Linking water and food security
Smallscale irrigation investments needed in sub-Saharan Africa

95 percent of farms in sub-Saharan Africa are rainfed and rely on water from a short, 4-5 month rainy season. These conditions exist despite the fact that Africa has water, and that poor water access and distribution are closely connected to high rates of malnutrition and poverty. New investment strategies focused on small-scale irrigation systems are needed to curtail sub-Saharan Africa’s water and food security crisis. Read more »

Food or fuel?
Biofuels have mixed impacts on food security

In the first decade of the 21st century, global production of ethanol and biodiesel increased nearly tenfold. If that trend continues, says Rosamond L. Naylor, director of Stanford University’s Center on Food Security and the Environment, national biofuels policies will have an increasingly powerful impact on food prices, food security, energy security, and rural incomes in the developing world.

Fighting Poverty
Researchers call for policy, aid and innovation to help world’s poorest

Bill Gates spoke to a Stanford audience about the importance of foreign aid and product innovation in the fight against chronic hunger, poverty and disease in the developing world. FSI senior fellows Larry Diamond, Jeremy Weinstein, Paul Wise and Walter Falcon share their own ideas about how to secure the most fragile nations.

February 28, 2012
A brighter future through food security

April 5, 2012
Innovations are saving and improving lives in Africa, says Bill Gates

March 28, 2012
Bridging China's education gap with technology, research and policy

March 5, 2012
In sub-Saharan Africa, a shorter walk to water saves lives

March 1, 2012
Benin solar market gardens: Inspiring innovation through imagery