How an insect specialist saved millions of lives

In the 1970s a parasite threatened to destroy large amounts of the cassava plant in Africa and it was feared that millions of people would starve. Thanks to the vision of a Swiss entomologist working for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, that scenario was prevented. (SF/swissinfo.ch)

This content was published on July 18, 2009 - 17:00

1 minute

Coming soon Lost Cells A podcast uncovering the human stories behind private stem cell banking's promises and failures. Get notified

UBS is looking to shed another $5.5 billion in costs.

Banking & Fintech

UBS releases ‘hundreds’ of staff in fresh wave of job cuts

Swiss Abroad

The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers

Multinational Companies

‘Hero is perceived as a Swiss brand … only in Switzerland’

Foreign Affairs

How Trump’s orders could affect Switzerland

Multinational Companies

Roche descendant André Hoffmann on pharma, feuds and family business

Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?

Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?

Join the discussion

Nov 28, 2024

17 Likes

19 Comments

View the discussion

As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?

In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?

Join the discussion

Jan 23, 2025

6 Likes

6 Comments

View the discussion

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

The wave of disinformation is expected to particularly affect direct democracies such as Switzerland or many US states.

Join the discussion

Dec 5, 2024

58 Likes

103 Comments

View the discussion

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

Sustainable farming can feed the world

This content was published on Oct 16, 2005 Herren, who won the World Food Prize in 1995 for helping to save cassava crops throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, says rich countries need to support education and to do more research. The theme of this year’s World Food Day, promoted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is “Agriculture and intercultural dialogue”.…

How an insect specialist saved millions of lives

Popular Stories

More

UBS releases ‘hundreds’ of staff in fresh wave of job cuts

More

The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers

More

‘Hero is perceived as a Swiss brand … only in Switzerland’

More

How Trump’s orders could affect Switzerland

More

Roche descendant André Hoffmann on pharma, feuds and family business

Most Discussed

More

Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?

More

As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?

More

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

More

Sustainable farming can feed the world