Throughout west and central Africa, one of the staple food products is the black-eye pea. I had never really given much thought to this or even knew what a black-eye pea was. See the peas are eaten as a protein and the leaves are eaten like a spinach. The stems are feed to cattle that provide more of the food people need. Because its multiple uses, the black-eye pea affects the live and lifestyles of many. Since it is a staple food for hundreds of millions of people, increasing the yields of the plants can increase the quality of life for its consumers.
Scientists in Virginia are creating varieties that have a larger yield and can withstand drought and pests. In fact, some initial witchweed resistant varieties are already being planted in Africa. This article brings to mind many of the advances that American institutions have been giving to the world and should be highlighted.
Source: Team seeks to improve the black-eye pea by Associated Press, retrieved 2/19/08.
About Jack Woods
I'm a teacher, writer, traveler, and designer. I'm into alternative medicine and I like designing programs and devices to make life easier.
The Lives of Many Are Improved
Throughout west and central Africa, one of the staple food products is the black-eye pea. I had never really given much thought to this or even knew what a black-eye pea was. See the peas are eaten as a protein and the leaves are eaten like a spinach. The stems are feed to cattle that provide more of the food people need. Because its multiple uses, the black-eye pea affects the live and lifestyles of many. Since it is a staple food for hundreds of millions of people, increasing the yields of the plants can increase the quality of life for its consumers.
Scientists in Virginia are creating varieties that have a larger yield and can withstand drought and pests. In fact, some initial witchweed resistant varieties are already being planted in Africa. This article brings to mind many of the advances that American institutions have been giving to the world and should be highlighted.
Source: Team seeks to improve the black-eye pea by Associated Press, retrieved 2/19/08.
About Jack Woods
I'm a teacher, writer, traveler, and designer. I'm into alternative medicine and I like designing programs and devices to make life easier.