According to Bill Gates, the extent of the world’s hunger problem means that providing food aid alone will not be sufficient.
In order to stop the catastrophe described in a report released Tuesday by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates contends that agricultural technology advancements of the kind he has long backed are also necessary.
Gates makes special mention of “magic seeds,” or plants bred to withstand pests and climate change.
In order to highlight the urgent need for action, the Gates Foundation also unveiled a map on Tuesday that simulates how climate change would probably affect the conditions for growing crops in various countries.
In order to address the global food crisis, Gates prioritizes technology, which angers critics who believe his ideas conflict with international efforts to protect the environment.
They point out that in order for these seeds to grow, they typically need fertilizers and pesticides made from fossil fuels.
“It’s quite gloomy in comparison to our ambitions for 2030,” Gates, told The Associated Press. “I’m optimistic that we can get back on track,” he continued.
According to Gates, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine are the main causes of the growing food crisis. His message to other donors and world leaders gathered in September for the UN General Assembly is that food aid alone will not suffice.
“It’s admirable that people want to keep their fellow humans from becoming hungry when wars like Ukraine disrupt food supplies,” Gates says in the new paper.
However, he argues that the real problem is that many countries that experience food insecurity don’t produce enough of their own food, a situation that will only get worse as a result of the effects of climate change.
“Temperature continues to rise,” Gates added. “Without innovation, there is no way to get close to feeding Africa. It just does not work.”
Gates has pushed for more funding for agricultural research for more than 15 years, emphasizing the benefits of maize seeds that can withstand higher temperatures and drier conditions than other varieties.
The foundation has given $131 million to the African Agricultural Technology Foundation since 2008 as part of a program that produced those seeds.
To read our blog on “Bill Gates arrives in Pakistan for a one-day visit to meet PM and President,” click here
