfort zone when I stepped from the plane in rural India only...
The Borlaug-Ruan Internship
By Rachel Ganson posted on
09/25/2017
at 10:14 AM
Rachel Ganson
My first morning as a Global Youth Institute participant, I quickly learned two things about food security and agricultural sustainability: first, there was an overwhelming amount of information I did not know; second, learning about and addressing these issues would be a lifelong passion. Throughout the weekend, I was...
The Global Youth Institute: A Transformative Experience for Students and Educators
By Kraig Bowers posted on
09/18/2017
at 10:45 AM
Kraig Bowers
The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute was a transformative experience for my students’ educational vision and personal journey. As an agricultural educator of 14 years, finding time to fit any new activity into our program’s schedule was nearly impossible. The year was already booked full of events that...
From Iowa to India: Combating Mycotoxins in the Footsteps of a Revolutionary
By Anthony Wenndt posted on
09/12/2017
at 10:21 AM
Of the many things we can learn from history, my favorite is that powerful movements are often born of humble beginnings. I am proud that the Borlaug story began in Cresco, just hours from the Iowa farm that I shall forever consider home. Perhaps those who are wrought from the...
The Role of Policy in Implementation of Dr. Borlaug’s Message: “Take It To the Farmer”
By Bram Govaerts posted on
09/05/2017
at 9:35 AM
Dr. Bram Govaerts
People are often discouraged by the prospect of dealing with an administrative procedure in a government office, whether that may be requesting a revision of taxes paid, registering for public health services or updating a driver’s license. Before we know it, we find ourselves trying to complete a...