Food Security

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Dr. Raj Shah

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- International leaders, researchers and policy makers gathered for a daylong conference Monday at Mississippi State University in Starkville. They want to feed the hungry and ease suffering worldwide.

Leaders from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United Nations, along with Senator Thad Cochran and MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum were among the guest speakers.

Mississippi State is playing an integral role in helping fight world hunger and poverty. Officials say innovators among the University’s faculty and staff are helping make a difference in the lives of those across the globe.

“We can bring a lot of intellectual firepower, if you will, to be able to go into countries and help address critical needs” Says Dr. Keenum.

Dr. Raj Shah from the U.S. Agency for International Development tells WCBI that researchers at Mississippi State are helping create a lasting impact. Now, worldwide organizations like USAID can partner with students and scientists from MSU. Students can work with them by traveling to Africa and Asia to expand the reach of soybean production and fight deadly diseases.

“We know that if Mississippi State University scientist can help eliminate a disease called alpha toxin in East Africa that millions of children who go to bed hungry every night and who suffer from chronic malnutrition that robs them of their ability to learn and grow, will essentially be able to be nourished and go to school” says Dr. Shah.

Dr. Keenum says that it was an honor for the University’s faculty, staff and students to use their skills in order to create a better tomorrow.

“It’s the right thing to do, first of all, but it’s also in our natural self-interest to help countries that are having difficult times being able to feed themselves.”