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K-State Today

May 13, 2019

Listen to the latest Global Food System podcast with Segenet Kelemu

Submitted by Maureen Olewnik

Dr. Segenet Kelemu

The Global Food System podcast, "Something to Chew On," has published the podcast, "Insect Innovations: Solutions for Africa and the World with Dr. Segenet Kelemu — Insect Physiology & Ecology."

Kelemu is a native of Ethiopia and alumna of K-State. She is, by training, a molecular plant pathologist. Following a postdoc at Cornell University, she worked 15 years as a senior scientist with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, or CIAT, where she eventually became the leader of crop and agroecosystem health management.

In 2007, she decided to move back to Africa to work on agricultural development. Currently, she is the director general of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, or ICIPE, in Nairobi, Kenya. Our conversation digs into some of the major issues African farmers are facing and the fascinating insect-centered solutions that Segenet and her team have developed.

"In 2018, Dr. Kelemu was recognized by Bill Gates, as one of five 'Heroes in the Field' who are using their talents to fight poverty, hunger and disease, and providing opportunities for the next generation."  

For more on Kelemu and ICIPE check out the website.