Hoping to improve food sources around the world, four Purdue University research teams have been awarded $30,000 grants from the university’s Global Policy Research Institute (GPRI) in partnership with the university’s Center for Global Food Security.
Arden Bement, director of GPRI says the researchers were chosen for the project start-up funds because their work shows promise of informing policymakers of viable options for addressing international food security issues.
“Purdue has an excellent reputation in agriculture and food security, and this series of grants makes it possible for faculty experts from several disciplines to work together in addressing a significant global challenge area,” said Bement.
Grants were awarded to:
Thomas W. Hertel, distinguished professor of agriculture. This funding will cover the cost of preparing for and hosting an international workshop of leading scientists from Europe, Asia, and North and South America to initiate a pilot project aimed at improving the global spatial database infrastructure needed to understand the linkages among agriculture, climate change and economic development. The first day of the workshop, which is May 23 and 24, will be open to the Purdue community.
Klein Ileleji, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering. The goal of this research is to address problems associated with postharvest losses and mycotoxins for maize, one of the major staple food crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the project’s objectives include developing an improved low-cost crop dryer and cooker for rural homestead cooking and drying, as well as developing a low-cost sensing technology for moisture content. The team will pursue the project in the grain value chain in Ghana.
Betty Bugusu, managing director of International Food Technology Center. The goals of the study are to better understand the status of the agricultural supply chains of local food crops in East Africa from production to markets. The project’s objectives are to identify and develop a value chain that is economically, culturally and technologically feasible to enhance food security and promote economic growth in the region.
Abdelfattah M. Nour, professor of basic medical sciences in the School of Veterinary Medicine. The goals of this study are to improve animal health and productivity for poor African families. Some of the project’s objectives include working with local community members to understand animal husbandry issues, while improving animal health and veterinary services for domestic goats and sheep.
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