By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has invested $2.5 million in a collaborative project between Kansas State University (K-State) and the University of Georgia. Their mission is to assist farmers in Madagascar in adapting to climate change.
Georgia’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Peanut is set to partner with K-State’s Global Collaboration on Sorghum and Millet. As highlighted by Dina Esposito from USAID, the aim is to create solutions for the challenges faced by today’s farmers. They will leverage existing relationships in Madagascar, notably with farmer cooperatives.
The project’s vision, as described by Nat Bascom from K-State, is to establish a rotation of peanut, sorghum, and millet crops. These not only nourish the people but also enhance soil health and environmental protection. Dave Hoisington of the University of Georgia emphasized the broader impact on food systems in Madagascar, pointing out the vital role of the peanut innovation lab.
Madagascar, renowned for its unique biodiversity, faces severe climate challenges like cyclones and drought. Yet, its small-holder farmers lack advanced agricultural tools. The initiative between Georgia and K-State will focus on developing disease-resistant crop varieties suited to Madagascar's changing climate.
Both the Peanut Innovation Lab and K-State's collaboration emphasize Pan-African partnerships, with the former having projects across Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and Malawi. Bascom highlighted the commitment of both universities to reinforce food security, nutrition, and market development in Madagascar.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy