War on Hunger

Our vision is to challenge agriculture students to work side-by-side with the poorest farmers in the harshest of environments on earth to help them improve productivity and income in a single growing season. The Peace Corps on steroids. If we can award a cash prize to engineering school students who develop a faster solar car, why not challenge agriculture students to develop new ways for small farmers to work the soil, plant the right seed, irrigate crops - grow more and earn more - using only ideas, locally available resources, and sweat equity? After all, that’s all most global farmers can afford.

The Internet can link student-mentors with their colleagues back home for help with the latest agriculture technologies and innovative ideas. The urgency of a competition makes this enjoyable entertainment. Inviting Internet guests to help shape and witness the competition involves thousands in the cause. Just as we’ve viewed the war in Iraq on the Internet, the war on hunger will be witnessed by the world through a new kind of on-line community. TV advertising, corporate sponsorships, and on-line donations pay for it all. And when it’s over, we can have a new competition in another part of the world.

Everybody wins: The poorest farmers on earth grow more and earn more. Host nations realize an increase in agricultural output and a healthier economy. Student-mentors earn credits. Agricultural schools are recognized for their technological innovation. Internet community members shape the most successful war on hunger in history. Sponsors are appreciated for supporting a great cause. The war on hunger will become an internationally championed cause for good.

We have an interested host nation, agriculture schools and students, and a national broadcaster ready to help. We’re an established non-profit corporation. I hope you’ll agree that this is a great idea that needs an experienced, enthusiastic leader to make it happen.