Partners in African crop development celebrate World Food Day
Van Deynze helps lead efforts to combat hunger, build peace
Representatives from organizations linked through the African Orphan Crops Consortium met in Kenya recently and planted a jackfruit tree, symbolizing their goal of building a world where food security and peace go hand in hand.
Allen Van Deynze participated in the event, held in Nairobi in anticipation of today’s marking of World Food Day. Van Deynze is part of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and scientific director of the AOCC, which partners with international organizations to train African scientists in genetic tools to improve local crops. Their goal is to breed new varieties of 101 commonly grown and eaten crops that can remain nutritious and high-yielding despite the higher temperatures and water shortages expected from climate change. Read more...