The former forelog with support from Rockefeller and Ford created these new varieties initially with wheat, but then later also with maize and rice that were over twice as productive. For Africa, that productivity increase has never happened because their weather systems are quite different. This got a much greater variety of cereal crops including sorghum, millet, cassava.
Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with missiles and drones. Ukraine’s air defences are struggling to keep up, and many households are without power as winter approaches. Bill Gates has a plan to boost African crop yields. And as the BBC turns 100, we reflect on its legacy, and look at challenges ahead. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer