Initiative is launched to improve soil quality in emerging nations

Two organisations are joining forces to offer hope to farmers and communities in emerging nations by improving soil quality.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will work with the Department for International Development in finding ways to boost food production in developing countries.

It is hoped that the joint venture can provide much needed scientific research that will help to eradicate pests, poor soil quality and crop diseases.

Funding has been made available through the collaboration, as fears were mounting that spiralling food prices could cause hunger epidemics.

"For many of the poorest people in Africa and southern Asia, the crops they grow not only provide most of their food but also an important source of income," commented the UK's international development minister Andrew Mitchell.

This initiative comes after Mr Mitchell pledged earlier this month to form bonds with "economic powers" in a bid to make significant inroads into dealing with world poverty.

Posted by Lauren Steadman