Bringing Perennial Grain Crops to Africa
November 13, 2013| |
Michigan State University (MSU) is studying the potential benefits of introducing perennial grains to African farms. MSU scientist Sieg Snapp leads the research project that will span five African nations identified as "priority countries" by the U.S. Agency for International Development: Ghana, Mali, Malawi, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Snapp's work will test the viability of perennial grain growth across varied African ecosystems. The research team will examine perennial grains' ability to reduce soil erosion and farm labor, improve water quality and increase the storage of organic matter in soil. It will also assess the potential risk of introducing a plant species into a new environment to ensure the grains do not damage the African ecology. "This is something I've wanted to do all my life – to bring new options to farmers in Africa," Snapp said.
For more information, read the MSU news release available at: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2013/bringing-perennial-grain-crops-to-africa/.
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