DuPont, a science company that brings world-class, innovative products, materials and services to the global marketplace based in the USA, today collaborated with Gift of the Givers Foundation, Africa’s leading disaster relief organization of African origin, to advance women farmers in Malawi in terms of food security at household level.
DuPont donated 1.5 tons, equivalent to 1500 kilograms of maize seed to women farmers in Malawi through Gift of the Givers Foundation who will further handle the distribution to the farmers in the country. The donation consists of PAN 4M-21, a PANNAR SEED variety of regular Hybrid Seed Maize that stands out through its early maturity.
“We believe this donation will go further to address the issue of lack of good seed especially among the resource-poor rural farmers,” said Felix Jalasi of the Gift of the Givers foundation.Local efforts will be further supported, documented and communicated by Gift of the Givers.
Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa
In Malawi, 1.8 million of the 16.4 million population require food assistance due to low crop production from earlier dry spells, floods, and input shortages, while low food stocks and unstable maize supply also add to the challenges. Maize prices in Malawi are up by 162% due to the economic crisis, devaluation of the local currency in 2012 and below average production in 2013.
Science is Universal, Solutions are Local
DuPont participated at the Women in Networking (WIN) Conference in Berlin earlier this month and used the platform, gaining hundreds of visitors to advocate for the cause. “With this year’s participation at WIN, DuPont supported farming in Malawi where 70% of agricultural work is done by women,” said Ana Somolinos, DuPont EMEA Organizational Vibrancy Champion. “This effort conforms to the DuPont philosophy that although science is universal – solutions have to be implemented at a local level.”
This donation also supports the DuPont Food Goals where the Company committed to, amongst other things, to improving rural communities through target collaborations and investments that strengthen agricultural systems and make food more available, nutritious and culturally appropriate.
With expertise spanning two centuries, diverse industries and more than 90 countries, DuPont is uniquely positioned to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. “Improving agricultural productivity, providing food and nutrition solutions and finding ways to protect food and reduce waste are all part of our strategy,” DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman pointed out at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com or follow @DuPontAfrica on Twitter. The DuPont Oval, DuPont™ and The miracles of science™, are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
About Gift of the Givers
Gift of the Givers is the largest disaster response NGO of African origin on the African continent. Having been established on the instruction of a Sufi Sheik, Muhammed Saffer Effendi al Jerrahi (a spiritual teacher) in Istanbul, Turkey, on a Thursday evening, 6 August 1992, Gift of the Givers has delivered lifesaving aid in the form of Search and Rescue teams, medical personnel, medical equipment, medical supplies, medicines, vaccines, anti-malarial medication, high energy and protein supplements, food and water to millions of people in 41 countries, South Africa included. Commencing as a disaster response agency the organisation now has 21 categories of projects which include bursaries, agricultural self-sustainability, water provision, counselling and life skills services, entrepreneurship and job creation, establishment of primary health care clinics and medical support to hospitals, winter warmth and supply of new clothing and shoes, sports development, feeding schemes and food parcel distribution, supply of household and personal hygiene packs, educational support and toy distribution, provision of housing, care of the physically and mentally challenged, orphans and the elderly as some of our diverse activities.
