Feeding Africa

Dead cows near Kasajo. High-tech seeds have transformed agriculture in Iowa, helping ensure a plentiful, cheap supply of corn for food, fuel and other uses. Monsanto and Pioneer Hi-Bred believe biotechnology will change the world, too. The companies, which have major operations in central Iowa, are developing corn seeds to thrive in East African soils with little water or fertilizer. Image by Riccardo Gangale for the Des Moines Register.