Gates Foundation, Brazil Partner to Improve Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a partnership with the Brazilian Agency for Cooperation aimed at improving agricultural productivity among small farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The memorandum of understanding will lead to several collaborative projects, including the development of more productive and nutritious staple crops, improved soil and water management techniques, and the reduction of crop loss after harvest. Earlier this fall, the foundation and the Brazilian Ministry of Health agreed to collaborate on a number of projects, including efforts to increase global access to vaccines and promote health innovation among Brazilian scientists.

In addition, the foundation announced a $2.5 million grant to the Africa-Brazil Agricultural Innovation Marketplace to promote economic development in Africa through agricultural innovation. The announcement precedes this week's G20 Summit in Cannes, France, where foundation co-founder Bill Gates will deliver a report detailing how innovations and partnerships in health and agriculture can increase global stability and help the poorest countries develop economically.

"Three-quarters of the world's poorest people get their food and income from farming small plots of land," said Gates Foundation Agricultural Development director Sam Dryden. "Brazil's advanced technical expertise in tropical agriculture, in addition to its success in designing innovative programs for smallholder farmers, puts them in a great position to work closely with developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve food security."

“Brazil and the Gates Foundation Join Up to Improve Health and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Press Release 11/01/11.

Primary Subject: International Affairs/Development
Secondary Subject(s): Agriculture/Food, Health
Location(s): Brazil, International, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa

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