Gebisa Ejeta

Developed drought-resistant crops that transformed African agriculture and food security

Gebisa Ejeta is an Ethiopian agricultural scientist whose pioneering work in developing drought-tolerant crops has revolutionized African agriculture. Born in 1945 in a rural village in western Ethiopia, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of crop failures on his community. This experience motivated him to dedicate his career to improving food security in arid regions.

In the 1970s and 80s, Ejeta developed a hybrid pearl millet variety resistant to both drought and the parasitic weed Striga. This breakthrough, achieved through conventional breeding techniques, increased yields by up to 300% in test plots across West Africa. His work with sorghum varieties also improved yields in semi-arid regions, benefiting millions of farmers.

Ejeta's research extended beyond crop development to include sustainable farming practices. He promoted integrated approaches combining improved seeds with soil conservation techniques and small-scale irrigation. His efforts have been recognized globally, including the World Food Prize in 2009 - the highest honor in agriculture.

As a professor at Purdue University, he trained over 100 African scientists through programs like the Purdue Africa Initiative. His legacy continues through institutions like the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, where his methods form the basis of modern drought-resistant crop research. Ejeta's innovations have been instrumental in reducing hunger in 13 African countries, demonstrating how science can directly address poverty and environmental challenges.